ANALYZING AND UNDERSTANDING WORK-LIFE BALANCE OF SEA FARERS IN SIP MANAGEMENT: A STUDY BASED ON INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT STAR SEA MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Because seafaring is so demanding, work-life balance has become a major concern in the maritime industry. Seafarers work in remote locations with little communication, endure erratic work schedules, and spend long stretches of time apart from their families. Through an analysis of observations made during a four-week internship at the maritime recruitment firm Star Sea Management, this study investigates the work-life balance issues faced by seafarers. The study identifies long contracts, physical exhaustion, emotional isolation, and stress related to documentation as the main causes of work-life imbalance using qualitative techniques like observation, documentation review, and informal interviews. The study highlights the crucial role recruitment agencies and shipping companies play in shaping seafarer welfare and provides targeted recommendations to improve the overall well-being of maritime professionals.