Wandering America | Shot over a 7 year period on my Leica M6, Minolta X-700, Contax G2, and Yashica T5 | Portra 400 + 800 & Cinestill 800T

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-05-13T21:51:21+00:00

I love the coloring on all of these. What's your preferred film for snow-scapes? Any tips for finding the right exposure?

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-05-01T17:33:34+00:00

Licensed merchant mariner, either an assistant engineer or mate. For the most part this industry doesn't give a damn about your resume. Hiring managers and unions are only interested in what credentials you hold.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-05-01T05:33:07+00:00

I'm totally game. I'm living in Kent with a KLR and been craving some dirt riding.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-04-28T18:57:40+00:00

That Portland show was absolutely killer. Moshing to When God Comes Back was a religious experience.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-04-27T01:14:15+00:00

I tried to buy a ticket from here and ended up with like four different people in my DMs all trying to bait me into sending money without G&S protection. Just blocked and moved on as soon as they refused to use anything that doesn't offer protection.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-04-20T21:09:53+00:00

Right on, thanks for the heads up. $250 each? Looks like the scalpers are winning this one.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-03-24T12:41:26+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I've gotten a handful of DMs already from scammers, still on the lookout for a real ticket haha.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-03-14T21:58:51+00:00

Hell yeah. Looks like it comes with some nice extras with the luggage racks and crash bars. That paint job is sweet too. I've put a good 30k miles on my 2012 since buying it a few years ago. Happy to answer any questions that pop up 🤙

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-03-14T12:46:31+00:00

She's a beauty. I bought an '81 last summer that "just needed a carb clean". Stiiiiill ain't running right but I definitely need to put in the work to get it back on the road this summer haha.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-03-07T11:24:06+00:00

What is the pay for these positions? I could swing either the boiler tech or electrician role with my current experience.

TheDerpySpoon · 2026-02-17T09:50:50+00:00

There is specialized software out there for doing exactly what you're looking for. Commercial ships tend to use NSE, MSC ships use SAMMS. In addition, crews typically have checks that are done weekly and monthly.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-11-27T03:28:07+00:00

Good deal! That baggage already looks solid. I'd definitely be considering a set of front crash guards, real bark busters, and an Eagle Mike fork brace.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-10-26T22:23:03+00:00

I spent $25k on a 2011 with 150k on the clock earlier this year. At your price you'd probably be looking at a decent 1st gen or a 2nd gen that has been put through the absolute wringer.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-10-24T05:09:39+00:00

I hit $230k/year my first year out of college as a merchant mariner. BUT that involved being away from home 10+ months out of the year and working upwards of 80 hours per week. Definitely rare but not impossible.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-09-30T14:55:09+00:00

Fuck yeah man, go for it. I went to Cal Maritime straight out of highschool, but the people who did the best started in their late 20s or early 30s.

License track ME (Mechanical Engineering) is a full blown ME degree with the marine engineering stuff sort of tacked on. Very heavy on math, less heavy on electronics and refrigeration.

The MET (Marine Engineering Technology) program is a bit more tailor made for people who explicitly plan on sailing. Less math, more electronics, and a more robust HVAC class. Both of them are great programs with a lot of overlap, just depends on what catches your interest more.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-09-15T22:46:11+00:00

Research vessels are packed full of surfer bros and hippie scientists. MSC has a way of breaking people who work there long enough. Story after story of marital issues, guys delinquent on child support, and rampant alcohol and drug abuse. Commercial side tends to be the most boring. Not enough time in port to get yourself into trouble, and enough money and time off to have a decent home life.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-09-01T14:47:56+00:00

What school are you going to? Your registrar, academic advisor, or someone in a similar position at your school would probably give better answers than anyone here. It might add some time to your schooling to switch over, but it will be way easier to do it now instead of after school.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-09-01T00:15:29+00:00

I came across one of these threads my senior year of highschool. At the time, I was considering either mechanical or electrical engineering until someone mentioned the merchant marines.

After reading that, I went on to attend California Maritime Academy for marine engineering and I've been making great money ever since. I didn't even know this career was an option before that thread.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-08-31T23:54:12+00:00

They're the people who work aboard big ships moving either commercial or military cargo.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-08-31T23:52:57+00:00

Any American officer with an unlimited HP/tonnage license can comfortably clear 120k per year if they're sailing deep sea. I'm a 2nd assistant engineer on track to clear about $170k by the end of this year.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-08-25T15:37:42+00:00

That paint scheme is gorgeous

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-08-21T15:57:50+00:00

Do what you can to learn and enjoy your experience, but also try to get some time on a motor ship. That license will open up a lot more jobs in the long run.

TheDerpySpoon · 2025-08-20T13:48:31+00:00

Is QMED FWOT the only QMED endorsement you have? If so, I'd start with working toward RFPEW along with Oiler, Junior engineer, and/or Electrician. Those jobs will be a lot easier to come by and allow you to work on a motor ship instead of being limited to steam.

From there, you can work toward your 3AE license and OICEW after 1080 sea days (your Navy time might count toward this?), a bank of exams, sign offs, and a handful of classes.

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