How to become a deckhand?

You're on the right track. Signing up with an agency isn't a bad idea, mostly though you'll need to walk the docks, and network starting with those chefs. They'll know other people from other boats.

Also NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK with every other deckhand and mate you come across. If they're more established and get 2 jobs at the same time, you might end up with one. Or it's a job they don't want they may call you. Also don't do anything stupid in front of other crew, like falling off the barstool at the local yachtie bar.

is not necessarily a career ender from what I can see on social networking.

Have you considered going on to college, maybe a maritime school? Even in this field you'll need it if you intend to make this your career. You could get a summer job working on one of the tour boats or dinner yachts to get some experience and sea time. There's a lot of sea dogs with no education or certifications pounding the docks. By 30 they're washing boats or washed up.

People do it as you describe. Now, personally, I would never consider hiring you. I want people who are interested in careers in the industry, not those looking for paid vacations or a break or me to facilitate their travel. Others may feel very different and might well be willing to take you on the terms you outline.

If you want to do what you describe, then you need to go to maritime school and take the basic STCW. Do you have any boating experience or qualifications?

I did just notice your age and so do give you some leniency on your post and desires but also think you need to understand this is a profession and it requires hard work and commitment.

Have you pursued any type of work at all in or on the boats in your area?

Absolutely yes. Today's culture is school, school, school, and most of those who follow it end up with a diploma that qualifies them to work at McDonalds, a ton of debt and no knowledge of how to work. Unfortunately diplomas and certifications are absolutely necessary to get jobs today, but you need a work ethic to be a worthwhile employee. I think that a year or two between high school and college spent working or in the military is a good investment for maturing and grounding. Just know that you'll need more schooling to create a career and support a family.

Your parents are obviously caring and trying to point you in the right direction. But the difference between a degree from some of the schools you see advertised on TV and a degree from the right school and for the right major could be the difference between a solid career start and flipping burgers for the rest of your life while trying to pay off a huge debt. Sounds like some more discussion between you, them and a career counselor would be a good idea. Have you considered a stint in the Navy? Get your feet wet (maritime experience) and travel, while getting your education paid for. It's a pretty good alternative for a person who hasn't decided on a career path yet.

All good parents are stubborn and generally unreasonable. By the time you're 26 (maybe before), on your own and paying your own bills, they'll be entirely different people. We've all been where you are. Most just forget while they face diapers through teenager angst every day. In that case keep in mind the commercial dinner yachts and tour boats for a paycheck and experience while looking for a yacht job. Also boat yards and marinas. Good luck.

Are you perhaps stubborn too in their mind, the way they perceive it? You're going to find people in life you must communicate with regardless of how difficult. Could be a boss or captain. So, I'd encourage you to communicate even if nothing changes and it's just agree to disagree.

At the same time, I'd advise you to find someone else that you can talk to and discuss your future with in person. It can be a school counselor, another parent, a relative, or a captain you meet while checking out the docks. I couldn't communicate with my parents either, never really tried, as their priorities were much different from mine. Maybe I should have tried harder even if they still didn't understand. In my life I've been lucky though to find older people to mentor me and then in my personal life to find those that my wife and I now call our adopted parents. I'm not judging you or your parents but while coming to a yacht forum you'll gather some information, I just would encourage you to seek it in person. Find a deckhand and ask him how he got his job. Find someone you feel you can open up to and they'll listen.

I knew a girl who couldn't communicate with her mother. It was almost a cat fight several times. But she talked to her mother's younger sister who just laughed and said, "Yes I've lived with it 30 years." However the younger sister then told her how she'd learned to deal with her sister, the girl's mother.

You're looking for guidance in your life and really can't depend on a stranger online who doesn't know you at all to guide you properly. We all come from different perspectives. We'll share our knowledge and ideas. But we may be sending you the entirely wrong signals.

And six years later.....