The merchant navy is a prestigious career that offers high salaries, global exposure, and adventure. It is a profession that allows seafarers to travel the world, gain technical skills, and work in a dynamic environment. However, despite the many benefits of a merchant navy career, some seafarers quit sea jobs and move to shore-based careers. The reasons for this decision vary, and while the shipping industry remains a great career choice, life at sea is not for everyone in the long run. In this blog, we explore the top 10 reasons why seafarers quit sea jobs and choose to work on land.
1. Time Away from Family
One of the biggest challenges of a seafarer’s life is staying away from family for long periods. Seafarers spend months at sea, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. While technology has made communication easier, it cannot replace physical presence. Family life is important, and many seafarers eventually transition to shore-based jobs to spend more time with their loved ones. Work-life balance becomes a priority as they grow older.
Moreover, seafarers often feel disconnected from their children and spouses, as they miss out on the everyday moments that strengthen family bonds. While some families adjust to this lifestyle, others find it difficult to maintain relationships over long distances. This emotional gap becomes a major reason why seafarers start looking for career options that allow them to stay closer to their families.
2. Physical & Mental Health Challenges
Seafarer jobs are physically demanding. Long working hours, extreme weather conditions, and sleep deprivation can take a toll on physical health. In addition, mental health issues among seafarers are becoming a growing concern. Being away from home, dealing with stress at sea, and working in an isolated environment can cause depression and anxiety. Many seafarers choose shore-based careers for a healthier lifestyle and better mental well-being.
Ships operate 24/7, and crew members often work long shifts without adequate rest. Prolonged stress and sleep deprivation can lead to chronic fatigue, heart conditions, and other health problems. Moreover, seafarers are sometimes hesitant to seek help for mental health concerns due to the stigma attached to it in the industry. Transitioning to a land-based job can help improve both physical and mental health by offering a more balanced work environment.
3. Career Growth & Job Stability
The merchant navy career path is structured, but promotions depend on experience, certifications, and available vacancies. Some seafarers feel their career growth is slow and uncertain. In contrast, shore-based maritime jobs such as port management, ship operations, and marine insurance offer faster career progression and job stability. Seafarers who prefer steady income and long-term career opportunities often move ashore.
Additionally, as automation and technology advance in the shipping industry, some roles may become obsolete or require new skills. Seafarers who proactively transition to shore-based careers can secure positions that offer stability and professional growth, reducing the uncertainty of long-term employment at sea.
4. Interest in New Career Opportunities
Over time, some seafarers develop new interests in fields like maritime law, logistics, marine surveying, or shipbroking. The experience gained at sea helps them transition into roles that utilize their maritime knowledge in different ways. Changing careers after the merchant navy is common, as seafarers seek diverse career options that offer personal and professional growth.
Many seafarers enroll in specialized courses while working at sea to prepare for a transition into new fields. Their expertise in navigation, marine engineering, and ship operations makes them valuable assets in various industries, allowing them to explore careers beyond traditional seafaring roles.
5. Work Environment & Lifestyle Changes
The life of a seafarer is highly structured, requiring discipline and adaptability. The strict work schedules and limited social life at sea are not suitable for everyone. Some seafarers prefer working in a more flexible, interactive, and comfortable environment. Office jobs in the shipping industry, such as fleet management and port operations, provide a stable work environment without long months of isolation.
Additionally, life at sea can become monotonous, with limited entertainment and social interaction. While some thrive in this environment, others find it difficult to sustain in the long run. A transition to a land-based role provides a chance to engage in hobbies, pursue further education, and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
6. Changes in the Shipping Industry
The shipping industry is evolving with automation, artificial intelligence, and new regulations. While these changes create new opportunities in maritime careers, they also reduce the need for certain seafarer roles. Some professionals move to shore-based shipping jobs in areas like marine cybersecurity, digital ship operations, and logistics technology to stay ahead in their careers.
With automation reducing the need for manual operations, seafarers must adapt to these changes by acquiring new skills. Some choose to transition to careers where they can work with these emerging technologies rather than being replaced by them.
7. Health & Medical Concerns
Even with modern safety measures, health risks at sea are a concern. Seafarers often experience chronic back pain, fatigue, and stress-related illnesses. Access to medical facilities on ships is limited, and severe health issues can become difficult to manage. Many seafarers switch to shore-based maritime careers to ensure better healthcare access and a healthier lifestyle.
For older seafarers, recurring medical conditions become harder to manage at sea, making shore-based jobs a more practical choice. A career on land offers better medical care and allows individuals to focus on long-term health management.
8. Family Responsibilities
As seafarers grow older, their family responsibilities increase. They may need to take care of ageing parents, support their children’s education, or help their spouse with household responsibilities. The best shore jobs for ex-seafarers provide a way to continue working in the shipping industry while being physically present for their families.
Many seafarers eventually reach a stage where they must choose between career and family. Moving to a shore-based role allows them to fulfil their duties as parents and caregivers without compromising their professional lives.
Also Read: 7 Essential Tips for Seafarers in Long-Distance Relationships
9. Financial Planning & Investments
A career in the merchant navy offers high salaries, allowing seafarers to save and invest wisely. Many professionals plan their financial future, by investing in real estate, businesses, or stock markets. After achieving financial security, some seafarers retire early or transition into shore-based careers that offer a more settled lifestyle.
Financial planning plays a crucial role in career transitions. Many seafarers start their businesses or invest in ventures that generate passive income, allowing them to retire from sea life earlier than expected.
10. Personal Choice & Career Transition
Ultimately, career decisions are personal. Some seafarers stay at sea for a lifetime, while others choose to transition to shore-based jobs based on their evolving career goals and lifestyle preferences. The best career options for ex-seafarers include roles in shipping companies, maritime logistics, port management, and shipbuilding. Whether at sea or on land, the experience of a seafarer is highly valuable in many industries.
Choosing to move ashore does not mean the end of a maritime career. Many ex-seafarers continue to contribute to the industry through shore-based positions that require their expertise and leadership.
The merchant navy remains a highly rewarding career with excellent salary packages, travel opportunities, and career growth. However, some seafarers eventually choose shore-based maritime jobs due to family commitments, health concerns, career growth, and financial stability. The shipping industry offers a variety of job opportunities for seafarers both at sea and on land. Whether continuing at sea or transitioning to a shore-based career, a seafarer’s skills and experience remain highly valued in the maritime industry. The key is to adapt, grow, and choose a career path that aligns with long-term professional and personal goals.
