When I first chose a career at sea, I was filled with ambition, expectation, and a little bit of fear. I believed hard work and a strong back were all I needed. Years later, I now understand that the ocean teaches deeper lessons—often in silence, and sometimes the hard way.
For every young Nigerian considering a life offshore, here are 10 things I genuinely wish I knew before I went to sea. They’re not just tips — they’re truths drawn from my own experience and the stories of colleagues who’ve spent decades in the industry.
1. Plan Your Exit From the Moment You Enter
I once asked a senior colleague, Sylvester, how long he had been sailing. His answer stuck with me. “In more than ten years I’ve spent at sea, I’ve only been at home for two years—just my accumulated leave put together.” I’ve since met others with 15 or even 20 years of continuous service, and most of them confess that they never intended to stay this long.
Time flies at sea. Contracts blur into each other, and before you know it, your whole youth is behind you. The longer you sail, the harder it becomes to leave. That’s why you must set a personal limit — a five-year, ten-year, or maximum-year plan. Go offshore with an end in mind. The sea is not meant to be a forever home.
2. Learn a Skill or Get Certified Beyond the Sea
I didn’t realize early enough how important it was to build a second career path. It wasn’t until years into my sailing that I decided to return to school for a degree in Information Technology. When I shared my plan with a senior engineer onboard, he told me, “Pursue it vehemently. Get a second life outside of the sea. I wish I knew this earlier — I wouldn’t still be here.”
The truth is, many sailors stay longer at sea not because they want to, but because they don’t have skills that fit into life ashore. My advice? Start learning while you’re still sailing. There are countless online platforms where you can pick up high-demand skills — from tech and finance to project management and languages. Your future self will thank you.
3. Avoid Physical Businesses You Can’t Oversee
One of the most painful mistakes I’ve seen among sailors is investing in physical businesses they can’t monitor. I’ve heard countless stories of colleagues who trusted friends, siblings, or partners to run shops, farms, schools, or transport ventures — only to return home and find the business gone or collapsed.
The reality is: no one will manage your business like you would. And when you’re gone for six to eight months at a time, things can fall apart quickly. Instead, invest in what you can control from anywhere — real estate, stocks, or remote-friendly digital businesses. You don’t need to be physically present to grow wealth.
4. The Sea Will Test Your Mental Strength More Than Your Muscles
Everyone talks about the physical demands of the job — heavy equipment, long shifts, harsh weather. But what they don’t tell you is that loneliness, mental fatigue, and emotional pressure are even harder. Life at sea is repetitive. There are days when your mind feels stuck between steel walls and endless ocean. It’s your mindset — not just your muscle—that will keep you going.
5. Not All Manning Agents Are Genuine
Especially in Nigeria, too many fake agents exploit seafarers desperate for sea time. Many people I have met nearly handed over their documents to a fraudster who promised a job on a European ship — until they noticed inconsistencies in the paperwork. Always verify if the manning agent is NIMASA-approved, check their physical office, and ask other seafarers for reviews before making any move.
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6. The Pay Feels Big — Until You Spend Without a Plan
Being paid in USD, EUR, or GBP can feel empowering. But I’ve seen sailors earn $3,500 a month and return home broke after just two weeks. The sea pays well — but it doesn’t teach you how to manage money. Learn to save in dollars, convert wisely, invest long-term, and don’t live like a king each time you disembark. It’s not what you earn, it’s what you keep.
7. You Have to Take Charge of Your Own Growth
Nobody onboard owes you mentorship. You grow by asking questions, observing everything, and taking notes. Some officers will teach you; others won’t. But the responsibility to learn is yours. I carried a notebook for months, writing down every tool, process, and conversation. That habit fast-tracked my growth.
8. Port Time Is Usually Not Free Time
Forget the idea that every port visit means adventure. Most port calls are short and work-intensive — cargo loading, inspections, documentation. Sometimes you won't even leave the vessel. And in high-security zones, shore leave may not be granted at all. Use your time wisely when you do get it, but don’t expect tourism on every voyage.
9. Life Onboard Is a Mini United Nations
You’ll live and work with people from India, the Philippines, Romania, Ghana, and beyond. Cultural clashes are real — food, accents, habits, and humor can create friction. But it can also be enriching if you stay open-minded. I learned the value of cultural humility early. Without it, the ship becomes a battlefield.
10. You’ll Return Home a Different Person
Nothing changes you quite like the sea. You come back home more mature, more observant, and more grateful. You’ll value silence, sunsets, hot meals, and the ability to hold your loved ones. But you’ll also feel like a stranger sometimes—as if the world has moved on without you. The sea will change you, and that change is permanent.
Final Thoughts: Your Career Is Not Just a Contract — It’s a Compass
If you're a young Nigerian sailor or of a different nationality preparing for your first voyage, or still undergoing training, these are not just stories — they’re survival tools. Take them seriously. The sea can give you purpose, money, discipline, and global perspective. But only if you go with your eyes wide open and your exit strategy already in motion.
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