Tag: Seafarers

The Maritime Industry’s Fastest, Largest, Busiest, and First

The maritime industry has consistently set records with groundbreaking advancements in speed, size, efficiency, and environmental innovation. As one of the largest industries powering international commerce, shipping companies and ports are pushing the boundaries in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and sustainable practices. This article explores the maritime industry’s superlatives—from the fastest ships and busiest ports to […]

I Wrote a Message In a Bottle & Released It in the Middle of the Atlantic Ocean

I actually wrote three. But I don’t know if the bottles or the messages inside survived. The bottle probably broke and sank under the sea after getting rammed by some boats. Or maybe the cap gave in, allowing water inside the glass and eventually burying it underwater before it could reach ashore. A million things […]

Can Seafarers Conquer These 12 Epic New Year’s Resolutions?

You’re probably stuck right now in a port wrapped in cargo operations while 2024 is fast approaching. You may even forget about setting New Year’s resolutions due to your busy voyage. As the new year approaches, it’s time to set your sights on achieving big goals and overcoming obstacles.  Even if we get so busy […]

Filipino Seafarers Rejoice! Canadian Ships Now Open to Pinoy Seamen

Thanks to a new reciprocity agreement between the two countries, Filipino seafarers can now work on Canadian merchant vessels.  This means that Filipino seamen with valid STCW certificates can now work on Canadian-flagged ships.  They don’t need to undergo training for these documents for them to work on those vessels. This is a major win […]

Do You Know Someone? IMO is Looking for the Bravest Hero at Sea

The ocean is not for the faint-hearted. And that’s where heroes are made. Since 2007, the IMO awarded individuals who displayed exceptional bravery at sea under extreme situations. These people put their lives on the line to rescue others in distress or prevent a major catastrophe from happening. Seafarers, Ship Masters, pilots, rescue swimmers, aviators, […]

Philippines Reigns as the Number One Provider of Seafarers

The Philippines continues to dominate the world’s seafaring market in a recent joint study conducted by BIMCO and ICS. While the Russian Federation persists in the second spot, Indonesia, China, and India respectively land in the third, fourth, and fifth place. Global seafarer manpower is estimated at 1,892,720 of which 857,540 are officers and 1,035,180 […]

How to Avoid Confusion When Adjusting the Ship’s Time

Clock changes are part of a seaman’s life. The first time I experienced adjusting the ship’s time, it was not a big deal actually since I was a day worker. However, when I heard about the ship’s time being retarded was, well, a bit confusing. How could time be retarded when it only ticks and […]

What Happens When You Cross the Equator? My Line Crossing Tale

Crossing the equator should not be a big deal. This imaginary line is nothing special it only marks the boundaries of the northern and southern hemisphere. If you pass there, nothing really happens. You don’t get young, turn old, or grow some scales. I remember crossing it with an ice cream in my hand after […]

Seafaring Life Amidst the Global Corona Virus Outbreak

It’s all over the news. The coronavirus outbreak is gripping people in fear.  Nobody is allowed to leave their homes as the government imposes community lockdown and quarantine. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, parks, and public places are empty. As a seaman, being in a quarantine sounds normal. We are living in this huge cubicle with about […]