A day in the life of a seafarer – International Day of Seafarers

Some will argue that life at sea was easier before the IMO, US Coast Guard and ABS put in place the regulations. But was it really? Most of the ships were foreign-flagged. That meant long shifts and no unions. Today you will find that seafarers prefer American flagships; the pay is better and they are unionized. “There’s a lot more paperwork today,” says third officer Mike Loesch. “Instead of just doing the noon report, now you’re doing three reports a day.”

In 1875, nine Houses of Refuge were built along the Florida coast; between Miami and Jacksonville; every 25 miles. Each House of Refuge was commissioned by the United States Life Saving Service. They had a caretaker whose only job was to maintain the house, keep it stocked with food, clothing, and walk the beaches after storms. When they came across a shipwrecked sailor they gave him “shelter” in their house. The men stayed a week or two. Some returned to ships heading north. A watchtower was built and used to watch for enemy submarines in World War II. Over the years they have been operated by the US Coast Guard and Navy. Today only one house remains in Martin County in Gilbert’s Bar. In 1976 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This year, the IMO theme for International Seafarers’ Day is wellness. Since this is a very broad topic, I thought I’d stay the course. And enlist the help of some sailors. Tourist duties last between 75 days and six months on board a ship. Before the sun warms his face, Third Officer Mike is on the bridge for his morning watch. Captain Tod is busy pulling out the morning report before breakfast. After breakfast, Captain Tod continues his day answering emails, handling personnel matters, payroll, orders, etc. Third Officer Mike takes care of security inspections or maintenance on him if the first officer needs it. After lunch he relieves another third officer and stays on watch until dinner. The end of his 12 hour day and another sunset. If the ship is docked, instead of standing guard on the bridge, he would be in the cargo control room monitoring cargo operations. Also making rounds on deck and checking the lines. One thing you don’t need is for the ship to run away from the dock.

Hot and cold meals are provided three times a day. Breakfast is your standard fare. Lunch and dinner offers a variety of fish, meat and a salad bar. If someone has a food allergy, like me, he must inform the Captain when he boards the ship. According to Civilian Mariner Wendy, I would starve to death on the navy ship. Their food is mostly fried foods with a salad bar and overcooked vegetables. It’s not exactly nutritious. I find this ironic as she is on a logistics ship. They provide fuel, spare parts, food and refreshments to other Navy and NATO ships.

Must be inspection day today. Tensions are high. Everyone is stressed. I’m not sure why. For me an inspection is a good thing. If they find something wrong with the ship, it is reported and then it is fixed. Right? Well, not necessarily true. Each inspector has their own interpretation of how things should be done. Usually from first-hand experience years before, when they were part of the crew. Surely not how things are done today or what they told you to do. Regulations change all the time and everyone is expected to adapt. However, the resources are not always available.

Wow! After countless sunsets of reds, pinks, and grays, land is finally in sight. The ship heads to port where its crew members can go ashore for a mental health break. The only question: is it full of security checks or can you get off the ship and be in the middle of it all? Some guys like to get away or take a break. Those who arrive in a foreign flagship usually head to Walmart before heading out again. Poor Wendy, that’s when she’s busiest. She arranges travel for any of her crew members who leave the ship on vacation. They cannot leave the ship until their replacement comes aboard. Mike and Captain Tod don’t always go ashore either. They have this philosophy of work is work. I don’t always agree. Sometimes it’s good to get off the ship for a change of scenery. Even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Perhaps today, a few more crew members will join the ship. That would be a great help. Just like in business, the crew is being asked to do more with fewer people. According to Mike, the difference is that the office building will not collide with anything.

If you have read any of my articles, you know that security is a big concern. Crowley Maritime also places it high on their list. Each meeting begins with a cultural and safety moment that includes wellness and behavior. They realize that to be a high-performing company, they must support the work-life balance and health of their employees. His workouts vary by ship. Your operations. The seafarers and the coast-

personal side Every oil tanker has magnetic signals all over the ship. “We don’t want to be reactive,” says David DeCamp, senior communicator and strategist at Crowley Maritime. “We are thinking of preventing and avoiding incidents as much as possible.” Just remember, when you’re on the ship, it’s one hand to the ship and one hand to you. Keep your balance and stay safe.

Riding the waves again, the crew seems happy. Many later sunrises and sunsets are fast approaching the end of the tour. I begin to wonder what signs to watch for that people are ready to get off the ship. Hears! How do they handle stress? After all, my pleasure boating seasons are much shorter and with fewer crews. So I asked around.

“When the boys shut up,” says Mike. “If you’re on call with them and for four hours they don’t say a word when you’d normally be having a good conversation. After that, you’ll see that they start to mess things up a lot. Some guys will just blow up.” , or they will do something, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that will jeopardize their job.”

Wendy says you’ll hear of someone starting to give things away. Saying goodbye to others on the boat or just looking dejected. Usually these are signs of suicide, she says. Especially among the younger crew members.

When it’s time to de-stress, hit the ship’s gym or do some form of exercise. Talk to your peers and find some alone time. Regular contact with your family is also important. Especially if you are married. It also helps relieve your stress. If email isn’t available, write those emails anyway, then once in port, send them all at once. Guaranteed that the receiver will be waiting for them. “Remember that it’s important to take care of yourself,” says Captain Tod. “Not just mentally but physically. Sometimes you have to eat that cake at 3:00 a.m. or drink that thick coffee. Working long hours puts extra stress on your body, both physically and mentally.”

Finally, it is important to enjoy your free time. Isn’t that one of the beauties of going to the sea? Someone else will be doing your job on the ship for the next 75 days or the duration of your tour of duty. Rest. Fill out. Then get ready to go back out for those long pulls.