What Makes Seafarers Happy On Board
Many a times staying happy on board becomes very difficult as life on board a ship can be challenging. In this era of social media, every other thing is being glamorized to beyond its level. Same goes for the merchant navy. In reality, the job of the seafarers is extremely hectic as they have no fixed hours, thereby making this an immensely laborious job. Apart from this, seafarers have to shoulder the responsibility of transporting cargo worth millions of dollars to various ports across the globe. Moreover, this job requires an individual to stay away from his/her loved ones for months at a time, hence making this profession more difficult.
Hence, these things can make seafarers feel omitted and lonely. At times, this job can be monotonous. But, despite all these things, seafarers try to keep themselves inspired and happy. All the little things that you folks feel are trivial, can make seafarers extremely happy.
So, what exactly are those things that make seafarers happy on board a ship?
1. Internet
The first thing seafarers do before joining a ship is to ask off signers the condition of the internet. On shore, to have an internet connection is a necessity but on board a ship it is more of a luxury. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean when seafarers get to talk with their loved ones or maybe video call them, it makes their day.
Not all the ships have the luxury of the internet. Only 88% of the ships have the internet. But now as per MLC guidelines it is necessary to have an internet on board a ship.
2. Parties
There is a saying in merchant navy that, “Work like a Captain and Party like a Pirate”. This profession requires you to put in a lot of physical and mental work. Whenever seafarers get a chance to party, they never overlook that. This is the time when all the ship’s crew come together at one place, talk, dance, eat and play games. This is one of those moments that a seafarer can never forget. Different type of parties like pool, barbeque, rain and birthday parties are organized frequently on ship. Such celebrations and gatherings help seafarers to build bonds with other crew members and also keeps them emotionally motivated to continue on the voyage that they have embarked upon.
3. Shore Leave
One of the motivations behind joining the Merchant Navy is to travel to every corner of the world. Every seafarer wishes to get a shore leave when they arrive at ports so that they can get a souvenir or a gift for their families.
However, in recent times, getting a shore leave has become difficult because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. But as the situation is improving, making it possible for seafarers to avail shore leaves at certain ports.
Life on board a ship is hard. In this era of social media, every other thing is being glamorized to beyond its level. Same goes for the merchant navy. In reality, the job of the seafarers is extremely hectic as they have no fixed hours, thereby making this an immensely laborious job. Apart from this, they have to shoulder the responsibility of transporting cargo worth millions of dollars to various ports across the globe. Moreover, this job requires an individual to stay away from his/her loved ones for months at a time, hence making this profession more difficult.
4. Good Food = Happy Seafarers
When you really work hard and come back home at night and you see a delicious dinner is waiting for you and you just want to devour it, that makes you happy. Seafarers feel the same way when they see delicious and healthy food waiting for them after a hard day’s work on ship.
The Merchant Navy is a profession where sailors from all over the world come together and work. And if you get your own country’s food then what can be better than that.
and if you are Indian, joining your first ship, then one piece of advice: carry some Indian Masala Mix along with you. If you have the Chef from your own country, then you will get your local cuisine.
5. Long Sailing
If you ask any Seafarer, to choose between short sailing or long sailing between 2 consecutive ports. Everyone would choose the later one because you get enough time to relax during voyage but on the other hand during short voyages you get ports very frequently and the pressure on every single seafarer on the ship increases.
6. Sign Off News or Shorter Contract
Well, timely sign-off is a matter of concern for every seafarer. Like any other person, seafarers have committed certain things to their families or friends. Getting sign off news really makes their day. And if their news of early signoff then what can be better than that. Many of the seafarers like to surprise their family by paying a surprise visit.
7. Sunday Full Day Off
There is an immense work pressure on everyone and getting a full day off is a privilege on board ship. What can be better than waking up late, no work, eating good food (especially Biryani on Sunday) and hibernating all day long. After a long hectic week, an entire day off gives some time for rejuvenating the body and mind of every seafarer. Usually, games are organized on Sunday’s.
8. Watching Movies Together
Everyone has their own duties and responsibilities on ship but when they do get time, they like to utilize it properly. In the evening, Officers like to sit together in the Officer’s Smoke Room on ship and watch a movie together along with some drinks if, they are allowed on board a ship.
9. Playing Games Together
After a long hectic day, when seafarers get time to relax, they like to play some games like Cricket, Table Tennis, Tam bola and Horse Riding. Don’t get surprised by Horse Riding, we don’t have Horses on ships. This is actually a different type of game. Some of these games are organized on Sundays or on a special occasion like a party.
10. Anchor News
Sailing can get really monotonous and boring sometimes. Every work on board a ship is on a very short notice period and that is why it is really hectic. Hence, when we get the news of long anchorage, we get excited and happy, and the reason behind this is, we get enough time to relax as all the work has been done already . This is the time when parties and games are organized.
The clock may tick slowly for you on ship especially when your contract is long. Staying away from family and friends for months together at a time can be achingly difficult. However, as a seafarer when you start looking forward to the little and simple things that can bring a smile on your face on ship, your voyage will become comparatively easier.
As a seafarer, this has helped me tremendously to stay calm and motivated in my journey across the globe. Share the simple things that make you happy in the comment section! Till then cheers!
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It’s amazing article. I’m happy to know about this matter. now my doubt was clear after read this article. Thank you sir for sharing your blog with us. every seafarer feel happy after reading this article.
Hi Pratik more such articles are to be published very soon, till then linking a few blog that would be great reads for you –FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SEAFARERS
How to Get Promoted Faster in Merchant Navy
Thanks for the blog Mr. Mehta, it inspired me a lot and especially the quote, “work like a captain, party like a pirate”and I look forward for more of such blogs cz they inspire and motivate aspirants like us to become seafarers ❤️❤️
Very helpful content. Thank you sir for sharing these things… It really motivates me to adventure waters
Get to know about the life of sailors..and indeed a great article.
More such articles are soon to be published, stay tuned!
Sir by reading your blogs it helps a lot, slowly I can answer better why I want to join merchant Navy. And if asked what kind of sailing would you like. I know my answer with reason very well. Thanks for the blog.
Happy to bring you more clarity about the career you look forward to join. We have a few more blog suggestions that would help you in the matter 🙂 How to Choose a Good Shipping Company?
Myths About Merchant Navy
How To Join Ship I am a Fresher
If you want to join Merchant Navy then you can check out out free How to join Merchant Navy? course from the website that will give you the complete step by step guide to join Merchant Navy.