We don't think about it when we pull on socks, slip into shoes, and grab the phone. But all these goods have traveled the open sea, courtesy of the civilian seafarers.
Merchant marines — civilian seafarers whose ships carry cargo in peace and supplies in war — have an amazing legacy from ancient times to today.
During the era of exploration, they sailed blind and collided with unknown worlds. In recent times, they defended U.S. coastlines during World War II and suffered dramatic losses from U-boats. They have fought pirates throughout the centuries right up until today.
They do all this in one of the most grueling work environments.
A commercial ship is on an unchanging schedule of four six-hour shifts. Sundays and holidays mean nothing to a ship that must function every single day to literally support modern life.
Seafarers endure high seas, extreme weather conditions, the constant hum of engines on cargo ships, all the while longing for their families during contracts of 4 to 6 months or more. The demands require physical and mental toughness, according to MarineInsight.com. During a 10- to 12-day crossing from Europe to North America, the biggest gift can be unexpected cell service.
