The typical time to upgrade varies, but you will start out as a deckhand. The work can be very physical at times and if your boat "tramps" (meaning picking up and dropping off barges) you will do a LOT OF TOW work. Six hours on... six hours off.

I believe you need 360 "river days" (one day equals 12 hours on the water) to be eligible to take the Steersman test. Then you need to find someone to steer you and I would assume you could be in the Wheel House within 5 years.

It is actually a very challenging process and the reward is handsome. The industry is in similar shape as ours since the age demographics of the Captains reflect a very senior group and there will be some serious turnover in the next 10 years.

All the best,

OC