This open access book constitutes an ethnographic mosaic which depicts the contextual complexities of the life and work of seafarers who are employed in the international merchant cargo fleet. The collection is based upon the observations and interviews of researchers in multiple disciplines. It is woven together to offer a richly detailed insight into the ways in which a complex global industry operates internationally. The book covers issues to do with career decisions and recruitment, gender, life and work on board multinational vessels, health and safety issues, the regulation of the industry, shipboard roles and role conflict, and the representation of workers. It will be of considerable interest to all students globally who are studying for professional seafaring qualifications, to graduate students studying for masters courses in ship and port management, and to welfare professionals and policy makers. It is of special interest to those connected to the shipping industry who specialize in issues relating to 'the human element' and will serve as a paradigm defining text in this area.

The main part of the book consists of the dialogue between physicist Otto Rössler, and artist and AI researcher Bill Seaman with the commentaries disclosing information perspective by information scientist Mark Burgin and Bill Seaman. In this dialogue, Rössler and Seaman discuss concepts surrounding Rössler's major research over his lifetime. Additionally, each research topic is linked to the set of papers and books published by Rössler and other related collaborative researchers. The goal is to delineate an intellectual directory for future researchers. The discussed topics being transdisciplinary in nature cross many fields in science and technology. A comprehensive historical bibliography is also included. The work explores many fields germane to theoretical science as Rössler was often quite early in developing these fields and interacting with many famous scientists. This work pertains to information theory, which has often been left out of the historical literature.Burgin as an expert in information theory is providing an information perspective on this dialogue adding historical discussion and relevant scientific and mathematical underpinnings of the discussed ideas. His observations are complemented by Seaman, who presents the synthesis of artistic and scientific outlook.Addendum contains articles describing Rössler's relationships to colleagues from multiple fields, a parable by Rössler and papers related to Rössler's research and theoretical models of processes in the universe.

The Seafarer’s Mind is a wonderful resource for seafarers. The book is rich in narrative and case studies and covers a wide range of issues and challenges facing sailors on the high seas. A hard hitting account which unpacks the realities of a modern version of indentured labour, the author provides hope in the often harsh world of seafaring. This is a practical guide to living in isolating and confined situations where temptations abound and moral compasses are often abandoned. Martin Otto is the world’s leader in serving seafarers through his international mission work. He is to be commended for being God’s advocate in such an insightful, humble and practical manner. This book will become a widely read text and is sure to become a key reference for all seafarers seeking to live a Godly life in an often harsh and unforgiving environment. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Professor Ross Dowling AM Global Cruise Ship Lecturer Perth, Australia

The enormous technological, financial, and structural changes of recent decades have revolutionized the international shipping industry, bringing about lower freight rates, shorter time in port and fast turnarounds, reduction in crew size, employment of cheap labour from developing countries, avoidance of national regulations and taxes, and diminished living and working standards on board. Exploitation of seafarers has always existed, but now it has become more common and frequent. Shipowners can cut costs in various ways, but the most profitable and easiest to achieve are those at the expense of labour costs, in particular costs for maintaining proper living conditions on board the ship. This bulletin examines in detail the structure of the shipping industry, focusing on problems concerning the working and living conditions of seafarers on board merchant ships serving the global sea transport system. Exploring all levels of maritime policymaking on a global and European level, the author analyses seafarers' rights in the light of international enforcement mechanisms and particularly in the light of the recent ILO Maritime Labour Convention. He also considers relevant case law, as well as advisory opinions and policy statements from various pertinent agencies, especially in the EU context.. Among the issues raised and discussed in depth in relation to their effect on seafarers' labour standards are the following: * ship manning companies; * illicit crewing agencies; * flags of convenience; * hours of work and rest; * wages; * occupational health and safety; * accommodation, food, water, and catering; * recreational facilities; * filing of grievance; and * port controls. The author shows that, expansion and progress of the maritime industry notwithstanding, there is a great need for effective enforcement mechanisms in this area. This is the first detailed analysis to connect the working and living conditions of seafarers with international, supranational, and national maritime legislation. A giant step towards establishing a global monitoring system to enforce international maritime conventions regarding seafarers' labour standards, it is sure to make an important contribution to both international labour and employment law and the law of the sea.

The sacred mysteries essential to Viking survival will be lost if Inge Andersdottir cannot find a daughter to inherit the ancient wisdom. Inge and her husband Karl-Eirik adopt Thora, a young thrall with skaldic (poetic) powers and more. Thora kills a glasscaster and the king condemns her to Lesser Outlawry: a long season of exile to the rivers of Russia and then Istanbul - on Karl's boat, The Seafarer. Reluctantly, Inge agrees to go along and finds a stormy voyage – a grueling portage, an encounter with the Overlord of Kiev, her former lover, with a suspected Greek spy and an attack by the savage Pechenegs. The crew must deal with an unexpected change in captains. Thora is captured and put into an Arab harem. It is up to Inge and her wondrous skills to save the boat, the crew and her daughter.

This volume offers a systematic account of the effects of globalization on the shipping industry and seafarers' lives. The seafarers' labor market is changing rapidly and this study discusses the challenges encountered in recruitment practices, trade unions, and collective bargaining, as well as training, certification, and fraudulent certification. Wages, contracts, and tours of duty are also investigated, and the book includes in-depth treatment of seafarer safety and hazard exposure. Innovations such as automated engine rooms and the global maritime distress and safety system, the internationalization of ship registrations, multinational crewing and reductions in crewing levels, and the rise in ship management companies have had a profound effect on seafarers' living and working conditions. This perceptive book examines these and future issues for regulation and enforcement.