Contract diver for Mel Fisher?

[BeachJunkie]

Thanks for the input. I know my experience level isn't that high but I'm working on that situation. I'm scheduled for my advanced diver and nitrox before I leave and plan to pursue further training when I get back (hopefully at least to DM) I will have approximately 25,000 dollars in the bank and my jeep and everything else will be paid off. I was planning on entering the police force when I get out but would love to do something in the dive industry. Try something different for a change.

I've never lived on a boat for 10 days at a time but I have lived in the desert inside a bradley fighting vehicle for a month and a humvee for extended periods of time. I've spent a year living in the room the size of a walk in closet with 2 other guys and inside a tent with a dozen people for a year-15 months. I survived that and am hoping that a boat won't be too much worse. If you like what your doing you can get through everything else.

I know it won't be a pleasure cruise or like living on a liveaboard for a year but I love the idea of diving for treasure. its one of the main reasons I got into diving in the first place. My girlfriend made fun of my for waking up early after storms and walking the beaches with a metal detector while we were in florida recently. she said I looked like a retired old weird guy. But I can live with that. 400 bucks a week and .05% of the treasure found is one thing. Its the diving, experience, and memories that have me truly interested in the possibility. Especially since, like everyone has said, I may never have a chance to live and dive in the key west area for a year ever again. If anyone has any suggestions or personal experience with the whole "independant contractor" thing or with working for a salvage group I'd greatly appreciate it. THANKS!

 

[scuba70]

Good luck to you, and thanks for your service! Sounds like a great adventure to be involved with. Keep us posted as to how it goes.

 

[Nick_W]

I've never lived on a boat for 10 days at a time but I have lived in the desert inside a bradley fighting vehicle for a month and a humvee for extended periods of time. I've spent a year living in the room the size of a walk in closet with 2 other guys and inside a tent with a dozen people for a year-15 months. I survived that and am hoping that a boat won't be too much worse. If you like what your doing you can get through everything else.

Luckily I can speak to both having deployed on ship while in the Marine Corps. All I can say is you know living on a boat has lost its luster when the "lucky" ones are the guys going ashore to get shot at.


Granted, that "boat" was a little different than what you'll be on but it is still a boat. Some people love it, some people like it, some people hate it. I would just make sure it is something you dig before you sign up to do it for a year.


Other than that, I say go for it. Even if you hate it, at least you can say you tried it out. Plus, most of my coolest stories are about things that really sucked at the time.

 

[BeachJunkie]

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep everyone updated on what I decide.

 

[made4water]

I was diving in Pensacola about a month ago and i ran across a gentleman on the boat that told me he dove with the mel fisher crew. The dif. is he didnt get paid he was just doing it for fun while he was on vacation. He said anybody could do this you just had to call in advance and make arrangments but that they were happy to have you. of course anything you found went straight to them (so the .05 rule doesnt apply here) But like the man said he wasnt doing this to make money he was just simply haveing an experiance. I also want to say that he told me it was free. I know this sounds too good to be true but this is what the man told me. i never called to verify but he seemed pretty replicable... anyway i think it might be worth looking into. that way you good maybe give it a try before you go to contract with them. this way if you dont like it than theres nothing legally binding about your situation and you can leave. best of luck to you and like many have posted here previously i too am thankful for people like yourself and all they do so that we can be free... thanks again and be sure to keep us posted on what you decide.

 

[kalidor's8]

Hey Beachjunkie,

From someone who was in your shoes a just last year I am glad you will be getting out of the box soon! I would also like to say GO FOR IT!!!!!!! You have your piggy bank to hold you as long as you are single you should be good. I would almost say you could invest in his op as well so you can see a little more return.

I also live on a boat for a month at a time and while it is a bit bigger than some of these hunter boats it still gets to be a cramped space. I know that is nothing compaired to a Brad but just keep it in mind, know what to expect and prepare and you should be fine!

If it were not for the fact that I am married and do have bills to pay I would be right there with you! Take care out there and keep us posted!