Sailing is not an easy task, both for the old or new seafarers. Some people refer to themselves as the masters of the sea in sailing, but I don’t think it is 100% accurate. Can anyone truly master the sea completely? The sea is unpredictable, everything can go wrong at any moment. One can only get used to the sea and find a way to maneuver the difficult situation to avoid tragedy. 

Seafaring is risky and demanding. One needs to get used to it, to be able to have a good experience on board. There are points needed to be kept in mind while onboard to reduce the risk exposure. All these points work under one thing, and that is safety. There is no such thing as being too careful; safety can never be overrated or overemphasized. Safety always comes first before any other thing; make sure you adhere strictly to all the safety rules and regulations given to you.

Most shipping companies have standing guidelines and rules to ensure a safe voyage. This article would list important and necessary points to be taken seriously while on the sea.

POINTS TO BE KEPT IN MIND WHILE SAILING ONBOARD

WEAR PROTECTIVE GEARS

Always be with your safety gear when working offshore, and protective gears are of paramount importance. The sea cannot be predicted or trusted. Anything can happen at any time. Avoid situations that will put our life and that of your crew members in danger because you might be playing a vital role on the ship, and losing you can place them in a hazardous position. Wear protective gear at all times.

HEALTH AND FITNESS 

Staying fit and healthy also helps ensure your safety; bad health can lead to all sought-in risk. Before embarking on any voyage, make sure you are properly fit to go onboard a ship, prior to doing this can lead to a more severe outcome. You are maintaining your health and fitness while on the ship is also very important. Avoid anything that will affect our health negatively. Ensure you are properly covered at all times, especially at nights, due to how cold it gets at nights. Lastly, do appropriate exercises that can keep you fit and eat healthily.

MAINTAIN A GOOD HYGIENE

While sailing, you can be easily exposed to various illnesses if not properly prevented, and the most important prevention method is by maintaining cleanliness. Personal hygiene is a very necessary factor, not just for your body but also for your sleeping and working space. Ensure your shower at the appropriate time and make sure your clothes are always neat.

ADHERE TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS 

Little mistakes can lead to another and can finally lead to something big. To avoid such situations, adhere strictly to guidelines guarding the ship. There is a reason for each rule, do not assume, keep to the rule. 

NO HAZZARD IS MINOR

In the maritime world, no hazard is referred to as a minor. Crashing into a little ice pack can sink the entire ship if not properly handled. Do not underestimate any hazard encountered.

BE A TEAM PLAYER 

No man is an island; you have to be a team player, learn to associate with your other colleagues. When onboard a ship, everyone needs to watch everybody’s back. Doing your own thing at all times can be risky. Therefore it is not advisable.

USE EQUIPMENTS YOU ARE CONVERSANT WITH

Before using any equipment, be sure that you have gone through adequate training for it. Do not try to act smart cause you can endanger your life and that of others. Use the equipment you are trained to use. Before sailing as a seafarer, you get properly trained for a specific role. Every crew member has an important to play while onboard a ship. Stick to your role to ensure a safe voyage.

BE ON GUARD ALWAYS

Always be alert! Be ready for anything. The shipping industry is full of risks, risks that come up without warning. Learn how to take precautions before things get out of hand, be prepared to do whatever it takes to guarantee your safety. Try not to be caught off guard.

HEAD BEFORE HANDS 

Think first before taking action! Please do not panic in hazardous situations, think through whatever actions you feel you have to take, evaluate it properly before carrying it out. Actions carried out in fear without being thought through, and often end in a perilous manner.

KNOW WHEN TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

Everyone needs help every once in a while. When you see a situation getting out of hand, call for help. Assuming or pretending that you have everything under control when you know you don’t is risky. Putting your life and that of others at risk is selfishness; try to do the right thing to avoid hazards.

REST WHEN YOU CAN

The job of a seafarer is not an easy one; it can be stressful. When you get an opportunity to rest, make sure you make proper use of your rest period to avoid fatigue. 

MAINTAIN SAFETY CULTURE

This is more like a summary of all we have listed above. We are emphasizing safety due to its importance. Maintain good health, fitness, and personal hygiene. Follow all the tailored safety rules, attend all the safety meetings to know if there is any new development, be observant, report any suspicious situation to whoever is in charge, and lastly, take care of yourself.

Final Words

If all these points are kept in mind, there will be no use for unnecessary difficult situations. Bad things don’t always happen while on the sea, but there is no harm in staying safe at all times, prevention is better than cure.

 Above all this, always try to have a positive mindset, be optimistic. Do not always hope for the worse, but rather, be ready for the worse. The shipping industry is not an easy one, but all things being equal, are fun-filled.

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