10 REASONS WHY YOU ARE AWESOME!

Blog | 2021-06-28

10 REASONS WHY YOU ARE AWESOME!

For the past thousands of years, people from around the world have been sending goods through seaways. From the clothes people wear to the food they eat, almost everything today is brought to them through ships. The shipping industry, also termed as the invisible industry by many, is crucial to the existence of the global economy, yet very few people have any idea what happens at the high seas. It is an industry that is secretive and fascinating at the same time.

But as vital as the industry is to the world and its people, equally important is the work of the brave seafarers who perform one of the toughest jobs in the world by running those massive ships through the roughest seas and riskiest areas. If it hadn’t been for them, the global trade would come to a standstill, people would be devoid of their basic necessities and some nations would find it extremely difficult to even survive.

Seafarers are one of those neglected professionals, who have often been overlooked not only by international organizations but also by their own countries. If you make an effort to go beyond their smart uniforms and fancy travel schedules, you will be able to see the tough lifestyle they live and the hardships they endure at sea to make sure the world and its people continue to enjoy their life onshore.

Mentioned below are some of the most important reasons (among million others), for which, each and every seafarer needs to be thanked from the greatest depth of our hearts.

1. Seafarers Run the Global Economy

90% of the world’s food, fuel, raw material, and manufactured goods are delivered by sea. Nearly all things sold worldwide are transported through ships, which need skilled seafarers to operate, maintain and repair. What would happen to the world if the ships and seafarers didn’t work? Needless to say, the world would come to a halt and the people would be devoid of their basic necessities. It is because of these skilled and brave people called seafarers that businesses around the world continue to thrive and people are able to buy the things they desire from their favorite stores. Though seafarers work in a closed fraternity, which is not visible to outsiders, their work is indispensable. It is high time they get the respect and importance that they deserve from us.

2. Seafarers Sacrifice Their Social Life

One of the biggest difficulties seafarers face in their life (not out of choice) is staying away from their loved ones while they carry out their duties at sea. Missing birthdays, family events, or brother’s wedding is the price they pay to ensure that the cargo reaches people on time. There are many seafarers who have missed every single birthday celebration of their kids. Some haven’t been able to attend the funerals for their loved ones. It is a tough choice they make to earn a livelihood for their families, but the pain of going away from the family doesn’t deter them from performing their duties. Someone has to do the job and seafarers are tough enough to accept this bitter fact. While people on land celebrate and socialize at every possible opportunity, seafarers continue to toil away at sea to ensure that those celebrations do not stop, even at the cost of their own happiness.

3. Seafarers Fight The Toughest Seas and Roughest Weather

Taking cargo from one port to other often involves facing ugly storms and monstrous waves. A sea isn’t as friendly as it seems when watched from shore. In spite of all the latest technological advancements, a seafarer at sea is at the mercy of nature. But what may come, the cargo has to be shipped to the scheduled location and that too on the right time. Several ships sink each year because of storms and rough weather, but that doesn’t scare a seafarer – They are born for such conditions. He is built tough and has the heart to carry on with this work as the ship rolls and pitches over huge waves. If you think working in such conditions is easy or fun, then you are highly mistaken. Not everyone can do it, and those working on land can never fathom the hardships one has to face in such an environment. So while people on land work in their extremely cozy offices with ultra-luxurious amenities, people at sea work through sickest and unfriendliest conditions to ensure that businesses around the world do not stop and those on land continue to enjoy their comforts.

4. Seafarers Risk Their Lives Through Piracy and War Zones

According to a report, more than 100,000 seafarers at any one time either travel or are planning to go through the dangerous piracy-affected areas. Until now, several ships have been highjacked and many seafarers have been taken as hostages by pirates. They are tortured, abused, and kept in miserable conditions as prisoners. Even today, events of piracy have not stopped. Ships continue to get highjacked and seafarers are still being taken as hostages. But in spite of all the risks and fear, seafarers continue to do their duties through these dangerous areas. The “Piracy Zones” covers one of the most important sea trading routes for food, raw materials, and manufactured goods. Nearly half of the world’s seaborne oil supply passes through these pirate-infested areas. Just imagine what would happen to the world economy if seafarers refuse to work in these areas? You already know the answer.

Moreover, if need be, seafarers even sail through war zones and assist navies to deliver cargo and supplies where they are required the most. Can they say no? Yes! But they never say so, they never will.

5. Seafarers Face Extreme Health Hazards

Working on ships is not easy. Visit a ship and you will know. Seafarers are prone to several specific diseases and illnesses because of the nature of the work and continuous travel to new places. Apart from physical hazards such as diseases and injuries caused due to accidents, seafarers also fall prey to psychological problems such as homesickness, loneliness, and fatigue, a part and parcel of their life at sea. Moreover, if something happens onboard there are in most cases no possibilities to turn to an expert and get extra medical help. Seafarers have to manage everything themselves when at sea. But no matter how many risks they have to face working onboard ships, they continue with their jobs and face the health hazards quite bravely by acquiring knowledge and training themselves for the worst medical emergencies. What would you do if you break your bones while working and do not have a doctor or hospital to attend to you immediately? Well, seafarers perform some of the most dangerous jobs without a doctor around. Do they need any greater reason to be thanked?

6. Seafarers Follow Toughest Regulations and Laws

With the increasing number of stringent regulations related to ships around the world, seafarers are facing grave difficulties not only to ensure their own safety but also to abide by the rules and regulations of environmental and ship protection. Moreover, each country the ship visits has its own law and regulations which they can freely use to criminalize a seafarer. Most of the time this is done with the intention to raise revenue or settle political issues. In the past years, several seafarers have been made scapegoats by countries desperately wanting to prove a point to other nations. Under such acts, seafarers have been prisoned for years, tortured, and treated in the most deplorable manner. Can you consider living each day of your life dealing with different (and sometimes insane) laws without any kind of substantial reassurance to help you out in case things go wrong? If you are on land, you can immediately call your lawyer or at least know the right person to talk to, but seafarers don’t have that luxury. They work through the toughest legal obligations at their own risk while delivering the world cargo.

7. Seafarers Work Round the Clock With Monotonous Routines

Sailing the high seas with all those exotic locations and glamorous uniforms sounds romantic to many people. But most do not know about the hard work seafarers put in every day and night to run those ships and their machinery. Ships of every seafarer, who has been sailing for a few years must have reached the best places in the world such as New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, etc., but for the majority of seafarers, all these beautiful places either look like the ship’s engine room or upper deck. Gone are the days when seafarers had the luxury of prolonged stays at ports. Today a ship is loaded and unloaded in a max of 24 hours leaving no time for shore leaves. Moreover, port means additional work, which sometimes involves continuously working for 18 hours at a stretch. With increasing threats from terrorists, most countries now do not even allow shore leave to seafarers, leaving them with no option but to stay on board. Would you like it if someone made you work for several days and then restricted you from stepping out of the office premises? Of course not. But seafarers work happily under such circumstances and deadlines, not because there is no other option, but because they know the importance of their work and delivering the cargo on time. 

8. Seafarers Work The Most Without the Basic Rights

A majority of seafarers sail without proper insurance or pension policies – few of the basics rights every working professional on this earth must get. Many shipping companies do not have a proper pension scheme in their contract, even if seafarers want to contribute. Moreover, seafarers from several countries (especially Asia) do not even have the provision of decent medical care or insurance system either at sea or on leave. Considering the fact that a person working on the land at any level has all such basic rights, it is surprising to see how seafarers continue to work in such adverse situations even without the basic rights that they deserve. There have been cases in the past wherein seafarers had to literally beg in order to receive compensation for expenses and medical treatment for injuries they endured on board. Though the seafarers know they deserve all these rights and a lot more but are still devoid of them, the work onboard a ship does not stop. They continue to carry out their duties with the same intensity as ever.

9. Seafarers Are At High Risk Of Criminalisation and Abandonment While Performing Their Duties

According to ITF, seafarers are among the most exploited and abused groups of workers in the world. They face exploitation, abuse, and corruption on a large scale. Many seafarers have been criminalized, abandoned, and not paid by their shipping companies, especially in tough financial times. Several of them find themselves abandoned in a port with no money, no supplies, and no way to get home. In certain types of maritime accidents, especially those involving pollution, seafarers are highly vulnerable because of unfair trials and the weight of expectations from local people and government. In the past, seafarers have been wrongly accused and sentenced to punishments without a proper trial or help from their own government or shipping company. The number of such incidents is on the rise because of the increase in stringent laws around the world. In spite of such grave injustice and ill-treatment, seafarers perform their duties on ships plying in countries with some of the most inhumane laws. Isn’t it unfair to watch them go through such situations while all they were doing was carrying out their duties? No matter how small a mistake, seafarers always have to pay a heavy price.

10. Seafarers Live With Least Accommodation And Communication Facilities 

While people on the land have the luxury to call their loved ones as and when they want, seafarers often have to wait until they reach land to find a decent communication facility (Also, there is no guarantee that every port will have such facilities). Even today most of the seafarers are devoid of a decent mode of communication. That’s not all, there are many who live in poor quality cabins with filthy couches and molds. Moreover many complain of bad quality and insufficient quantity of food. For those on long voyages, rotting fruits and stale meats are a common sight. Though the regulations to monitor the quality of food and living conditions have improved, there are often times when seafarers do not even have a decent meal. As harsh as it may sound, seafarers not only have to deal with such conditions but also continue to carry out their duties on board ships. Of all the things, at least decent accommodation and food are most deserved by all seafarers, considering the life of loneliness and hardships they live on ships.

Seafarers are often seen as happy-go-lucky people, who are always flashing a broad smile both on and off-board ship. But there is a lot more to them. They are probably, one of the very few people in the world, who understand the true value of family and work. With the types of difficulties they face at sea, seafarers know very well how to make the most of their free time and enjoy to the fullest. Even though they are aware of the importance of their work, they do not allow it to go to their head. They continue with their duties even if the world, governments, and companies continue to ignore them; for they know their time, both on the ship and on land, is limited, and making the most of that is the only option they have.

We at iPS Baltics, request the people of the world to give a special “THANK YOU” to all the seafarers for the tremendous work they do.

Share this article with as many people as possible – A little bit of respect and appreciation is all a seafarer desires. 

Author: https://www.marineinsight.com/

Read more

Similar articles

Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades to Spin Offshore the Netherlands

Blog | 2022-06-13

Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades to Spin Offshore the Netherlands

Vattenfall and BASF have decided to fit three of the 140 Siemens Gamesa 11 MW recyclable wind turbines blades at the Hollandse Kust wind farm offshore the Netherlands. Conventional blades are made with resin which is fused with fiberglass and carbon to create the blade’s structure. The resin only dissolves by exposing it to a ...

Read more
First Turbine Installed at World’s Largest Floating Offshore Wind Farm

Blog | 2022-06-07

First Turbine Installed at World’s Largest Floating Offshore Wind Farm

The first of the 11 Siemens Gamesa 8.6 MW wind turbines that will make up Equinor’s Hywind Tampen floating offshore wind farm has been installed at the construction site some 140 kilometres offshore the Norwegian coast. The turbine had sailed away last week from the Wergeland’s base in Gulen in western Norway where it was ...

Read more
The angriest seas in the world

Blog | 2022-06-01

The angriest seas in the world

The ocean is a vast and powerful force, both beautiful and deadly. It’s also home to some of the angriest seas in the world. From the roiling waters of the Atlantic to the tempestuous Pacific, these are some of the most dangerous seas on Earth.

Read more
Wind turbine blades longevity

Blog | 2022-05-25

Wind turbine blades longevity

The blades on offshore wind turbines are huge, and they need to be tough to withstand the harsh environment they’re in. But how long do they actually last?

Read more
Will Offshore Wind Ever Rule The World And Shape The Future?

Blog | 2022-05-17

Will Offshore Wind Ever Rule The World And Shape The Future?

Offshore wind turbines have been installed in many coastal areas around the world and yet, for reasons of cost and convenience, they remain a small fraction of all power sources. Read on to find out how offshore wind power is expected to evolve in the coming years and why it is a promising renewable energy resource that you should be aware of.

Read more
Vestas Roll Out First Offshore Wind Turbine Blade in Taiwan

Blog | 2022-04-25

Vestas Roll Out First Offshore Wind Turbine Blade in Taiwan

Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has, together with its partner Tien Li Offshore Wind Technology, produced the first V174- 9.5MW™ wind turbine blade at its facilities in Taiwan. The blade will be installed in 2022 at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ Changfang offshore wind project and is the result of close collaboration with local suppliers and investments in ...

Read more
Foundations for World’s Largest Floating Offshore Wind Farm Is Moving

Blog | 2022-04-17

Foundations for World’s Largest Floating Offshore Wind Farm Is Moving

The towing of 11 concrete SPAR-type floating foundations for the 88 MW Hywind Tampen offshore wind farm from Dommersnes to the assembly site in Gulen, Norway, has started. The concrete foundations will support the 11 Siemens Gamesa 8 MW wind turbines. The wind turbines will be fully assembled at the Wergeland Base in Gulen prior ...

Read more
Men’s Health Week

Blog | 2021-06-16

Men’s Health Week

There’s a common perception that men hate to go to the doctor and won’t go, even if they’re feeling sick. This theory has persisted throughout the years and is often the subject of jokes within families. But is it true? Unfortunately, this premise is sound: men do not go to the doctor if they are ...

Read more
iPS Baltics supports Red Noses Clown Doctors International

Blog | 2021-06-10

iPS Baltics supports Red Noses Clown Doctors International

We as a team are proud and happy with our Director’s decision, Gediminas Usas, supports RED NOSES CLOWNDOCTORS INTERNATIONAL. Since 2010, RED NOSES CLOWNDOCTORS INTERNATIONAL have brought joy, laughter, and smiles to where they are most lacking: young patients in country hospitals, children with special needs in special schools, children undergoing rehabilitation in sanatoriums, seniors ...

Read more
Starlink, project by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has registered a company in Lithuania

Blog | 2021-06-04

Starlink, project by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has registered a company in Lithuania

Starlink, a satellite internet project by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has registered a company in Lithuania on June 2, the Baltic News Service reported on Friday. According to data from the Lithuanian office of registers, Starlink Lithuania will be headed by Lauren Ashley Dreyer. The information was confirmed to LRT.lt by Lithuanian Transport Minister Marius Skuodis. ...

Read more
3 tips for following up with a recruiter

Blog | 2021-05-28

3 tips for following up with a recruiter

All right, you have applied to the open position, the introduction is done, CV send, all the confirmations are received, but some time has passed and you see silence on the horizon. You are still interested in the position, so, you gonna make a follow-up with a recruiter, and it is Ok to make them, ...

Read more
Top 10 largest proposed offshore wind farms

Blog | 2021-05-05

Top 10 largest proposed offshore wind farms

The majority of traditional energy sources use resources that aren’t renewable. The development of industries and human population growth will only increase energy demand in the future. At some point, these non-renewable resources will run out. On the other hand, wind energy is renewable and can be used indefinitely. The wind is a natural phenomenon ...

Read more
How about some boost in productivity?

Blog | 2021-04-30

How about some boost in productivity?

Survey for productivity Music… Everybody listens to it but everybody has different tastes. However, it still helps you to feel pumped-up or motivated. That’s why every gym has one playing 24/7. But how about work? Can you get more productive? Well, according to a survey conducted by Sodexo Engage, the UK’s leading experts in employee ...

Read more
iPS Weekly Update

Blog | 2021-04-27

iPS Weekly Update

Another week has passed, so it is time for the update of week 16. What has happened at iPS and in the offshore industry? Last week vacancies From a vacancy standpoint, we’ve got just a few openings: Rigger Foreman for HLV Vessel: Heavy Lift vessel Location: Taiwan Duration: 8 weeks Start: 1st of May Link: ...

Read more
Offshore packing list

Blog | 2021-04-19

Offshore packing list

What should you take for your next offshore trip? Here is some advice from offshore pros. * Seasick tablets, shower gel, toothpaste, etc., might be worth taking your own duvet cover and sheets. * Take a couple of half-decent size gym bags, use one for your PPE and one for your clothes don’t take any ...

Read more
TV Series you should watch

Blog | 2021-04-12

TV Series you should watch

So, your shift is over, you have some free time, and you want just to lay down, relax, and watch some series. The question you have now is what to watch? You have already seen them all! Well, we prepared a shortlist with series you could watch. You may have seen the majority of it, ...

Read more
Offshore pros advice and tips

Blog | 2021-04-09

Offshore pros advice and tips

If you are interested in a career working offshore, whether it be on an oil rig or working, research vessel, or servicing and installing wind farms, here are some tips from well-experienced offshore pros. * “Respecting Personal Space and Personal Time is Extremely important. Individuals will undoubtedly endure work shifts that will seem to never ...

Read more
How to write a perfect CV?

Blog | 2021-04-07

How to write a perfect CV?

In a time of fast-going information, your CV must be straight to the point, simple but informative. It is very important that your CV would contain the information required so the recruiter could easily read it, without the need to ask for the information again and again. You need to remember that an offshore-oriented CV ...

Read more
Pros & Cons of working in the Offshore industry

Blog | 2021-04-02

Pros & Cons of working in the Offshore industry

There is no perfect job, as everyone who held one knows, but every one of them has its own quirks. However, the pros & cons of working in the offshore industry are significantly different compared to other industries. For instance, while the salary for the majority of positions in the industry is great, the hours ...

Read more