new year resolutions

Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to another year and welcome in the new, many of us are thinking about making resolutions. If you're a seafarer, your work life may be a bit different to the typical 9-5 office job, but that doesn't mean you can't set goals and make plans for the year ahead.

One common resolution for many people is to improve their work-life balance. As a seafarer, this can be especially challenging, given the demands of the job and the time spent away from home. However, there are still steps you can take to make the most of your time on land and ensure that you have a healthy balance between work and personal life. This might include setting aside dedicated time for hobbies and activities you enjoy, making an effort to stay in touch with loved ones while at sea, and finding ways to stay active and healthy.

For me, creating an equal balance while at sea can sometimes be challenging but so rewarding. After a long and tiring watch, the first thing I want to do is lay on my bunk and chill out. However, I find it so important for my physical AND mental well-being to push myself to get into the gym and do something physical. Whether that be weights, cardio, yoga, pilates, stretching or even walking for 30 mins. A little bit of movement can make a big difference and is such a rewarding feeling once you have completed it. I also make sure I call home whenever I can to catch up on what is happening in my families lives. Social Media such as FaceTime are an amazing way to connect and make you feel more at home, while at sea.

Another resolution that might be particularly relevant for seafarers is to focus on professional development. Whether you're just starting out in your career or you're a seasoned veteran, there's always room to learn and grow. This could mean taking courses or earning additional certifications, staying up to date with industry trends and best practices, or seeking out new opportunities for advancement.

Due to commencing my first semester of Chief Mates/ Masters study, I have seen how important it is to be continually revising and updating your knowledge as a seafarer. This allows you to work at your best potential and be able to keep up with the ever changing work environment we are in. It is also beneficial talking and discussing these with other people in the industry to give you more or another perspective on the matter.

As we look ahead to 2023 and beyond, it's also important to keep an eye on the future of the maritime industry. Technological advances such as navigational equipment, is rapidly changing the way we work and it's important to stay ahead of the curve. This might involve investing in your own education and training, or simply keeping an open mind and being willing to adapt to new technologies and practices as they arise.

The future of seafaring is forever developing, as we can see through the use of ECDIS rather than paper charts. As a seafarer, it is important you use these tools adequately to allow for the best and safest navigation of your vessel.

No matter what your goals and resolutions for the new year may be, the most important thing is to stay focused and motivated. Setting clear, achievable goals and breaking them down into smaller more manageable tasks can help you stay on track and make progress towards your long-term objectives. With a bit of planning and determination, 2023 can be a great year for you and your career as a seafarer.

See you all next year.

Sail safely.

The Aussie Shefarer xoxo