Product Code Database
A sailor, seaman, mariner, or seafarer is a person who works aboard a watercraft as part of its crew, and may work in any one of a number of different fields that are related to the operation and maintenance of a ship. While the term sailor has its etymological roots from sailing, that is a time when were the main mode of transport at sea, it now refers to the personnel of all watercraft regardless of the type of vessel, boat or ship. It encompasses people who operate ships professionally, be it for a military (navy) or civilian (merchant navy) or for sports or recreation. In a navy, there may be further distinctions: sailor may refer to any member of the navy even if they are based on land, while seaman may refer to a specific enlisted rank. Additionally, fisherman are seen as a distinct type of sailor, that is those engaged in fishing.
Sailors have existed from the earliest periods in history as people used boats for purposes such as maritime transport. Professional sailors normally undertake training or other forms of education to develop their skills. Professional sailors are also governed by regulations, including the STCW Convention.
There was Norse colonization of the Americas. After Erik the Red was exiled in Iceland, he sailed to Greenland and formed a settlement there. His son Leif Erikson would explore the east coast of North America around 1000 CE, naming areas Helluland, Markland, and Vinland. Thorfinn Karlsefni would later settle briefly near the areas explored by Erikson and have a son there before deciding to return to Iceland.
Ferdinand Magellan led the first expedition that circumnavigated the globe in 1519–1522.
Working at sea safely also requires adequate clothing (especially when working outside on a vessel) or PPE depending on the job.
An important skill as a sailor when working with others (a crew) is effective communication.
| + Standard merchant watch system ! !!Day 1 !! Day 2 !! Day 3 |
There are specific challenges to work-life balance as a seafarer due to the nature of employment itself, such as the physical distance between one's job and home. (2025). 9781317578741, Taylor and Francis. ISBN 9781317578741 Seafarers typically live on board their ships and may find this experience to be isolating and lonely. (2025). 9789041133496, Kluwer Law International. ISBN 9789041133496 Another challenge facing sailors on international voyages is the adjustment to timezones as the ship sails through various oceans. An adopted solution is to gradually adjust the timings of the ship which often leads to wake-up times being adjusted periodically. Sampson further notes that ships often have a 'dry ship' or 'no alcohol' policy which prohibits even the possession of alcohol with 'random testing' taking place 'fairly regularly'.
Internet accessibility has been possible with the advent of satellite communication, mainly from providers such as Inmarsat, iridium and Starlink. The availability of affordable roaming SIM cards with online top-up facilities have also contributed to improved connection with friends and family. As internet data has become cheaper, seafarers have gained better connectivity, however they are often charged for using data. In 2022, the right to internet access for sailors was adopted in the Maritime Labour Convention although shipowners can charger sailors for this service.
Merchant sailors may belong to a trade union to allow for collective bargaining of wages and other employment benefits. In the US, the rate of unionization for these workers is about 36 percent, much higher than the average for all occupations. US merchant marine officers and seamen, both veterans and beginners, are hired for voyages through union hiring halls. Hiring halls fill jobs by the length of time the person has been registered at the hall and by their union seniority. Hiring halls typically are found in major seaports in the US. However, merchant sailors can also be hired by direct employment with a shipowner or crewing agency. Filipino seamen typically gain employment at sea through a seafarers pool (agency). Regardless of the contract of employment (union, shipowner, agency) since 2013 merchant sailors should now be given a seafarer's employment agreement under the Maritime Labour Convention that sets out basic employment terms and renumeration.
A common deck crew for a large merchant ship includes:
The engineering department will vary according to the type and size of the ship. The engineering crew for a large merchant ship typically includes:
Merchant ships will also typically train and have onboard one or more Engine Cadets (unlicensed Trainee engineer). Other possible positions include fitter, machinist, electrician, refrigeration engineer and tankerman. Electricians on merchant ships are known as Electro-technical officers (ETO). They have separate training, education and licensing requirements.
The chief steward directs, instructs, and assigns personnel performing such functions as preparing and serving meals; cleaning and maintaining officers' quarters and steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and inventorying stores. The chief steward also plans menus, compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records. The steward may requisition or purchase stores and equipment. Galley's roles may include baking. A chief steward's duties may overlap with those of the steward's assistant, the chief cook, and other Steward's department crewmembers.
A chief steward in the United States Merchant Marine must have a Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the United States Coast Guard and have taken an approved food management course. All cooks who sail internationally are similarly documented by their respective countries because of international conventions and agreements, specifically a requirement for a Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency under the Maritime Labour Convention.
Typically, the only time that steward department staff are charged with duties outside the steward department is during emergencies and training such as fire/boat drills.
are also licensed seafarers that have additional knowledge, training and experience in sailing local waterways, ports and harbours. Sailors who become pilots typically have to undertake a pilotage exam to demonstrate their knowledge of local waters and their shiphandling experience.
There are many charitable and welfare organisations that assist sailors around the world, including the Sailors' Society, the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), the Marine Society, the Mission to Seafarers and others.
The rights of sailors who operate in a commercial capacity are set out and protected under the Maritime Labour Convention which was adopted in 2006 and entered into force in 2013.
|
|
