This website is designed to support the seafarer community by sharing both positive and negative experiences from life onboard vessels. We aim to provide seafarers with valuable insights into the facilities available on ships before they embark. It also serves as a feedback tool for companies, helping to address and improve any issues. Since seafarers spend nearly half of their lives at sea, they deserve, at the very least, a clean vessel, proper facilities, and a good standard of food.

Life on a ship is often in small shared quarters with access to basic amenities, including dining areas, recreational facilities, and internet (where available). Conditions differ by vessel type, but accommodations are generally modest due to space constraints.

While modern shipping standards prioritize safety, working at sea can involve risks, such as rough weather, mechanical issues, and long periods away from shore. Comprehensive safety protocols, training, and regular inspections help mitigate these risks.

Contracts for seafarers generally range from 3 to 9 months, depending on the company, the ship type, and the position. Officers tend to have shorter contracts, while ratings may serve longer periods.

To work on a merchant ship, you'll need specific maritime certifications, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). For officer positions, maritime academy degrees or merchant marine training are typically required. For ratings or crew members, vocational training and certificates for basic safety and skills are needed.