Long Holidays

In most jobs, it is often only possible to take a maximum of two or three weeks holiday at one time, and total annual holidays are of course far less than you might be used to at college or school.

In shipping, however, seafarers commonly enjoy generous leave or holiday periods. Exact terms will vary, but on "short sea" trades a system of one month working followed by one month paid holiday is often applied. On intercontinental or "deep sea" trades, leave periods of several months' duration are not uncommon.

So while seafarers may sometimes be away from home for extended periods, they also enjoy flexibility to pursue other interests at home, or spend long periods of time with their families and friends.