Other mariners take shorter apprenticeship courses. Either way, the Coast Guard regulates the service and sailors' job ratings. Assistant Engineer John Montgomery got his training directly from the Guard. He retired from it after 21 years. The crew of the Martin constantly sails the Mediterranean, waiting for an emergency requiring the cargo of Navy and Marine Corps supplies.
Some mariners stick with one vessel for years.
Montgomery has even sailed within 200 feet of the North Pole. Last year he was home for just two months. And even then, he worked aboard a casino boat in Iowa. He came for the adventure. He stays for the pay.