LAYAG - Why SEAFARING? Scratch that − why not SEAFARING?

As the rasping, hasty waves reach the gravel portion of the shore, reality made its way in my system again. People don't want me to enter this portal. I am not supposed to be here because I am meant for another, they presume is better. Funny as it seems, this could be another cliché Romeo and Juliet situation; me and this course against the world? Yet, I am hoping this time, it would turn the other way around.

Swissssshhh… Swisssshh... Swissssshhh… The gentle sound of the calm waves compliments the soothing scenery of the sea as the sun's vibrant rays starts to envelop the depressingly dark sky. I laid back to my hard mattress after, hoping to get little sleep from the sudden woke-up. Minutes later, noises tried to penetrate in my ears subjugating my inner self from catnapping. I took my slippers and went downstairs heading towards the source of the early nuisance.

“Isa.. Duha.. Tulo! Abante, abante. Hooops, atras gamay. (One.. Two.. Three! Forward, forward. Hoops, a bit backward.)” A group of men is lifting a midsize fishing boat while calculating their steps toward the docking area. As I gaze on the other side, another bunch of women is collaborating to fill the boxes with the fish, freshly net by the callous hands of their partners. I look around, everyone is happily engaged with their own activities, treasuring the abundance of gift the ocean bestows. People from different ages converge as another boat arrived from the safe sail. Others were deboning, drying, grilling and cooking fishes in a variety as they satiate their growling stomachs.

One thing evident in my orbs, this place emits FELICITY. The sense of belongingness demands one to refrain from distracting realities of life and savor the new day offered to them instead. Despite the streaming sweat on their faces, the sweetest curves manage to emerge which even sparkle as they exchange ideas. This place screams no complexity. This is my haven. This is my home and this is where I belong − in my simple fisher folk community.

Thus, as I thrive every day, I learned to instill in my mind the vision of becoming a seafarer someday without forgetting and neglecting the lessons my simple home has provided. This dream won't falter for it entails the aspirations and trusts manifested in their radiant faces. Fueled by optimism, life was never easy but I learned not to relinquish as it is like a wave − it shall continue to move forward no matter how rough or calm the sea could be. Needless to say, life becomes more challenging as we take the step defying its adversity.

Moving forward, life near the sea evokes formidable fear. It is not always pleasant. It is not always tranquil. Crisis comes and people plead for food but the raging sea goes on. That's one of the cruelest realities; when famine strikes, families are at their lowest — at least, that's what I believed. But I was completely wrong, they were at their strongest phase. I saw persistence… and hope that like any other phenomena, it will pass. That unbeatable character they have glowing brightly in the inside is something I am holding onto as people start to discourage the course I am passionate about. I was questioned. My dream was disputed by many as I am not fit to it, my academic achievements to be exact. I was doomed which gradually dulled the fire from within. With a hint of reluctance, I keep the sail still, the path I wish to go.

A year ago, I browsed across this Marine Insight site that introduced an uplifting view about seafarers why one should be thankful to them.

𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸...

Fortunate enough, my hazy vision began to brighten and my fading self-esteem grew once again. I was enlightened by how crucial the existence of seafarers are as they carry and send goods to countries considering they cross the roughest and riskiest areas of the sea, not to mention also the mental and physical distress around.

Ironically, the dangerous ones are often invisible in the eyes of many. Disregarded. Ignored. Apathetic. Forgotten.

When in fact…

Seafarers run the global economy. Ninety percent (90%) of the world’s food, fuel, raw material and manufactured goods are delivered by sea. Nearly all things sold worldwide are transported through ships, which need skilled seafarers to operate, maintain and repair. We are consuming things not knowing that seafarers have poured their time to deliver those for our daily needs. Seafarers' work is indispensable.

Seafarers sacrifice their social life. One of the biggest difficulties seafarers face in their life (not out of choice) is staying away from their loved ones while they carry out their duties at sea. Ensuring that the cargo reaches the people, seafarers missed a lot of important occasions at home. They are tough enough to accept the bitter fact just to serve both their family and the economy.

Seafarers face extreme health hazard. Working on ships is not easy. Seafarers are prone to several specific diseases and illnesses because of the nature of the work and continuous travel to new places. Sad to say, there were no experts to extend medical help. Quite bravely, life there must go on to run the global economy.

Seafarers follow the toughest regulations and laws. With the increasing number of stringent regulations related to ships around the world, seafarers are facing grave difficulties not only to ensure their own safety but also to abide by the rules and regulations of environmental and ship protection. They follow and endure various laws in different countries and that while delivering the world cargo.

Seafarers work the most without the basic rights. A majority of seafarers sail without proper insurance or pension policies — few of the basic rights every working professional on this earth must get. Though seafarers deserve all the rights as much as the workers on land, they still work with the same intensity to provide the world with necessities.

To sum it all, seafarers are worthy to be recognized and appreciated as people forget to acknowledge their great contributions to the global industry.

With certainty and satisfaction, I head towards the swishing sounds and the scent of euphoria tingles my system. This environment never fails to amuse me. I have come here to make my vow. A promise to be fulfilled, not to shatter. That no matter how big the waves are, I will keep the foundation firm. No matter how oftentimes people dishearten me, I won't lower my guards. For this is my fate. I am bound to become a successful seafarer — no less, no more.

And if people ask me why seafaring? I'll just simply return the question, WHY NOT SEAFARING?

With head up and proud heart, I am certain, someday people will cease stereotyping us and the common stigma will no longer exist.

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