For many seafarers, life at sea is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. The unique experiences, the camaraderie of the crew, and the adventure of traveling the world create a lifestyle that’s hard to leave behind. However, the time eventually comes for most seafarers to transition to life ashore. Whether driven by a desire for stability, health concerns, or simply the next chapter in life, this transition can be both exciting and challenging. Here’s some practical advice to help you navigate this significant life change.
1. Assess Your Skills and Experience
Your time at sea has equipped you with a wide range of skills that are highly transferable to shore-based roles. Beyond the technical skills specific to your maritime career, you’ve developed strong problem-solving abilities, leadership experience, and the capacity to work under pressure—qualities that are valuable in almost any industry.
Start by identifying the skills you’ve gained and consider how they apply to roles ashore. For example:
Leadership and Management: If you’ve held a senior position onboard, you can leverage your experience in team management, logistics, and decision-making.
Technical Expertise: Engineers, navigators, and technical officers often have the qualifications to transition into roles in ship management, maritime consultancy, or port operations.
Communication and Coordination: Your ability to coordinate between diverse teams and manage complex operations can translate well into project management or customer service roles.
Consider taking professional courses or certifications that align with your desired career path. This not only enhances your resume but also helps you adapt your maritime skills to the demands of the shore-based job market.
2. Exploring Shore-Based Career Options
There’s a broad range of industries that value the experience of former seafarers. Here are some potential career paths:
Maritime and Port Operations: Many seafarers transition into roles within the maritime industry, such as port management, ship surveying, or roles within maritime authorities.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Your experience in planning and executing complex logistics at sea makes you a strong candidate for logistics roles in various sectors.
Education and Training: With your experience, you could contribute to the next generation of seafarers by becoming an instructor or trainer at a maritime academy.
Consulting and Safety: Many companies seek the expertise of former seafarers for roles in maritime consultancy, safety management, and compliance.
To make an informed decision, research industries that interest you and reach out to professionals in those fields. Networking can be a powerful tool in discovering opportunities and getting a foot in the door.
3. Reconnecting with Family
One of the most rewarding aspects of transitioning to life ashore is the opportunity to reconnect with your family. However, this can also present its own set of challenges, especially after long periods away.
Open Communication: Rebuilding relationships requires time and effort. Engage in open conversations with your loved ones about your experiences at sea and your expectations for life ashore. This helps bridge any emotional gaps that may have formed.
Establish Routines: Creating new routines can help you and your family adjust to your presence at home. Simple activities like regular family dinners or weekend outings can strengthen bonds.
Be Patient: Both you and your family will need time to adjust to this new lifestyle. Be patient with yourself and them as you all navigate this transition together.
4. Adjusting to a Different Lifestyle Ashore
Life on land is vastly different from the structured, often fast-paced life at sea. The adjustment can be disorienting, but there are ways to ease into it:
Find Purpose in Daily Life: At sea, your days are regimented and purposeful. On land, you may need to create your own sense of purpose. Consider engaging in community activities, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.
Manage Your Finances Wisely: With a steady income from sea work, adjusting to a potentially lower salary ashore can be challenging. It’s important to budget carefully and consider financial planning, possibly seeking advice from a financial advisor.
Take Care of Your Health: Physical fitness is crucial, especially after a career at sea where the work can be physically demanding. Continue to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet to ease the transition to a more sedentary lifestyle.
5. Seek Support and Community
Transitioning to life ashore can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re used to the close-knit community of a ship’s crew. Seeking out support groups, both online and in person, can help you connect with others who are going through similar transitions.
Professional Networks: Join maritime professional organizations or LinkedIn groups to stay connected with the industry and learn about job opportunities.
Support Groups: There are organizations and groups specifically for former seafarers. These can be great for sharing experiences and gaining support from others who understand the unique challenges you face.
The transition from sea to shore is a significant life change that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. By taking the time to assess your skills, explore new career paths, reconnect with your family, and adjust to a different lifestyle ashore, you can navigate this transition successfully. Remember, this new chapter is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience you’ve gained at sea to a fulfilling and rewarding life on land. Embrace the change, stay connected, and continue to grow—both personally and professionally.
If you wish to speak to a counsellor you may reach out at icrc@imeq-center.com
RESOURCES
There are several support groups and organizations available for seafarers transitioning to life ashore. These groups offer various resources, including networking opportunities, mental health support, career advice, and a sense of community. Here are some notable ones:
1. The Mission to Seafarers
Overview: An international organization providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers worldwide.
Services: They offer counseling, emergency assistance, and help with repatriation and transitioning to shore-based life. They also run Seafarers’ Centres in ports globally where you can connect with others and find support.
2. Sailors' Society
Overview: A charity that supports the wellbeing of seafarers and their families.
Services: They provide welfare and chaplaincy services, crisis response, and practical help with financial or legal issues. They also run various programs focused on mental health and wellbeing, which can be particularly beneficial during the transition to life ashore.
3. Seafarers UK
Overview: A charity dedicated to supporting seafarers, former seafarers, and their families.
Services: They offer grants, advice, and support services to help with financial difficulties, retraining, and adapting to life on land. They also fund organizations that support seafarers’ mental health and career transitions.
4. International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)
Overview: A global network that promotes the welfare of seafarers.
Services: ISWAN provides a 24-hour helpline (SeafarerHelp), offering confidential advice and assistance. They also offer resources and information on transitioning to life ashore, and mental health support.
5. Nautilus International
Overview: A trade union and professional organization for maritime professionals.
Services: Nautilus provides legal assistance, career advice, and training opportunities. They also run a welfare fund to support members in times of need and offer guidance on transitioning to shore-based careers.
6. The Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris)
Overview: A Catholic organization that supports seafarers and their families worldwide.
Services: They offer pastoral care, practical help, and support with issues like mental health, loneliness, and the transition to life ashore. They operate Seafarers’ Centres in various ports where you can meet others and access resources.
7. Seafarers' Link
Overview: A UK-based initiative providing regular phone group meetings for retired and ex-seafarers.
Services: This group offers a platform to share experiences, combat loneliness, and stay connected with the seafaring community after retirement.
8. Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA)
Overview: A networking organization for women in the maritime industry.
Services: WISTA offers networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and professional development resources. They can be particularly helpful for female seafarers transitioning to shore-based roles.
9. Seafarer Support
Overview: A UK-based service that connects seafarers, former seafarers, and their families to the appropriate charities and support services.
Services: They provide a helpline and online resources to help you find the support you need, whether it’s financial assistance, retraining opportunities, or counseling services.
10. Seafarers’ Trust
Overview: A charitable trust that supports the welfare of seafarers worldwide.
Services: They fund various initiatives aimed at improving seafarers’ lives, including mental health programs, career transition projects, and community support networks.
11. The Seafarer Foundation
Overview: A foundation focused on the welfare of seafarers, offering various support services.
Services: They provide guidance on employment, financial management, and personal development, helping seafarers and their families adjust to life ashore.
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