Many seafarers eventually look to “swallow the anchor” and have a career ashore. For some having seafaring experience is a real plus, for others it seems to actually hinder them as they can be misunderstood. We look at the power of experience when it comes to developing a career ashore.
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Sleep is one of the most important issues at sea. Tired, fatigued, stressed and distracted people make mistakes. So ensuring there is enough time to rest, and that you can get quality sleep is all important. Is enough done at sea to aid restful sleep?
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The Philippines' House of Representatives committee on overseas workers has approved a new “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers” designed to ensure working and living conditions that are consistent with Philippine law and international maritime conventions.
Read MorePassage Planning - Passage planning or “voyage planning” is a procedure to develop a complete detailed strategy of a vessel's voyage from start to finish, or “berth to berth”. The plan includes leaving the dock and harbour area, the en route portion of a voyage, approaching the destination, and mooring. According to international law, a vessel's captain is legally responsible for passage planning –
The cyber security concerns which are facing shipping are often talked about. However, it seems this could just be part of a wider problem. With an aging seafarer population, there are concerns some crews are behind the curve when it comes to technology. Is this true?
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There have been some very sad stories lately of seafarers being beaten, and of relationships breaking down at sea. There can be a pressure cooker atmosphere on some ships. So what can seafarers do to build relationships and make life at sea one of friendship and camaraderie? Let’s look at the 12 steps to making good things happen
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There are many criticisms that seafaring is not as exciting as it used to be. Given that it may have involved historically involved keel hauling that may not be a bad thing. But how can work be more fun and battle back against boredom?
Read MoreFatigue - Fatigue is not some vague concept to be confused with feeling a bit tired. At sea it is becoming ever more important and problematic. Fatigue is a recognised and serious medical concern, and is all about the physical and/or mental state of being tired and weak.
We often talk about seafarer happiness, and the effect that has onboard. What about seafarer pain? It is too easy to forget that shipping safety and performance can rest on how seafarers feel as they go about their business – and teeth are a big part of this.
Read MorePeople have always gone to sea for many different reasons – for some there is still a sense of adventure, for others the challenge, while some are in for the money - and pay the cost of being away fro...
One of the most challenging aspects of life at sea is to somehow keep relationships and friendships alive despite being away so often. Communication via the internet can help those fortunate enough to...
Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin…when you are all set to leave the house to head back to sea it can be a real pain. So what are the essential bits and bobs which every seafarer needs....
As part of our Seafarers Issues series we have looked into issues of mental health and welfare. Perhaps one areas we haven’t yet explored is the dreadful effect that loneliness at sea can have. We loo...
Whether it's Hollywood, novels, documentaries, or good old fashioned history class, the lives of famous sailors (whether fictional or real) have permeated most parts of popular culture. As a member of...
Seafaring is a profession which perhaps demands more than most others – it can play havoc with the mind, body and soul.
