Seafarers are some of the most hardworking and least recognized professionals in the world. They work in harsh conditions and face high risks on a daily basis. In today’s world, where everyone is vying for attention and visibility, it’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes of the sea. There are more than 42 million people employed as Seafarers across the globe. With so many people working as seafarers, it can be easy to take their contributions for granted. However, without them, society would cease to function. These workers brave treacherous seas and perilous storms every day to bring us food and other essentials such as oil. In this blog post, we look at 10 reasons why you should thank Seafarers today!
1. They keep the world fed and functioning
The world population is expanding at an alarming rate. We need to produce around 70% more food than we did 50 years ago to feed the growing population. Seafarers are responsible for transporting most of the food that makes its way to the stores and supermarkets on a daily basis. If it weren’t for them, our shelves would be stocked with a fraction of the amount of food we have today. Without the ships that transport food to places like the U.S., Europe and Asia, it would take months for fresh produce to reach consumers. Seafarers ensure that we have fresh produce year-round, even in places that don’t experience seasons. Without the work of seafarers transporting food, our world would cease to function.
2. They face high risk every day
Every day, Seafarers work in hazardous conditions. Very few people would be willing to brave the seas with the frequency that Seafarers do. They are regularly exposed to extreme weather, long shifts and cramped conditions. When you think about the risk involved, it’s easy to see why Seafarers don’t receive the recognition they deserve. In fact, they are 20% more likely to be killed at work than other blue-collar workers. Seafarers are also more susceptible to contracting diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. The risk of contracting diseases at sea is more than 1,000 times greater than in the general population.
3. They are constantly learning and educating themselves
Seafarers work in a constantly evolving industry. The journey from the shipyard to the open seas can be long and arduous. This means that Seafarers have to constantly update their skills and stay up to date with technological advancements. Seafarers may have to learn new languages to communicate with crew members from different countries, and they are often required to gain additional qualifications to operate machinery on board. These workers frequently attend training sessions to learn about new technologies. They also receive training in emergency procedures, such as firefighting, first aid and evacuation.
4. Their jobs are often underrated and underpaid
Many people associate seafaring with a glamorous lifestyle. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Seafarers spend months at a time aboard vessels. They work long hours and often endure poor working conditions. If you were to ask a Seafarer if they are happy with their career choice, the overwhelming majority would say yes. However, it’s important to remember that they don’t do their job for the fame or fortune. They do it because they have a passion for the job. Seafaring is a noble profession, but it is often underappreciated and underpaid. Because of the high risk associated with the job, Seafarers are awarded higher wages than other blue-collar workers. They deserve to be paid fairly for the risks and sacrifices that they make, but many aren’t.
5. Many risk their lives to provide for their families
Many Seafarers have to leave their families behind to earn a living. The number of Seafarers who are single parents or have spouses who work as Seafarers is staggering. You could say that these workers are the silent heroes of our society. Because of the distance between their families and places of work, Seafarers are vulnerable to loneliness and depression. This is why it’s important to show them your appreciation when you can.
6. Because they deserve it
Seafarers deserve to be recognized for the contribution they make to society. However, it’s easy to overlook the men and women who work as Seafarers. After all, these workers spend their days at sea, far away from the general public. Seafarers are some of the hardest workers on the planet. They work in a job that is often associated with danger and long, tiresome hours. As a society, we should be thanking these workers for their contributions. We should let them know how valuable they are.
7. Because you, too, would risk your life to provide for your family
If you were unemployed and unable to provide for your family, what would you do? You would do whatever you could to support your family and earn a living. People become Seafarers for a variety of reasons. Some people have no other choice because they are unable to find employment. Others become Seafarers to follow their passions and travel the world. Whatever your reason for becoming a Seafarer may be, you are playing a valuable role in society. You are helping your family and providing for your loved ones. You are fighting against the stigma that all Seafarers are struggling, uneducated people.
8. They provide a necessary service that makes the world go round
The world would not be able to function without Seafarers. Seafaring has been a part of human history since the beginning of time. It’s a profession that is as old as civilization itself. Seafarers are responsible for transporting goods across the globe. Without them, the world would grind to a halt. Airports would be devoid of flights, and ports would be devoid of ships. Seafarers enable trade and communication to flourish across the globe. Their efforts are responsible for bringing together different cultures and nations. They are the ones who make the world go round.
9. And finally, because you should show appreciation whenever you can
As we’ve outlined in this blog post, there are many reasons why you should thank Seafarers. When people go to work, they do it for one reason — to earn a living. You don’t expect thanks for doing something that you are being paid for, but you should show appreciation to the people who do something that they are not being paid for. Choosing one day a year to show your appreciation isn’t enough. It’s important to show your appreciation to Seafarers every day. We should acknowledge their contributions and show gratitude for their efforts. If you have ever flown or eaten fresh seafood, eaten a salad or used sunscreen, you have benefitted from the efforts of Seafarers. It’s important to acknowledge the fact that they are working hard to keep your everyday life running smoothly.