Traveling to various foreign countries is nothing new for seafarers. It is a steady occurrence. The shipping world is unpredictable. vessels to be transported to different places can come at any time, including traveling to foreign countries. Some seafarers even picked up the profession so that they can travel to different parts of the world.
As a seafarer or an intending seafarer, you should learn to be always prepared for anything, always be ready, always be at alert. The idea of being able to travel to different foreign countries as a seafarer may seem nice, but you should know that it’s not all cream and butter. You could encounter different problems if not well prepared; different issues can come up at any time.
There are certain compulsory protocols that seafarers cannot bypass when traveling to or when in a foreign country. Therefore, all important and necessary documents should be kept in place before embarking on such journeys. One of these important documents is ok to board a letter. To be on board a ship in a foreign country, every seafarer needs an onboard pass.
Problems are bound to come up when traveling to avoid experiencing any of such problems, awareness and taking precautions are a seafarer’s best bet. Here are some problems to look at as a seafarer;
- Lack of Accurate Information
This is one of the most important and sensitive problems to be aware of and avoid. All seafarers need to be aware of the dos and don’ts of any country they are traveling to. Before traveling, do research and ask questions to find important information about the foreign country you are traveling to. If you lack the tools needed for the research, ask a more experienced colleague or superior. Knowledge, they say, is the key to success. The information is referred to as not just about the rules guiding the country. It ranges from knowing what document you need to have and knowing about the country’s weather and way of life. Being caught unaware is the worst thing that can happen to a seafarer.
2. Missing or Incomplete Documents
As mentioned earlier, a seafarer should always be prepared. Before traveling, make sure all your important documents are complete, up to date, and at hand, to avoid being caught off guard. Not having the necessary document can cause a lot of problems for the seafarer. The authorities or personnel in charge of the check for these documents in most countries are quite strict, based on the obvious fact that they need to protect the security of their country
3. When the Agent Meant Pick You Up at the Airport is Nowhere to be Found.
This problem is not as common as the others, but it still needs to be addressed. Most agents make it on time to pick seafarers at the airport, but some mistakes or misfortunes cannot be predicted or avoided. Anything could go wrong. There could be a traffic jam, or worse, an accident or unavoidable circumstances, or even a lack of proper information from the seafarer or the company the seafarer works for. Any of the following can make an agent miss the appointment of picking a seafarer up from the airport.
To play your part as a seafarer traveling to a foreign country, create proper communication between you and your agent. Firstly, make sure you are properly informed by the company you work for about who your agent is and how to get across to the agent when you get to your destination.
Most importantly, if your agent is not present to pick you up, do not leave the airport on any account. try to call the agent or the company you work for to provide an alternative option for you.
4. Loss of Baggage
No one is above making mistakes! People forget their property or luggage at the airport all the time. The fact is, an issue like this can be completely avoided. Always be on alert, do not be forgetful, and lastly, be careful.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of missing your luggage, report to the right authority, and do not forget to claim your stolen luggage allowance for seafarers once you get on board the ship you are to sail with.
5. Local Currency
This may not sound like a problem, but traveling to a foreign country problem for seafarers. Not all accept dollars. some countries accept only their currency.
To avoid being in an awkward situation, change some of your dollars to the foreign country’s local currency. you are to work in or preferably, have an international debit card.
6. Local language
Communication is key. Lack of proper communication can lead to so many unwanted and avoidable situations. In situations where the lack of proper communication can’t be helped due to the language barrier, make sure you have someone who understands both languages and can translate them properly. We are in a world where technology has been built to make things easier for everyone. every seafarer traveling to different foreign countries should make a language translating App, a priority.
7. Missing Flight
This problem can be caused by unforeseen or unavoidable situations or due to misplaced priority by the seafarer. Endeavor to be punctual, but if the situation is beyond your making and you miss your flight, please report to the right authority on time, update the agent supposed to pick you up at the airport, and lastly, alert your employers. Issues like this should be handled in the right way to avoid a more serious problem.
8. Lack of Understanding
Whoever asks questions never misses his/her way.
If you do not understand an instruction or instructions given to you, please ask questions. Do not try to pretend or act like you are too smart. Your lack of understanding may not be your fault, but the fault of whoever passes the information to you.
As a seafarer traveling to a foreign country, to avoid problems, make sure you completely understand all the information or instructions you were given.
9. Problems with Immigration
Immigration problems can get messy. it could even lead to immediate deportation. All seafarers should make sure their traveling documents are up to date and available, do not forget or misplace your important documents and make sure all your documents are in shape.
10. Going Against Instructions
Do not ever forget that you are in a foreign country! Most things overlooked in your country because you are a citizen may not be overlooked in a foreign country.
No one is above the law. All seafarers should endeavor to adhere to them to avoid landing into problems, with the foreign country’s authority or with their employers.
The duties seafarers perform are not in the least bit easy. They can be stressful. Avoid adding more stress through problems that could have been avoided by being aware and prepared.
Seafarers can avoid traveling to a foreign country’s problems! Be aware, take precautions!
