8 FREE Mobile Apps Every Seafarer Must Have

My phone home

We're now living in the technology era where we can do amazing things that we think we can't
before.

For example, an app that can scan barcodes just like the scanner you see in the mall's cashier and an app that can scan text from a book just like a scanner machine!



Incredibly amazing indeed! We should take advantage of this technology to catch up as the modern age keeps developing rapidly.

What's great is many of this awesome apps are FREE. You don't have to spend a dime to get it. Some apps offer premium service for a fee but optional.

In this article I will list down the most useful apps every seafarer must have especially when onboard.

1. Skype

Skype

Homesickness is the number 1 enemy of every seafarer. No one wants to work far away from their family but because life is so hard in this days one will do anything to get a living.

Skype lets you chat, call and video call for free as long as you have an internet connection available anywhere in the globe! You can also install this on computers and laptops.

Of course, the person you'll call must have skype and an account as well for you to be able to connect.

It's easy to create an account you just have to fill in some details and an email address and you're good to go. You can sign up here.

2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Merriam-Webster

Even the most intelligent people in the history used a dictionary. No matter how smart you are, even your native language is English, there will be words that you're unfamiliar of.

Seafarers works with different nationality and English is the universal language being used onboard ships.


Having Merriam-Webster Dictionary will be a massive help especially for those who aren't really that good in English.

Just key in your desired words to search and definitions will show.

You may also want to read: How to Deal with Homesickness?

3. ITF Seafarers

ITF Seafarers

There are times that our rights are violated as per Maritime Labour Convention(MLC) (e.g. abusive officers, delay allotment, incomplete rest hours). This is where ITF Seafarers comes in handy.

ITF Seafarers

You can search an International Transport Workers' Federation(ITF) inspector or a seafarer union wherever you are in the world within this app.

 All the contact details you need to know will show up when searched. 

You may report your complaints to an ITF inspector or a seafarer union.

You can also find a ship via this app. It gives a lot of information about a ship when searched. Even the nationality of the crews is included.

4. Shore Leave

Shore Leave

One doesn't work onboard without shore leave. Even though you wanna stay at the ship to sleep or rest you will need to buy your personal necessities for your everyday living.

When you're also looking for seafarer centers this app will be your best bet. It list downs the important information about seafarer centers such as address and facilities(e.g. internet, free phone call).

The Shore Leave app made by ITF is an awesome tool for planning your shore leave!

It provides all the information you need for the seafarer centers globally. Great app!

5. World Ports

World Ports

If it happens that you need information about a ort, this app comes in handy. World Ports provides information about the ports globally.

It gives vital information such as position(in latitude and longitude), service available(Medical facilities, Garbage Facility and many more), supplies(water, provision, fuel oil, diesel oil) types of cranes and a lot more.

6. Marinus Lite

Marinus Lite

A seafarer onboard is always bored. Instead of watching movies why not widen your knowledge and prepare yourself to become a ship officer soon? Even a Master Mariner or a Chief Engineer doesn't stop learning.

Marinus Lite is a great educational tool for seafarers in the deck department. You can learn the core education you need to be a top caliber seafarer from this app.

This is a must for every seafarer in the deck department!

7. Seabook

Seabook

Seabook is another great educational tool for seafarers. It tackles about the basics of the marine engineering and nautical science.

Pair this with Marinus Lite to equip yourself with enough knowledge you'll need.

8. Sailing Quiz

Sailing Quiz

What comes next after improving your knowledge? Of course testing it. Sailing Quiz is a great app for testing one's ability in the field nautical science.

It's like the computer based test(CBT) we use to answer when we're applying to the shipping companies but in the mobile version.

All image found in this article are owned by Shipping Wiki.