We should not give up and allow the problem to defeat us

‘Day of the Seafarer’ is coming up soon. That day where we show seafarers our support and gratitude by shouting out loud that ‘Seafarers are Keyworkers'!
But this year, we thought we’d change the concept a little bit and instead call it ‘Week of the Seafarer’. Simply because we believe that seafarers deserve more than just a day to be acknowledged for their extraordinary and enormous effort and sacrifices during the corona pandemic. So, from Friday 19th of June and all the way to Thursday, June 25 on the real Day of the Seafarer, we are dedicating our platforms to pay tribute to seafarers who are experiencing extra-long voyages and are missing home and loved ones. And to all other seafarers who are simply awesome because they make the world move every day.

This is the voice of Third Officer on board METTE MAERSK, Fevin Victor:

“Hello mates, this is Fevin Victor, Third officer onboard the METTE MAERSK. I would like to share how we as Mette Family are positively going through the crew change suspension and contract extension.

Every human on earth is affected and stressed by this pandemic. It has changed everyone’s usual routine. Seafarers are no less affected by this whether we are sailing onboard or at home for holidays. With countries imposing travel bans for overcoming the Corona crisis, has left the seafarers either to remain onboard or to stay at home for a longer period of time than we all expected. According to my experience, the best way to combat this situation will be developing positive thoughts within ourselves and maintaining a good mental health.

We are managing this situation by mingling with other seafarers and having a social life onboard. Having fun activities like PlayStation tournament, Table tennis, a game of Bingo and movie nights is playing a big part in maintaining our mental health, having fun and to get rid of stress. Getting updated with everyday news and talking to family and friends asking if they are safe helps a lot, and so does speaking to your colleagues onboard.

I realized my mental health was improving when I got out of my cabin, spending time in the day room or cinema rather than trying to battle with slow internet speeds and wasting time with my smartphone. By doing so onboard, we have become good friends rather than just being colleagues.

For many seafarers who were looking forward to go home, this unexpected situation has made us extend our contracts several months. Though it is affecting us a lot, a seafarer must be proud of his profession helping a lot of people around the world by supplying their basic needs like food, medical equipment etc. in this difficult situation. As a team we have always been doing it and continue to do so no matter whatever is trying to stop us. Let’s keep up the spirit as always and also motivate our friends onboard in maintaining good mental health. Getting social with others onboard will help getting through this, whether you are watching a movie together or playing a game of Bingo, it will surely make everyday life onboard easier, funnier and maybe even more stress free. A lot of things can happen by just opening up and speaking to others. Knowing what your colleagues are going through will help everyone in developing a good working culture onboard.

For seafarers who are longing to get back onboard, remember to spend and enjoy valuable time with your loved ones, as it is every seaman’s dream to be home.

I am so happy to be a part of seafaring profession. Apart from everything, we humans at sea will continue to serve the world and I strongly hope we will get over the pandemic very soon. We should not give up and allow any problem to defeat us.”