How big is the crew on the Great Lakes freighters?
How big is the crew on the Great Lakes freighters? It turns out, it takes a sizable team. Freighters are out at sea for up to 120 days at a time and the ship doubles as both home and workspace for two dozen or more crew during long stretches away from shore.
How many people work on a Great Lakes ship?
That “bubble,” on board ships traversing the 94,000 square miles of Great Lakes, typically consists of about 20 union workers – 12 to 14 members of the USW and six to eight members of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, the labor union that represents the vessel's deck and engine officers.
Can you ride on a Great Lakes freighter?
In addition to their cargo load, these ships can also carry up to 12 people, which can include luckily travelers if there's space. You usually don't buy a ticket for these journeys. Rather, you need to either know someone in the crew or win a ticket in a raffle.
How much do Great Lakes sailors make?
They hold union jobs, all the way up to the captain, and crew members say the pay and benefits are worth the sacrifices they make to be on board. Deckhands average about $55,000 to $65,000 a season, which usually equates to six or seven months of work. Officers start around $90,000.
Is alcohol allowed on Great Lakes freighters?
Officers, crew members, family members, or shore staff visiting the ship is not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs on board ships. If required by the company policy, seafarers can be screened for alcohol and drug abuse during medical checkups prior to joining a ship.