From time immemorial, so many assumptions have been placed on what the merchant navy is all about. Some of these assumptions are true, while some, on the other hand, are not anywhere near the fact or truth.

Before focusing on the main topic, we would like to briefly define the merchant navy and what it is really about.

Merchant Navy can be referred to as commercial shipping. Merchant vessels registered under a specific country are transported to different states or countries for profit. Unlike the name implies, merchant navy is not used for military purposes but rather for commercial purposes. Those working on these ships are often referred to as seafarers. These seafarers or mariners are well trained for various important roles on the ships. The role of merchant Navy in the shipping industry is a very vital one.

Back to our primary purpose of writing this article, here is a list of some people’s assumptions or beliefs about merchant Navy.

1. SEAFARERS DRINK A LOT

This is the most ridiculous of all the myths, alcohol is cheap and easy to get on board, but that doesn’t attest to the fallacy that mariners drink a lot. Maybe it was so in ancient times based on the stories the old and retired sailors tell, and most movies and books about sailors imply so. In these recent times, we can assure you that it is no longer. As a matter of fact, most ships have zero tolerance for alcohol for safety’s sake. A drunk crewmember assigned to an important role on a ship can put everyone’s life on board the ship in grave danger. Added to that, alcohol tests are always taken randomly on every crew member. The myth about seafarers drinking a lot is nothing but a fallacy.

2. SEARFARES ARE WOMANIZERS

Just like the assumption about seafarers being alcoholics, this is also a very common myth. Seafarers are always moving from one place to another. It is believed that philander in the process. Moving from place to place exposes them to many women, but that doesn’t mean that they flirt with them. Most mariners are married and faithful, but then again, old and retired sailors would beg to differ. Most of them never fail to boast about their escapades with a woman before they became retired.

3. SEAFARES HAVE LOADS OF MONEY

Well, seafarers earn a lot but not as much as the world thinks, and to be fair, the pay is more than deserved. Merchant Navy is risky in the sense that the sea is totally unpredictable, anything can happen with little or no warning. The point we are trying to make is for a job with so much risk, the pay really needs to be worth it. Secondly, leaving one’s friends and family for a long time is not easy at all. In conclusion, seafarers are not very loaded, but they earn a deserved salary.

4. PIRATES OFTEN ATTACKS SEAFARERS

Pirates pose a threat to seafarers, but they aren’t that much of a threat in most countries. The merchant Navy has set in place some safety measures to tackle pirates’ situations, and some countries have provided the shipping industry with armed guards against pirates. So to address the issue, seafarers are not often attacked by pirates.

5. SEAFARERS ARE CONSTANTLY SEASICK

This is a really funny myth and so not accurate. Anyone can be seasick, and seasickness doesn’t actually affect everyone. Some people have tolerable body systems when at sea while some are not as fortunate, seafarers are humans and can fall into any of these categories.

6. SEAFARERS FIGHT WARS

The name Merchant Navy sounds like it is associated with armed forces, but the fact is, it has nothing to do with them in any way. Merchant Navy strictly serves commercial purposes. The Navy is what causes the confusion. It is only called Merchant Navy because it is associated with the sea. Mariners do not fight wars. They transport merchant vessels to different locations for commercial purposes.

7. MOST SEAFARERS ARE UNEDUCATED

To achieve a higher rank as a seafarer, education is keen. The more the level of education, the higher the rank. Before, seafaring was judged based on experience, but things are no longer as they use to be. Unless a seafarer or sailor or mariner wants to continue being a deckhand, getting a degree is the best option.

8. SEAFARERS TRAVEL TO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

This is so true. One of the advantages that come with merchant navy is that the seafarers get to visit different countries. This doesn’t mean that they get to actually go into most of these countries. Unlike the old sailors that had the opportunity to go into different states and countries and even frolic, times have really changed, and so has the pattern of trade. So most times, the recent seafarers do not go beyond the ports.  

9. ALL SEAFARERS ARE EXCELLENT SWIMMERS

A seafarer needs to know how to swim but doesn’t need to be an expert. Being an excellent swimmer has little or nothing to do with safety protocols at sea. Merchant navy mostly operates on high seas, meaning swimming ashore is almost impossible. 

10. SEAFARERS DO NOTHING ON SEA

This is a really wrong notion, there is no point for a ship’s crew if there is nothing to do. Seafarers perform serious tasks when they are at sea. Each of the crew members is assigned to a specific role for a successful voyage. Most of these roles are very difficult, but notwithstanding, seafarers always perform their tasks. A seafarer is a hard worker. 

Final Words

Merchant Navy contributes a lot to a country’s economy, a country with a failed shipping industry is doomed. Seafarers play really important roles in the world, so instead of believing and even spreading offensive fallacies about them, defend them whenever you can, they are the backbone of every successful nation.