Spent over five years at sea, on many kinds of ships. Travelled most of the world except the far east and Australia. Been to many countries and met a lot of people, many of these experiences would scar my life forever. A sailors life is both tuff and rewarding, the ideal life for one without any responsibilities.
The life of a young sailor in the early 1980s, in the merchant marines, would have been a mix of challenges and rewards. Here’s a breakdown:
Challenges:
- Long stretches at sea: Months away from home could be isolating and lonely. You’d miss birthdays, holidays, and everyday life with loved ones.
- Hard work: The work on merchant ships is physically demanding. Long shifts on deck in all kinds of weather, cleaning, maintenance, and cargo handling were typical.
- Potential dangers: Shipwrecks and accidents at sea were always a risk. Piracy was also a concern on some routes.
- Temptations: Ports often meant access to bars, nightlife, girls, drugs and potentially risky situations.
- Limited communication: Before widespread internet and mobile phones, contacting family back home could be expensive and infrequent.
Rewards:
- Travel the world: You’d see different countries and cultures, something not many people experienced back then.
- Adventure and excitement: Life at sea could be unpredictable, with storms, new sights, and different cargo every journey.
- Camaraderie: The crew becomes your family at sea. You’d rely on and work closely with your shipmates, building strong bonds.
- Good pay: Sailors, especially with experience, could earn good money compared to shore jobs.
- Learning new skills: You could learn about navigation, ship maintenance, and different cultures.
Overall, being a young sailor in the 1980s would have been a demanding but potentially rewarding experience. It offered a chance to see the world, develop valuable skills, and build strong bonds with your crewmates, but it also came with challenges and risks.
