The merchant navy, sometimes known as the merchant marine, is not exactly the most prevalent or well-liked occupation. There are a lot of individuals all around the globe who either do not know about this one-of-a-kind business or have a lot of misconceptions about it.

However, due to the exaggerated portrayal of seafarers in pop culture, it captivates the interest of the great majority of individuals who have neither worked aboard a ship nor known anybody who has worked even in a related industry such as in a chandlery. Because of this, seafarers find themselves addressing the same questions over and over again to people who have little to no knowledge about the topic of the merchant navy. It is easy to see why mariners find themselves in this position. Individuals with no knowledge whatsoever about the sector have told us some misconceptions, fallacies, and complete and utter nonsensical statements, which we have heard. The following is a list of some of the most widespread misconceptions about the merchant navy:

1. People Who Work at Sea Can Make a Lot of Money: Everyone tends to believe that sailors are cash cows that are paid a significant amount of money, which is perhaps the most frequent topic that comes up in a discussion with a person who lacks accurate information. I agree the salary is good. On the other hand, it is comparable to the salary that people get after they have obtained a respectable MBA or Master’s degree and have found a reputable position. The starting income is indeed far more than what you’d get on shore, but as time goes on, the gap between the two starts to decrease. People on land also shouldn’t forget the hardships that seafarers have to through to make that kind of money, such as spending extended periods away from their families, being at the whims of the elements, and putting in backbreaking work on board. On the other hand, they are exempt from paying taxes, which is quite appropriate (the laws on taxes may change from country to country)!

2. Sailors are always drinking alcohol: People from all over the globe seem to have the misconception that sailors can drink a limitless amount of alcohol. Combine this with their belief that alcohol aboard is subsidised to the point where it is given out for free, and you have a recipe for disaster! This idea gives people the confidence to believe that sailors consume booze like it’s going out of style, which is a common misconception. What seems to be overlooked is the fact that there are currently random alcohol tests aboard, as well as the fact that there is now a “Company Policy” banning drinking and everything else associated with it. It is also overlooked that drinking impairs one’s ability to make sound decisions and that errors made at sea may put the lives of everyone aboard in jeopardy. The fact that alcohol is available at such a low cost aboard works to their advantage; yet, this does not permit them to consume it at will. In addition, because of the ever-increasing stringency of the restrictions, the majority of ships are transitioning into “no alcohol” zones.