There was a really solid discussion here some time back comparing airline pilots’ pay to mariners’ pay. Maritime pay vs Airline pilot pay
Beyond pay alone, airline pilots are required by law to work far fewer days per year than mariners. In contrast, a mariner can conceivably work an entire year without a single day off — and I know several who have. That difference alone has a major impact on quality of life, fatigue, and long-term health.
What I’m hoping to do is crowd-source the foundation for a letter to the editor that clearly communicates these realities to the public. I don’t claim to be the most eloquent writer, so I’d welcome anyone willing to help refine or even better carry that torch.
I think it’s worth covering lifestyle factors such as:
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Time off and actual rest opportunities
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Access to healthcare while on the job
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Predictability of schedules
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Shore access (pilots can always step into town or a hotel after a duty day — mariners often can’t)
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Access to communication and family
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Sick days
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The real risks mariners face, from piracy to terrorism, depending on the trade
I’d appreciate any input, examples, or data points the community can contribute. The goal is to paint an accurate picture of what maritime professionals actually deal with, in contrast to the better-known world of commercial aviation..