This article is based on a real-life experience shared anonymously by a general steward with Shippys.org, a platform that gives voice to seafarers’ untold stories. The steward recalled an incident where, upon reporting a genuine health concern to the 2nd ...
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Life of a Seafarer: A Brief Overview
Vikramjit Singh
Author is a Chief Officer who has spent over a decade navigating the world’s oceans, leading deck operations and ensuring the safety of crew, cargo, and vessel alike. Through his writing, he hopes to bridge the gap between land and ...
Risk Assessment Overkill: When Safety Procedures Become a Comedy
wanderer
Safety at sea is sacred. As mariners, we know better than anyone that cutting corners can cost lives. Hazard identification, risk assessments, and proper procedures are the backbone of our industry—when applied correctly. But somewhere along the way, common sense ...
New Crew Onboard, Show Patience Not Judgment
wanderer
Change is inevitable, especially in the dynamic environment of shipboard operations. When a seasoned, efficient crew member signs off and a new one joins, comparisons are bound to happen. The old guy knew every tool’s location, every shortcut in the ...
The Forgotten Human Element: Why Timely Sign-Offs Should Be Treated as Critical Operations
wanderer
Every time a seafarer’s sign-off gets delayed, it’s not just a logistical hiccup—it’s a broken promise. A promise that they will return home on time, attend their child’s birthday, be with an ailing parent, or simply rest after months of exhausting ...
Zero Alcohol Policy at Sea: Fair Rule or Collective Punishment?
wanderer
The life of a seafarer is unlike any other. Months away from home, limited access to the internet, long working hours, and the emotional toll of isolation all add up to an incredibly challenging lifestyle. In such a tough environment, ...
Egypt from a Seafarer’s Lens: Ancient Wonders and Modern-Day Hurdles
Sea Gypsies
Egypt—the land of pyramids, pharaohs, and timeless wonders. For many, it’s a bucket-list destination filled with history and mystery. But for seafarers calling at Egyptian ports, the experience is often far from the romantic images you see in travel brochures. ...
Seafarer Insurance: Why It’s Essential and How to Choose
wanderer
Being a seafarer is a demanding profession that comes with unique risks—both at sea and on land. From accidents and illnesses to long periods away from family, seafarers need robust insurance coverage to protect themselves and their loved ones. In ...
Is It Realistically Possible to Strictly Maintain Rest Hours Onboard with the Current Manning Strength?
wanderer
Maintaining rest hours onboard ships has been a long-standing challenge in the maritime industry. Despite regulations under the STCW Convention and MLC 2006 mandating minimum hours of rest for seafarers, the reality is often far from ideal. With the current ...
