Some will argue that life at sea was easier before the IMO, the US Coast Guard and ABS set the regulations. But was it really? Most of the ships were foreign flags. That meant long periods of service and no union. Today, sailors 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, you are now 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 encountered a shipwrecked sailor, they gave him “refuge” in their home. The men were able to stay a week or two. Some returned in ships heading north. A watchtower was built and used to monitor enemy submarines in WWII. Over the years, they have been operated by the United States Coast Guard and the Navy. Today only one house remains in Martin County at 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 well-being. Since this is a huge topic, I thought I’d stay the course. And enlist the help of some sailors. Tour tasks last between 75 days and six months aboard a ship. Before the sun warms their faces, Third Officer Mike is on the bridge for his morning watch. Captain Tod is busy preparing the morning report before breakfast. After breakfast, Captain Tod continues his day answering emails, handling personnel issues, payroll, orders, etc. Third Officer Mike attends your safety or maintenance inspections if the First Officer needs him. After lunch, he relieves another third officer and remains on duty until dinner. The end of his 12-hour day and another sunset. If the ship is docked, instead of guarding the bridge, it would be in the cargo control room monitoring cargo operations. Also doing rounds on deck and checking the lines. One thing you don’t need is for the ship to roll off the dock.
Hot and cold meals are provided three times a day. Breakfast is your standard fare. Lunch and dinner offer a variety of fish, meat and a salad bar. If someone has a food allergy, like me, they should inform the captain when they board the ship. According to civilian sailor Wendy, I would starve to death on the navy ship. His food is mostly fried food with a salad bar and overcooked vegetables. It is not exactly nutritious. I find this ironic since she is on a logistics ship. They provide fuel, spare parts, food and refreshments to other Navy and NATO ships.
Today should be the day of the inspection. Tensions are high. Everybody 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 fixed. Right? Well, not necessarily true. Each inspector has his own interpretation of how things should be done. Usually from first-hand experience years before when they were manning. 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, the land is finally in sight. The ship heads to the port where crew members can go ashore for a mental health break. The only question: is it full of security checkpoints 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 enter a foreign flagship generally head to Walmart before exiting again. Poor Wendy, that’s when she’s busiest. She organizes the trip for any of her crew members who leave the ship on vacation. They cannot leave the ship until their replacement comes on board. 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 is good to get off the boat to change 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. As in the company, the crew is asked to do more with fewer people. According to Mike, the difference is that the office building is not going to collide with something.
If you’ve read any of my stuff, you know that security is a big concern. Crowley Maritime also places it high on their list. Each meeting begins with a safety and cultural moment that includes wellness and behavior. They realize that to be a high-performance company they must support work-life balance for their employees. Their workouts vary by ship. Your operations. Seafarers and the coast
side staff. Each oil tanker has magnetic signs all over the ship. “We don’t want to be reactive,” says David DeCamp, senior communicator and strategist at Crowley Maritime. “We are thinking about prevention and avoiding incidents as much as possible.” Just remember, when you are on the boat, it is a hand to the boat and a hand to you. Keep your balance and stay safe.
Back on the waves, the crew seems happy. Many sunrises and sunsets later, the end of the tour is fast approaching. I’m starting to wonder what signs to watch out for that people are ready to get off the boat. Hey! How do they handle stress? After all, my periods on pleasure boats are much shorter and with less crew. So, I asked around.
“When the kids shut up,” says Mike. “If you’re standing 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 them start to mess things up a lot. Some guys will just explode.” , or they will do something, either consciously or subconsciously, that endangers their job. “
Wendy says that she will hear of someone who starts giving things away. Say goodbye to others on the boat or just look dejected. These are usually signs of suicide, he says. Especially among the younger members of the crew.
When it’s time to relax, hit the gym on board the ship or do some kind of exercise. Talk to your classmates 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 the email is not available, write them anyway, then once in port send them all at once. Guaranteed the recipient will be waiting for you. “Remember that it is important to take care of yourself,” says Captain Tod. “Not just mentally, but physically. Sometimes you have to eat that 3:00 am cupcake or drink that thick coffee. Working long hours adds additional stress to your body, both physically and mentally.”
Lastly, it is important to enjoy your free time. Isn’t that one of the beauties of going to the sea? Someone else is doing their job on the ship for the next 75 days or for the duration of their tour of duty. Rest well. Recharge. Then get ready to go back out for those long pulls.