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Life At Sea

A diverse group of seafarers wearing safety gear on the deck of a ship

Stay Safe at Sea: A Seafarer's Guide for World Safety Day

Staying safe at sea as well as protecting your health are both crucial for a successful maritime job contract. Our tips tell you how to do both.

Crew members standing on the deck of a vessel wearing firefighting gear

What Are Fire Drills on Ships: Everything You Need to Know

Fire drills on commercial vessels must be executed quickly and correctly. But what are fire drills exactly? Our blog has all of the answers.

A diverse group of seafarers standing on the deck of a ship holding a banner that says 'International Day of Happiness'

How to Find Meaning and Happiness in Your Career at Sea

March 20th is the International Day of Happiness, so we're looking at ways you can be proud of your seafarer job - and make life onboard happier.

Seafarers working on the deck of a commercial vessel

Safeguarding Your Self-Care at Sea: The Quiet Skill That Keeps Mariners Sharp

Mariners work in an environment where the job doesn't pause just because your body wants to. Here's how to take care of yourself when working at sea.

the crew and the ship's cook cheersing with tankards on the deck of a sailing ship at Christmas

Maritime Traditions and Superstitions at Christmastime

From festive maritime superstitions to learning how the sailors of yore - and modern seafarers - celebrate Christmas, our blog has the answers.

A man working in a seafarer job looking at a family photo

How to Cope with Working Away from Home in a Job at Sea

Whether you've worked in seafarer jobs for years or your maritime career is new, it can be hard working away from home. Read our tips for coping.

a proud looking man working in a seafarer job on a cargo ship

How Seafarers Can Take Pride in Working in Jobs at Sea: A Guide

Seafarer jobs can be hard. Read on for handy reminders on how to take pride in your job at sea on the days when life feels tougher than usual.

two men working in seafarer jobs looking at each other with empathy

5 Ways to Be a Better Crewmate: Improving Life on Cargo Ships

Being nice isn't a weakness it's a strength. Especially when you work in a seafarer job. Read this for five 5 ways to become a better crewmate.

motivational signs on a fence

Mental Health and Wellness for Seafarers

Practical tips for those working in a seafarer job who are looking for some ways to maintain mental health and wellbeing while working on a ship.

A group of seafarers playing cards in the crew mess

Easy Games for Seafarers to Play Between Shifts or Watches

When you're working in a maritime job on a vessel, it's good to have some low-key go-to games you can play in your downtime. Here's some ideas!

Tsunami Awareness poster

World Tsunami Awareness Day: Understanding, Preparing, Innovating

November 5th is World Tsunami Awareness Day: A timely opportunity to look at the origins of the day and learn more about tsunamis. Learn more.

The words 'Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Rights' and a group of seafarers

Manila Takes Lead with Declaration to Safeguard Seafarers

Manila became the stage for a maritime milestone while hosting the International Conference on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety and Well‑Being.

A man working in a seafarer job trying not to fall asleep on the ship's bridge

11 Ways to Beat Jet Lag When You Work in a Seafarer Job

Looking for a quick way to get over jetlag ASAP? Read our 11 tips to help you when you work in a seafarer job before it affects work and safety.

man sitting in airport

Common Travel Issues Seafarers Face - and How to Outsmart Them

Are you a seafarer worried about issues while you're traveling for a job at sea? Read our post to discover clever ways to avoid common problems.

World Drowning Prevention Day Logo

World Drowning Prevention Day 2025: Raising Awareness to Save Lives

On July 25th World Drowning Prevention Day is held to raise awareness of the global drowning epidemic and to promote drowning prevention measures

A woman standing outside a gym with a thought bubble containing a cargo ship and a question mark

Do You Need to be Physically Fit to Work in a Job at Sea?

How fit must you be to work in a job at sea? It depends. Read this post to find out if you need to hit the gym before starting a maritime career!

The flag of the Netherlands flying in front of a clue sky with fluffy white clouds

Seafarers Working Under the Dutch Flag: Are You Missing Out on Tax Refunds?

Working at sea under the Dutch flag comes with many financial advantages—if you know how to claim them. This guest blog post explains more.

man looking at ocean

Are Seafarer Jobs Right for You? 5 Key Questions to Consider in 2025

Read this to find out the questions you need to ask yourself if you're thinking about developing a maritime career and working in a seafarer job.

question mark shaped topiary on island

What is the Definition of Maritime in 2025?

Have you ever wondered what does maritime mean? And what is the difference between marine and maritime - if any? At Martide we love anything to do with the ocean, vessels, and the maritime industry - and as anyone who reads our seafarer blog or our employer blog knows, we quite like words too!

Four paper boats on a forward pointing arrow

How to be a Good Leader When You Work in a Job at Sea

If you're currently working in a maritime job and want to advance your career at sea, read these tips on how to improve your leadership skills.

a man working in a maritime job using his laptop in his cabin

21 Essential Websites if You Work in a Seafarer Job

Check out these 21 websites that anyone working in a maritime job should find useful for finding jobs at sea, advice and other handy resources.

A diverse group of people working in maritime jobs, chatting

Maritime Jobs & Working with International Crewmates

Working in a maritime job often means your crewmates are from different countries. Here's why that's great - plus how to overcome any barriers.

A man doing a push up

Staying Fit at Sea: Small Space Workouts for Seafarers

Staying fit when you work a maritime job can be tricky. You're in a confined space and working shifts. Our seafarer workout plans will help!

A man working in a maritime job at sea sorting his clothing into storage boxes in his cabin

Seafarer Life Hacks: Dealing with Limited Space & Resources

If you work in a maritime job you've a lack of space & limited resources. Our tips help you make the most of a small cabin & suggest what to pack

hand holding card saying 'Kindness: pass it on" in front of the ocean

Random Acts of Kindness Day & the Maritime Industry

Whether you work in a maritime job on a ship or in an office or port, here are some easy ways you can celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day.

a seafarer working in a job on a container ship thinking about his wife

Jobs at Sea & How to Handle Being Apart on Valentine's Day

If you work in a maritime job at sea and your partner is on land, Valentine's Day can be hard. Here's how to cope with being apart from your S.O.

binnoculars

6 Wellness Tips for Officers of the Watch

Watchkeepers need to maintain lookout 24/7 365 but working on and off around the clock with broken sleep patterns can have an effect on wellbeing. Here are 6 tip for Officers of the Watch to help combat fatigue and find balance.

Piece of paper with 'new year resolutions' written on it

14 New Year's Resolutions for Maritime Industry People

Whether you're a Crew Manager, Recruitment Officer or you work in a maritime job at sea, there's no time like New Year to plan for the year ahead

port at night

How to Make the Most of Shore Leave

Life on a container ship means perks of the job for seafarers - ones that people working in shore-based positions can only dream of. And one of those perks is the opportunity to visit new countries on shore leave. But how can you make the most of that often all too short, time on land?

couple holding hands

Relationship Tips When One of You Works in a Seafarer Job

If one of you works in a job at sea, relationships can be hard. Read our blog for some emotional and practical tips for a healthier partnership.

A man leaving home with two suitcases

The Seafarer Packing Guide for Anyone Working at Sea

If you've only recently started working in a job at sea or you've yet to find your first seafarer job, read our essential packing guide first!

AI generated image of a seafarer on a video call with his family

International Family Day: Staying Connected in Jobs at Sea

This International Family Day, we take a look at how those working in jobs at sea can stay connected with their family. Read on for some tips.

Silhouette of a person standing looking out to see

How to Cope with Bad News When You're Working at Sea

Working at sea means you sometimes miss special occasions. But what happens when someone at home passes away while you're onboard? Read more.

Black background with white text saying 'cancelled' multiple times

These 5 Things Could Get Your CoC Suspended or Cancelled

A CoC can be suspended or canceled if your behavior or performance is not up to scratch when working on a ship. Here are 5 things you must avoid.

Two people working in maritime jobs talking on deck

Communication Strategies When You Work in a Job at Sea

Work in a job at sea & sometimes feel like you haven't spoken to anyone for days? Read our tips for better communication when you work on a ship.

Two speech bubbles, one saying fact and one saying fake

7 Common Misconceptions About Seafarer Jobs

If you think that working in a seafarer job is all about kicking back with a beer as soon as the ship has sailed, you're mistaken. Find out more!

a young female working on deck in a seafarer job

Beyond 9-to-5: Why a Job at Sea Might Be Right for You

Does the 9-to-5 office job not really appeal to you as a career choice? Want a different way of working? A job at sea might be right for you.

Christmas lights on a harbor bridge as seen from a vessel

How to Stay Upbeat Onboard Your Vessel this Christmas

Attitude is key to staying upbeat when working in a seafarer job. It'll carry you through the festive season even if you're miles away from home.

A sailing yacht

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters X, Y & Z

If you're looking for maritime terminology that begins with the letters X, Y & Z you're in luck - check out our shipping glossary blog post now!

The wake of a speedboat

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters U, V & W

Looking for maritime terms and phrases and want to find out what some of the shipping industry's acronyms mean? You've landed on the right blog!

image showing the pros and cons of working in a seafarer job

The Pros & Cons of Working in a Seafarer Job

Working in a job at sea isn't for everyone but if you want something other than the 9 to 5, a maritime career offers a lifetime of opportunities.

A chemical tanker at sea

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter T

From tacking to tank cleaning and from TEU to tonnage. Looking for the meanings of maritime words & acronyms beginning with T? Keep on reading!

A sailor on a sailing ship holding a signal lamp

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter S

From seatime to seaspeak & from starboard to second dog watch if you're looking for a nautical term or maritime meaning beginning with S read on!

The rigging on a sailing ship

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters Q & R

Ever wondered what a sailor's quarters are? Or a reefer ship? If you're looking for nautical terms beginning with Q & R this is the blog for you.

A smiling seafarer and his wife on vacation

Keeping the Knot Taut: Maintaining Healthy Relationships as a Sailor

Maintaining a healthy relationship while sailing as a merchant mariner is difficult. Here we look at ways to keep your relationship alive & well.

fuzzy illuminated sign saying focus

How to Stay Focused When Working in a Seafarer Job

Find out why staying focused is crucial for meeting your career and fitness goals and will increase your safety when working in a seafarer job.

a propeller on the hull of a ship

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter P

Are you looking for the meaning of a nautical word or term that begins with P? If so, we have you covered! From pilotage to Panamax and more.

3 smiling sailors on shore leave posing for a photo together

Why It's Important to Get Along with Your Fellow Crew

July 30th is the International Day of Friendship so we thought we'd take a look at why it's important to get along with your fellow crew mates.

the chef in the galley of a container ship

Life on a Merchant Ship: The Perfect Menu for a Happy Crew

A good ship's menu can boost morale and make crew less homesick. Learn the secrets to a delicious, diverse menu that caters to all onboard.

image showing how to stay physically and mentally well when working in a job at sea

11 Ways to Stay Physically & Mentally Fit Onboard

Are you staying fit & healthy when working at sea? What about mental health? Are you looking after your mind when you're working as a seafarer?

A female officer on the deck of a ship

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters N & O

If you've ever wanted to know what some of the expressions used by seafarers and others in the maritime industry mean, this is the blog for you.

Mooring lines on the deck of a ship

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter M

If you're interested in nautical terms & maritime phrases check out this blog post which has shipping industry related words beginning with M!

A life jacket on the seat in a lifeboat

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters J, K & L

Are you looking for the definition of a certain nautical term, phrase or acronym? If that word begins with either J, K or L then you're in luck!

group of seafarers in uniform

Your Guide to Uniforms in the Merchant Navy

When you're in the maritime industry, a sense of purpose, identity, and pride grows because you wear a uniform that is steeped in tradition.

A gong buoy in a harbor

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters G, H & I

If you're a regular reader of our posts, you have probably already stumbled upon our nautical glossary posts in which we cover different maritime terms and phrases. We're now almost halfway through the alphabet so today's post is going to take a look at our shipping dictionary from G through to I.

I Heart You written in sand

10 Valentine's Day Ideas for Seafarers & Their Partners

We look at some ways you can connect with your SO on Valentine's Day even if you're working on a cargo ship, tanker, cruise ship or other vessel.

YouTube on laptop

13 YouTube Channels About Seafarer Jobs to Check Out

Whether you're already working in a seafarer job, are thinking about pursuing a career in the maritime industry or you just have a fascination with all things merchant navy, it's always interesting to see life onboard a container or cargo ship. Check out these 13 seafarer YouTube channels.

statue of Neptune

What is the Line Crossing Ceremony for Seafarers?

The maritime industry isn't without its fair share of superstitions. One such sailor superstition has stood the test of time—the “true” beginning of your seaman career is marked by an age-old ceremony, Crossing the Line.

A ship's engineer standing on the deck of a ferry

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letters E & F

If you're curious to find out the meanings of some more weird and wonderful words to do with shipping, sailing, seafarer jobs, merchant navy ranks and vessels, keep on reading as we explore some nautical words that start with E and F.

A wooden dock and mooring dolphins in a port

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter D

If you've been checking out our other blog posts about nautical terms, you might be interested in this post which covers maritime words and phrases that begin with the letter D. So let's take a look at everything from DWT and davits to dunnage and duty!

crew member sitting on the deck while taking time out from her seafarer job

How to Cope with Stress When Working in a Seafarer Job

If you're working in a seafarer job you don't need us to tell you life onboard can sometimes be stressful. So how do you deal with that stress?

flag with the word kindness

Seafarer Jobs & the Importance of Being Kind

It can be tough dealing with someone onboard who has a negative attitude or who is downright unpleasant. But you don't have to react. Keep your composure and spirits up, practice kindness and compassion and you'll soon spread your positive vibes from the engine room to the bridge!

A container ship in a canal

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter C

There are so many different shipping terms out there that we thought it was time we wrote a blog post that dives into them. But because there are so many nautical words and maritime phrases, we decided that the best way to do this was by one letter at a time. Let's check out the letter C!

A ship's bell and a buoy on a boat

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter B

There are so many different shipping terms out there that we thought it was time we wrote a blog post that dives into them. But because there are so many nautical words and maritime phrases, we decided that the best way to do this was by one letter at a time. Let's check out the letter B!

An anchor and an Aldis lamp

Nautical Terms That Begin with the Letter A

There are so many different shipping terms out there that we thought it was time we wrote a blog post that dives into them. But because there are so many nautical words and maritime phrases, we decided that the best way to do this was by one letter at a time. Let's kick things off with the letter A!

the words length & breadth on ship

What is Maritime English?

In an industry that is truly global and both shore-based employees and those working in seafarer jobs may speak any number of different languages, how can we ensure that messages and instructions are relayed in a concise and understandable manner?

neon sign saying tweet tweet

9 Maritime Themed Twitter Accounts to Follow

At Martide we like to share our seafarer jobs on Twitter and we also follow some interesting people whose posts we like retweeting. So we thought we'd share them with you in case you don't already follow them and you're looking for some new, fresh content for your Twitter feed!

container ships in port

12 Things To Know Before Embarking on a Maritime Career

As with any job or career, there are pros and cons, good things and bad things, people that are suited for that type of work, and those who are not - and seafarer jobs are no different. In fact, working at sea is probably an even more extreme case when it comes to the ups and downs of working life.

vessel sailing into port at night

How to Get a Good Night's Sleep When You Work a Seafarer Job

It's not exactly a secret that getting a good night's sleep is essential for living a happier and healthier life - and while many on land can suffer with sleep disorders such as insomnia, how do you cope if you struggle to get quality sleep while working in a seafarer's job?

female seafarers

Who is Supporting Women Seafarers Working in Jobs at Sea?

Why does the maritime industry have a skills shortage? The increasing need for seafarers with tech skills? A general disinterest in seafaring as a job? The lack of women entering the sector? The reasons are debatable but it's clear the ratio of men to women in maritime is seriously disproportionate.

men working in seafarer jobs socializing in the crew mess on a ship

6 Ways to Create a Community in Seafarer Jobs

As a seafarer a huge part of ensuring time onboard isn't damaging your mental health is making the most of the camaraderie that comes with spending so much time with a small group of people. Having time alone to catch up with loved ones via social media is crucial, but so too is community spirit.

two mail boxes

Two-Way Communication Tips for Seafarers & Their Families

Good communication is vital when working in jobs at sea but when you're busy, tired or 'not in the mood' maintaining quality communication can be tough. That's why we're taking a look at ways those working in seafarer jobs can make sure they're communicating well with folk back home. And vice versa!

neon sign saying 'and breath'

6 Ways to De-Stress When You Get Home from a Seafarer Job

A seafarer's job is intense. You deal with a pressured environment with shifts and watches and you're often cold and wet. You want your downtime to be the opposite. But how do you get to that happy place after months of working away in jobs at sea? We look at ways to de-stress when you get home.

man standing with outspread arms on mountain looking at sea

Do You Have the Right Skills & Personality for a Job at Sea?

What is a seafarer's job and what skills and personality traits should you possess if you're thinking about a career in jobs at sea? It's a good question - and there are any number of right answers, depending of course, on what type of cargo ship jobs you're thinking of training for or applying for.

speech bubble made up from notepaper

How to Communicate Better When Working in Seafarer Jobs

Being able to communicate is a vital part of being successful in most walks of life and that's very true for working in seafarer jobs. The thing is you will need to communicate with people from different cultures who have different mother tongues. Here's how to break down the communication barriers.

map, compass and passport

How to Store Your Seafarer Resume & Documents Online

Losing (or forgetting) your seafarer documents when you're traveling for jobs at sea can be a nightmare. Printing endless copies of your seafarer resume is a hassle. That's why storing them online in the Cloud makes perfect sense. Here's how to do that.

twitter app on phone

How to Use Social Media Wisely When You Work in a Job at Sea

Don't blow up your maritime career with poor social media usage! It's a lifeline, but when you're working in seafarer jobs you need to take care.

traffic light sign partially under water

8 Things You Should Never Do When Working in a Job at Sea

Working in seafarer jobs can be challenging, both physically and mentally, even just on a regular basis. So it makes sense to try and keep the obstacles you need to deal with to a minimum while you're working in jobs at sea. And that means avoiding certain things which could get you into trouble.

luggage carousel at airport

How to Deal with Lost Luggage & Documents When Working at Sea

Losing your documents on the way to jobs at sea is a nightmare with a knock on effect on you, the vessel and crew. Meanwhile losing your luggage (or the airline losing your luggage) is a pain to deal with when you've got so many things to think about and do. Here's what to do if it happens to you.

hand doing a hang loose sign

10 Ways to Chill During Your Downtime When Working on a Ship

We know when you're working in seafarer jobs you're busy around the clock but for those moments when you do get some personal time in between watches or shifts, even though you're miles away from land, there are still plenty of things you can do to chill out and keep yourself entertained.

Stormtrooper guarding PC

How to Stay Safe Online When Working in a Job at Sea

When even some of the biggest and best known companies in the world have fallen victim to cyber attacks from hackers, it pretty much means that none of us are safe - and that's both on a business and a personal level. If you're working in jobs at sea, here's how to stay safe online.

hand checking off a to-do list

9 Things To Do Before Leaving Home for a Job at Sea

If you're a seafarer with a joining date for a job at sea lined up in the future no doubt your mind is full of the things you need to do to prepare for embarkation. With that in mind Martide has compiled this handy list of 9 things every seafarer should do before they leave home to join their vessel

hand reaching towards horizon

5 Ways to Beat Homesickness While You're Working at Sea

Working in seafarer jobs comes with many pluses. The travel, seeing nature at its most awe-inspiring, and the friendships created when working in jobs at sea. But like any job, whether on land or sea, there can be the odd downside. And one of those, as some seafarers will tell you, is homesickness.

good vibes only neon sign

Jobs at Sea & How to Deal with a Negative Crewmate

Jobs at sea are demanding. They take a certain person to cope with the physical aspect of the work. But being mentally strong as well as physically fit is crucial. So what do you do when someone on board's behavior is sucking all the enjoyment and positivity out of your life on a container ship?

woman looking at airplane through window

How to Cope When Your Partner Works Away From Home

If you're a stay at home partner in a relationship where one of you is working away from home you don't need us to tell you it can be hard. Some days you're fine yet other times you struggle to cope while your partner is living life on a cargo ship thousands of miles away. Here's how to handle it.

Christmas tree and lights on a container ship deck

10 Ways You Can Celebrate Christmas When Working at Sea

When you work in a seafarer job, life at sea means being away from home, but at Christmas it can be harder than usual. Here are some coping tips.

container ship sailing towards bridge

Life on a Container Ship: A Shore-Based Employee's Week at Sea

Do you see yourself living life on a container ship? Are you considering a career in the maritime industry? Maybe you just want to know what life on a vessel is like? Our office-based coworker recently spent a week on a cargo ship and this is a unique insight into day-to-day life at sea.

breaking waves

8 Tips for Dealing with Sea Sickness

If you get seasick you may hide it from fellow crew. But there's no shame in admitting you struggle with this aspect of jobs at sea. Nelson was a sufferer and Charles Darwin spent as much time as possible during his five year voyage on the Beagle on land! Read Martide's tips for beating seasickness.