Reducing the Strain of a Seafaring Life

Away from family and friends. A growing problem for you?

 

Long periods away from home, the reduced number of seafarers on each ship, quick turnaround times and increased automation all contribute towards the problem of potential loneliness at sea.

These trends have also reduced opportunities to develop a social life and for recreational activities at sea.

A seafarer’s absence can often be for six months at a time, wherever he or she is in the world. In China, a seafarer may have to work for a year before being allowed any leave. Three months is a short contract. No wonder the work (and therefore, the life) of a seafarer is often dominated by the experience of isolation and helplessness.


Eight ways to reduce the strain of a seafaring life identified by the SIRC study


•    Shorter trips (preferably no longer than four months)
•    Paid leave of a comparable length to sea time
•    Continuous employment, rather than employment by voyage
•    Training time to be added to leave period
•    Opportunities for partners (and children where possible) to sail
•    Improved access to cheaper communication
•    Increased contact between seafarers’ partners and their employers
•    Opportunities for seafarers’ families to make contact with each other while crew are at sea.