Ask any seafarer what the hardest part of the job is and many will not say the weather or the workload. They will say the distance from home.
What makes it hard
- Missing birthdays, holidays and milestones.
- Time zones that make regular calls difficult.
- Feeling that life at home continues without you.
- Returning home and needing time to fit back into daily routines.
What helps
- Agree on a rhythm. A short call at a fixed time is often better than long, irregular ones.
- Share small things. Photos of sunsets, the galley food, a funny moment. Small updates build closeness.
- Plan the leave. Talk about what you both want from your time ashore before you arrive.
- Keep a routine onboard. Exercise, sleep and meals on schedule help your mood.
- Talk to shipmates. Almost everyone onboard feels the same. Naming it makes it lighter.
If the distance starts to feel heavy for weeks, do not hide it. Speak with a trusted colleague, your company's welfare contact or a seafarers' helpline.
Your family is part of your crew too. Keep them in the loop.