Sea Travel
Commercial Shipping
Unfortunately for the intrepid voyager, the days of working a passage on commercial shipping sailing under a British flag have all but passed. Union and nautical regulations mean that unless you are a registered seafarer (ie a qualified Merchant Seaperson) you will not find casual employment and a ride over the ocean waves with a British registered ship.
However, all is not lost. Various nations do still allow their shipping lines to take on unqualified, casual workers. These include ships flying the flags of Panama, Liberia, Liechtenstein and several Far East countries. This may not be ideal for transport from Britain but it could be utilised once you are in other parts of the world. Cargo vessels go regularly between the Americas and the Antipodes and employment is available occasionally. A direct approach is best: find the captain of a commercial ship (medium sized cargo ships are best) and ask him if he requires any working passengers.
Freighter
One way of travelling by ship is to pay for a cabin on a freighter. Despite the fact that this is an expensive way to travel it is proving increasingly popular, particularly with the over 60s, and some companies have long waiting lists. For the independent traveller with limited means it may not be the most practical mode of transport.
A list of companies carrying passengers, and all other matters nautical, can be found in:
ABC Passenger Shipping Guide
ABC International
Church Street
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
Tel: (01582) 600111
Yachting
Travelling on a private yacht is a definite possibility if you are in the right area. Yachtsmen and women are not subject to the same strict regulations as commercial shipping and they can, and do, take on passengers cum general dogsbodies. This may involve painting the deck while sailing through the South Sea islands or keeping watch on a voyage to the Caribbean - wherever there are yachts on the water there will be people looking for crew. Because of this it is best to make some simple preparations before you commit yourself to a trip under sail:
- Find out if you actually enjoy sailing. If you do not have much experience get some before you go. Find the nearest yachting club to you and ask if you can join them for a day or two.
- Undertake some basic nautical training: learn how to tie a sheep-shank, know your port from your starboard and familiarise yourself with the various shipping signs and terminology. Even with this rudimentary information you will be an asset to the skipper of a yacht rather than a mere passenger.
- Take a short sailing course. This is not essential but could be invaluable to you. The Royal Yachting Association, Romsey Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 4YA, offer courses at their centres around the country. The grade of Competent Crew can be reached in approximately a week and costs in the region of £250. www.rya.org.uk
- Buy suitable waterproofs.
With this preparation you can feel reasonably confident of finding a yacht skipper somewhere in the world to take you on.
