Philippine E-Journals

Life After Seafaring: Tracing the Status of Selected Seafarers

Nikkithea F. Simon | Rose S. Marquez | Jennard A. Tabilid | Mike M. Villaluna | Allen M. Zabala

 

Abstract:

This study seeks to determine the status of selected seafarers after their seafaring career, specifically on their health status, familial status and financial status. The respondents of the study are 5 selected retired seafarers namely, Chief Engineer Ernesto Dela Cruz, Chief Mate Rufo Gene Dolar, Able Bodied Seaman Gilbert Araña, Chief Cook Redentor Quinto and Capt. Ferdinand Nidoy. The research design of the study is Descriptive-qualitative method. The study made use of purposive sampling to determine the samples of the study. Qualitative data were used to determine the status of selected seafarer after their seafaring career. A self-made qualitative type of interview questionnaire was used to determine the profile of the respondents, the status of selected seafarers in terms of Health, Familial and Financial. As for the Health Status, majority of the respondents has undergone Pre-Employment Medical Examination or PEME before going on board vessel. They rate their health condition 8 out of 10. In their Familial Status, specifically the Marital Status, most of the respondents has been married at their early 20’s and has their own family. For the relationship, misunderstanding is always there which in fact serves as the thing that makes their relationship strong and firm. While as for their Parent – child relationship, the majority of the respondents have a good relationship with their children, the remaining respondent doesn’t have a child. Most of the respondents’ children graduated from college and are already working as professionals. As for the financial status, all of the respondents invested house and lot in preparation of their future. All of them have accumulated enough savings for themselves and their families. Based on the findings, the following are concluded: retired seafarers who successfully invested money have a good health condition and good relationship with their family and wife. It is recommended that the seafarers, and maritime students to have their medical, family and financial planning while the manning agencies and other governing body related to maritime like OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) to encourage and provide beneficiaries for the seafarers. Being physically healthy, financially stable and investing at the early age is the key to a successful seafaring career.