Charting New Horizons: From Seafarer’s Academy to Pacific Dreams
🌴 Aloha & Away
🌅 Before crossing the Pacific, we made a vibrant stop in Mexico — soaking in the culture, coastlines, and sunshine.
🛳️ Life onboard the Disney Magic: A floating wonderland of adventure, entertainment, and unforgettable ocean views.
⚖️ The Jones Act Explained (Click To Reveal)
I worked aboard the Pride of America, the only U.S.-flagged cruise ship, which meant I had to earn a Merchant Mariner Z Card and STCW certification. That took me to the Seafarers Academy in Piney Point, Maryland, where I trained like I was joining the Navy—not fluffing pillows.
One of the biggest lessons at sea wasn’t from a safety drill—it was the Jones Act. Miss your ship in Ensenada? Sorry, you can’t rejoin it in Cabo. Why? Because your cruise ship is likely foreign-flagged, and U.S. law says it can’t transport you between U.S. ports without a foreign stop. So, it’s a bus through Tijuana back to San Diego instead.
Later, while sailing Alaska on a Bermuda-flagged Princess ship, we had to stop in Victoria before Seattle just to stay compliant. Some of my crew friends couldn’t even get off the ship. Passengers? They miss a flight and think they can catch up in Key West—nope. The law’s from 1920 and was meant for cargo, but here we are.
Cruise lines benefit from foreign flags—lower taxes, fewer regulations. But for crew and passengers? Not so much. We’re just along for the ride—unless we miss it.
SCTW-95 Standard of Training Certification and Watchkeeping
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, HARRY LUNDEBURG SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP, Piney Point, MD leading to US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Z Card
Getting Ready for Hawaii
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. I had so much fun. After completing the 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presented with the Certificate of Training, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Extinguishing different types of fire using nozzles and fire engine hose equipment was a thrill. A lot of kick in the water pressure — Great shot of me, thanks to my buddy's camera phone.