Johni,
On the salary point I could not agree more. I've been harping on about it elsewhere but I totally agree. Pay could (should?) be cut hugely and there would still be no issue over filling slots. I'm not after seeing people off but the salaries in this downturn are frankly ridiculous.
With NS captains taking home well over £150k incl benefits, and co-p on about £80k, for working 200 days a year, it's hardly surprising that there is a stack of interested people doing the exams in the hope of success with the big operators.
No wonder the oilcos are looking at boats..