A career at sea is wonderful! However, after many years of sailing, there comes a time for a seafarer when the feeling seeps in, it’s enough! Now I must be on land. I often hear this from most of the seafarers who are contemplating transitioning ashore. However, this is easier said than done.
Leaving a fascinating sea career is not an easy decision, yet many seafarers who dared to come ashore early have not only conquered them but also remained undefeated in their new endeavors.
In this article, I will try to touch few important points which often a seafarer deliberates when he/she wish to make a transition ashore.
- What is your purpose & objective behind considering a job ashore?
The most important milestone is the DECISION to switch ashore come what may. The shore organizations are very skeptical in taking seafarers for the 1 st job ashore as they feel seafarers will not be able to adjust ashore and may go back to sailing citing various reasons. So, you need to be very clear of your objective as why do you wish to come ashore. Once you are clear of your objective only that you can convince the employer for your willingness to switch and can give them the confidence that you will not go back to sea. - When you think of a job ashore what do you think are your possible career options?
Another important question a seafarer needs to check is the possible career options available ashore . A careful research, planning is required to ensure you hit the road right. There is a plethora of options available to shift ashore namely – Chartering, Operations, Commercial, Marketing, Sales each of which have people working within and being seafarer will give you an edge as compared to other candidates who are civilians. However, choosing the one thing which you are interested OR most importantly suited to, will go a long way. You could talk to various shore professionals into different roles and seek their advice, understand all the pros and cons so it does not come as a surprise to you. Take your time, you need to have a decent length of run up for mental preparation This exercise will assist in firming up your decision. - When you think of a job ashore what minimum salary expectation do you have? Sailing salary vis -a -vis shore salary are way apart so do not shift having a fancy notion that your sailing salary will be considered for shore job. Don’t be surprised that in spite of having a wealth of experience at sea you will be considered a fresher at shore. Having covered this, you would need to plan your finances accordingly. If not planned well, you will end up in a shock in the system and will be the waypoint for altering course back to sea.
- When you think of a job ashore what factors appear in your favour?
A very important deliberation for a seafarer. Don’t just switch just because you don’t wish to sail anymore and wish to start something ashore. Check whether your finances in control, whether you have a family support, if trying entrepreneurship do you possess the skill, if desire to pursue a career outside shipping do you have a desired qualification. - When you think of a job ashore what factors do you see as a challenge/challenges?
Each may have a different challenge but majority I have observed is the adjustment to office culture. Age factor, financial obligation, Timeline are another factors to be taken into consideration. If you do not have the timeline factored in each of the above points, it will be very difficult to assess the time when you would be ready to quit. - What could be the probable solutions to overcome the above challenges?
Clarity: which will come with deliberate contemplation and once cleared you now need to have a firm WRITTEN down action plan with associated timeline. Also, sharing the same with family will help them understanding your actions better.
The approach: Shore job brings a very different perspective on the industry which you felt “you knew it all”. Hence one should approach the shore job as a new beginning with lot of learning opportunities along the way.
Courses/training to switch ashore: Without clarity of purpose doing some course which is available, will be only waste of your time and money.80% of shore jobs available do not require any training other than the experience gained at sea.
To conclude: Switching ashore for seafarer has always been the toughest decisions of their life however, if proper due diligence is done, the decision could be very enriching and fulfilling for the seafarer and his family in the long run. If you have followed the above steps diligently, the chances of going back to sea is minimal. Last but not the least, once you have shifted ashore and started working, just have a faith and belief in yourself that your shore journey is also going to be adventurous and thrilling just the way you started your first voyage at sea.
Author: Neetu Jaiswal
Founder Nevoxel Counsultancy
