7 Problems Seafarers Can Face While Traveling To Foreign Land

7 Problems Seafarers Can Face While Traveling to Foreign Land
1 of 18
Premium eBook Store
http://www.marineinsight.com/marine/life-at-sea/10-problems-seafarer...
Marine Engineering
Nautical Science
Advertise
HOME
SEA LIFE
NEWS
TECH
PIRACY
NAVIGATION
VIDEOS
Infographics
Send Us News
SAFETY
FORUMS
Maritime Links
Resources
Team
CAREER
PHOTOS
Download Our 14 FREE Maritime eBooks. Just Sign-up With Your Best Email
DOWNLOAD NOW!
Facebook
5661
Twitter
65
Google+
LinkedIn
Pinterest
OCTOBER 25, 2013 BY RAUNEK
21 COMMENTS
If you are a maritime professional or planning to become one, then sooner or later you will have
get used to traveling an integral part of the shipping profession. Frequent traveling from one
country to another to reach destination ports and ships makes lives of maritime professionals
physically and mentally stressing. Moreover visiting new countries having different rules, custom
and traditions means dealing with a new set of laws every time.
24.11.2014 14:49
2 of 18
$22.63
We all have heard about horrifying stories of seafarers while they were traveling to new countrie
to join ships. One of the main reasons for such accidents is lack of common sense and inability
take some basic precautions.
The fact is most of these problems can be solved by being a bit aware of the situation you can g
into while traveling in foreign lands. Learn about seven common problems seafarers can face
while traveling to foreign lands.
Note: Before commencing your journey, ensure that you have checked your shipping contract ,
appointment letter and OK to Board letter properly. The contact number of local officer
personnel, foreign agents, and other important people will be issued by the company few days
before joining the ship. Make sure that you note them down properly and keep them with you all t
time.
24.11.2014 14:49
3 of 18
1. Loss of important documents

Losing important documents in a foreign land can be extremely scary. When you are moving
outside your native country, official documents are your only identity. It is therefore important to
take all necessary precautions to not only avoid loosing them but also to act without panic by
keeping a backup with a set of photocopies in case you do lose them. While making sets of
photocopies of documents, always keep one pair with your luggage bag and another back at yo
home. If you are a tech-savvy person (and we wish you are) then you can also scan the
documents and put them in your smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic gadgets. Yo
can also keep them in a cloud system or google drive so that they are available from
anywhere. There are several apps (both android and iphone) available, which you can take help
of, to manage and save your important documents.
In case you lose your documents in foreign land, inform your agent immediately and also file a
complain with the local police department. You might also be required to contact your countrys
embassy in certain situations.
2. Missing of flights
In order to reach their respective ships or while returning to their home land, seafarers are
required to take several connecting flights. Though a good transit time is always provided
between the two flights, there have been several cases wherein seafarers have missed their
flights because of certain reasons.
In case you miss your flight, immediately approach the airport administration and ask until what
time you can stay at the airport. This is because some airports require transit visas after staying
for a certain period of time at the airport. Contact your local office personnel of your country to
explain them the situation and informing about the transit visas, if required. Most of the time, the
officer personnel will be able to arrange an alternative flight or a return flight in case ongoing
flights are not available.
3. Luggage stolen or lost
Cases of luggage getting stolen or lost is a common occurrence that can happen with anyone. I
case your luggage is stolen/lost, file a complain with the airline and provide details of your foreig
agent and shipping office. In case your luggage is found it will be delivered to the agent, who w
then hand it over to you. Also, dont forget to claim stolen luggage allowance once you are bac
on ship. For such unforeseen incidents, always keep a set of clothes in your handbag. You will
needing a fresh pair them until your luggage arrives.
24.11.2014 14:49
4 of 18
4. Security check problem

Problems during security check at airports are increasing every year. There have been cases
registered wherein seafarers were detained and and even jailed for not following the local laws.
Visiting new countries means dealing with new laws and cultures. If is very common for seafarer
to be not aware of the local laws while visiting or transiting new countries. This often land them i
trouble.
As a matter of precaution, ensure that you check the laws of the country you are visiting in order
to avoid any kind of trouble (Ask your company/agent). For e.g. Hong Kong does not allow to
carry taser or stun guns, even in check-in luggage. Similarly, dubai does not allow carriage of
poppy seeds. There have been cases when people have been jailed for long term when found
with its possession.
Note: If your transit time is less and the security check is crowded, request the security personn
for a quicker access as you may miss to join your ship. However, never show aggression or ange
and always cooperate with the security officers even when you are in hurry. (As being restless a
aggressive can lead to further delay because of interrogation, thorough checking etc.
5. No agent to pick you up at airport
There will be times when you reach your destination on time but there is no agent to pick you up
or are required to wait for him. In such cases, just wait for the agent before taking any steps.
Dont panic and take a taxi for your destination. 99% of the time the agent will come to pick you
up. However, if no one comes to pick you up, call the agent using the contacts you have been
provided by the company. Still if you dont receive no response, call your local office personnel
and explain them about the situation. They will arrange a replacement for your agent to pick you
up.
Note: Dont leave the airport premises at any cost. It is always the most secured place in a new
country.
6. Immigration problem
The most common problems that are faced during immigration checks are errors in joining,
appointment, and ok to board letters. Dont forget to check these documents thoroughly once
you are assigned with them. Always keep your seafarers documents and passport in good
condition as some immigration authorities can create problem if the passport is torn or is stapled
or pasted with company sticker.
24.11.2014 14:49
5 of 18
Note: Always ask you company not to staple or paste any kind of document with your passport.
7. Accidents or injury
These are rare cases but they do occur. Injury or accidents in foreign land can lead to unfortuna
situations wherein the authority is not able to identify the victim. Always keep an identity card or
photocopy of the same in your pocket while traveling. Also, note down all the important contact
numbers on a piece of paper or diary, along with your name and company details so that the
countrys authorities are able to identify you and your purpose of visiting the country in case you
are unconscious and not in a condition to talk.
Getting into a problem in a foreign land is extremely dangerous and seafarers must take extra
precautions in order to avoid such situations. The above mentioned problems are some of the
most common ones that seafarers face while traveling. Do you know any other problem that
seafarers can face while traveling to foreign lands? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to ensure your safety while traveling? Checkout our ebook A Complete Guide to Travel
Safety for Seafarers
Like It? Share It
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Related Posts
24.11.2014 14:49
6 of 18
WHAT TO READ NEXT
10 Important Points of
Useful Information For
Seafarers
New Safety And Health

Guidelines To Protect
Seafarers
10 Photos Of Seafarers
10 Important
Having A Good Time On Organizations Seafarer
Can Contact For Help
Board Ships
Become Richer Than

You've Ever Imagined!
Millionaires Will Never

Tell You This
Shocking Trick to Make

$3,200 Every Day
How to Make $3200 A

Day And More
This trading loophole can bring

you $3,200 every day!
This loophole generates crazy

money on autopilot!
Don't miss out!
Getting started has never bee

easier!
Get Free News Updates Daily

Join 40000+ maritime professionals who receive daily newsletters, offers and more..
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and professional blogger.
After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing
Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.
COM M ENTS
Ramprasad says
October 26, 2013 at 10:45 am
This is a great website and I think you guys are doing a great job. I sailed from 1972
1995 and had no access to the information you now provide considering that
communication then was what it was
24.11.2014 14:49
7 of 18
Keep up the good job I regularly follow your posts

Ramprasad
Anish says
October 26, 2013 at 12:05 pm
We are glad you found the information in our website useful! Thank you!
Capt Mukul Chaturvedi says

October 26, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Very Practical and useful Information . Heartily appreciate .
kishan nair says

Thanq for the valuable information
Said says
24.11.2014 14:49
8 of 18
October 26, 2013 at 10:24 pm

Very interesting website. So, i would like to join it.
Anish says
You can subscribe to our newsletter here- http://marineinsight.com/subscribe
Capt Guru N. Misra says

October 28, 2013 at 2:40 am
Thank you for compiling marine related professional documents and releasing for public
consumption. You are doung yeoman service to the marien community. Keep up the
good work
24.11.2014 14:49
9 of 18
Karthick says
October 28, 2013 at 8:20 am
Local Currency
Most of the shops at airport accept USD., whereas the shops outside airport may not.
I faced a problem to buy food., when I was traveling with the agent from Port to airport. It
was a 4 hr drive and we have to pass through small towns., where people are unaware
about USD. So it better to have an International Debit card or some local currency in
hand.
Anish says
October 28, 2013 at 11:53 am
Dear Karthick,
Thank You for that Valuable addition.
Chukwumerije says
I like reading your articles, it inhences my study. You guys are realy trying a lotkeep it
up
24.11.2014 14:49
10 of 18
Chukwumerije says
differences in language is also one the proplem seafarer are facing when travelling to a
foreign country.
Zahid Imtiaz says

very useful.
vivek singh pundir says

November 20, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Very useful information Good job.
Syed Mashruk uz zaman says

January 7, 2014 at 10:09 am
Great job.Great job.
24.11.2014 14:49
11 of 18
prudvi raj says

April 7, 2014 at 5:15 pm
good job very useful info
vinod says
June 13, 2014 at 5:56 pm
Last time I signed off from Monrovia (Liberia ),the immigration officer forced me to bribe
him, as my agent had dropped me and left so I had to pay him otherwise I would have
missed my flight and all connecting flights after that.
Having agent standby for u is good if he stays..
Dmitriy says
June 13, 2014 at 7:34 pm
One of the main reasons for such accidents is lack of common sense and inability to
take some basic precautions. This is a main reason only for out-of-the-school-cadet
flying 1st time.
Main reason ( i would put it on 1st place) sometimes seaman have to travel to an
a*****e of this world there government nearly does not exist, let alone immigration rules
& so on.
24.11.2014 14:49
12 of 18
Funsho says
June 14, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Nice write up.
Though Im just new to becoming a seafarer(graduate of Transport
Management:maritime B.Tech (Hons))
I just got my STCW and EDH Certificates and looking forward in sailing and riding the
waves
Kiev says
June 15, 2014 at 2:22 pm
I am currently doing my pre sea training at Institute of maritime studies Goa. I find your
site very informative and i feel it will go a long way to help me in the future.
Thank you Mr. Raunek
KAPIL BHARDWAJ says

July 13, 2014 at 11:54 pm
this site is really helpful to make anyones carrier safe
24.11.2014 14:49
13 of 18
johnson says
November 24, 2014 at 5:31 am
Bravo
LEAVEA REPLY
Name *
Email *
Comment
POST COMMENT
24.11.2014 14:49
14 of 18
LATESTNEW S
Watch: Winch Rescue Off

Cruise Ship Caught On
Cam
Worlds Largest Cruise
Companies To Support
Cruise Industry Growth in
China
Over 800 Seaborne
Migrants Saved In Italy,
Northern Cyprus
Video: 2014 IMO Award for
Bravery at Sea
EU Counter-piracy
Operation Atalanta
Extended To End of 2016
Read more latest news...
CHECKOUTOUR PREM IUM EBOOKS
Shop Now >
Shop Now >
24.11.2014 14:49
15 of 18
Shop Now >
Shop Now >
Shop Now >
Shop Now >
LATESTFORUM POSTS
sir if after joining merchant navy if my eyesight
becomes weak wi
India is finally stepping in the fields of Offshore
Wind energy.
Dear Amitava chakravorty,any pilot or master,
this request is for
Evening Everyone, Looking for some
help/advice on what you bel
what does Greensea means?
SEARCH M ARINEINSIGHT
SEARCH
EXPERTAUTHORS
24.11.2014 14:49
POPULAR POSTS
Shocking Video:
Spanish Navy Rams
Greenpeace Boats...
Worldwide Ship Traffic

Up 300 Percent Since
1992...
Worlds Largest
Containership With
19,000 TEU Ca...
10 Things Deck Officer

Must Know While
Operating M...
Quantum Of The Seas

Named Best New Ship
In 2014...
Deepwater
Semi-submersible
Drilling Rig
COSLProspe...
Video Tutorial:
Construction And
Working Of Marine...
Coast Guard And EPA

Take Action On North
American ...
POPULAR PHOTOS
16 of 18
24.11.2014 14:49
17 of 18
CAREERS
10 Common Questions Asked by

Aspiring Merchant Navy
Professionals
Working on Seismic Vessels: A
General Overview of Ships Crew
8 Myths To Be Cleared Up Before
Joining Merchant Navy
10 Important Jobs Deck Cadets Have
To Perform On board Ships
What is Helicopter Underwater
Escape Training (HUET)?
24.11.2014 14:49
18 of 18
More Posts from this Category
LIFEATSEA
10 Important Points of Useful

Information For Seafarers
How to Cope With Emergencies at
Home While You Are Sailing?
Pros and Cons Of Internet Onboard
Ships: A Sailors Perspective
Unique Ship Shaped Hospital To Be
Constructed
10 Important Organizations Seafarers
Can Contact For Help
PIRACY ATSEA
Pirate Ransom Negotiations:

Resolving the Paradoxes of
Extortionate Transactions with
Somali Pirates
Audacious Open-ocean Ambush of
Product Tanker in Gulf of Guinea
Enforcing the Law: An Economic
Approach to Maritime Piracy and its
Control
Are We Sleepwalking Back to Piracy?
10 Things to Consider Before Your
Ship Enters Piracy Prone Area
Copyright 2014 MarineInsight All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer | About Us
24.11.2014 14:49

7 Problems Seafarers Can Face While Traveling To Foreign Land

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

7 Problems Seafarers Can Face While Traveling To Foreign Land

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7 Problems Seafarers Can Face While Traveling to Foreign Land

Premium eBook Store

OCTOBER 25, 2013 BY RAUNEK