When asked if he had any concerns regarding the current challenges with crew change, he responded, “I am prepared to extend (my contract) if necessary.” He explained that since it is his first contract after attaining his class 3 Certificate of Competency, “it will give me more opportunities to practise what I have learned and become more competent.”

Seafarers are in a predicament when it comes to extending their contracts. Many seafarers opt to sign on in order to earn a living and support their families back home. Therefore, there are a handful of seafarers that would be happy staying on to work and sending their wages back home to their dependents. 

Still, there are others who have reached the end of their contracts and are trying to sign off but are unable due to port restrictions in many countries. With nowhere they can go, they extend their contracts to remain on board the ship until an opportunity arises. 

Felix shared that some seafarers will face an internal and mental struggle when there are matters that need their attention back at home. This can range from a loved one that is sick to a newborn child that they are anxious to return to. For these people, he said that “they are torn between staying onboard and earning money in a safe place or going back to their loved ones and risking infection on the way back.”

Felix ended by letting us in on how he has been coping mentally on the ship. “Keeping a routine helps a lot, as does keeping busy. When your mind is engaged in work, you won’t have time to think about other things,” he advised.