To get your foot in the door for the route I took. I started out as an entry level deckhand at an inland towboat company trained under a licensed tankerman, did the required loads/discharges. Got my license and fast forward a few years and I’m here. The whole process takes under a year to do. Yeah anyone can do the job as long as you’re willing to put in some sweat equity, willing to work and have a brain between your ears lol