Seafarer Life Hacks: Dealing with Limited Space & Resources

If you’re someone who is currently working in a maritime job on a cargo ship or other commercial vessel, you probably don’t need Martide to tell you that life at sea can present some unique challenges! Especially when it comes to maximizing limited cabin space and efficiently managing your personal belongings. 

Whether you’re a seasoned seafarer or just starting your maritime career, learning how to optimize your living quarters can make a significant difference in your comfort and efficiency onboard - and this in turn can have a big impact on your mental and physical wellbeing. 

Why less is more when you work in a maritime job at sea

So, keep on reading for some practical tips to help you stay organized, keep your belongings in order, and create a comfortable living environment while you’re working at sea.

1. Organizing your cabin space efficiently

Utilize vertical storage

When you’re living and working on a ship, space is a premium onboard, and making use of vertical storage can help keep your cabin tidy, which will in turn help you stay organized and enable you to get a better night’s sleep. Consider using:

• Hanging organizers over doors or on walls for small items like toiletries, tools, and personal care products.
• Magnetic hooks and adhesive wall mounts to hang clothing, towels, or accessories.
• Stackable storage boxes to maximize available space in cabinets or under the bed.

Use packing cubes and compression bags

Packing cubes can help separate clothing into categories, making it easier to locate what you need without causing clutter. Compression bags are particularly useful for reducing the space occupied by bulky clothing, especially seafarer job essentials such as hi-vis working gear, overalls and boots.

Optimize under-bed storage

Many ship cabins have space beneath the bed that often goes underutilized. Store extra shoes, clothing, or those all-essential non-perishable snacks in labeled plastic bins for easy access.

Minimize clutter with multi-purpose items

Choose items that serve multiple functions to cut down on space usage. For example:

• A foldable laundry basket can double as a storage bin.
• A portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in alarm clock can save desk space.
• A tablet with an external keyboard can replace a bulkier laptop for basic computing needs.

2. Managing personal belongings smartly

Stick to essential items

Knowing what to pack when you’re preparing to leave home for your next maritime job can be confusing at first. But bringing only what you truly need prevents unnecessary clutter. Make a list of must-have items such as:

• Clothing suitable for different climates.
• Personal hygiene essentials.
• Work tools and safety gear.
• Leisure items like books, a Kindle, or a tablet.

Rotate clothing wisely

Alongside your essential working gear, pack clothing that is versatile and can be layered to accommodate varying temperatures. Quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics are particularly useful for life at sea.

Use a digital storage solution

Keeping physical documents onboard can take up space and lead to clutter. Consider digitizing documents and storing them securely on a cloud service or USB drive. Handy hint: if you have a Martide account, you’ll be able to store copies of all your documents online, from contracts to seaman’s book to medical certificates.

Secure valuables properly

With limited private space, it’s essential to keep valuables like passports, money, and electronics safe. Use:

• A small lockbox or a portable safe.
• A locking cabinet or drawer if available.
• Anti-theft travel pouches to store money and important cards.

3. Enhancing comfort in your living space

Personalize your cabin

Even with limited space, adding small personal touches can make your cabin feel more like home - something that is crucial if you’re on a long contract working at sea. Consider bringing:

• Photos of loved ones.
• A compact LED light for a cozy ambiance.
• Your favorite pillow or a soft blanket for added comfort.

Read more:  How to Cope with Working Away from Home in a Job at Sea

Improve air circulation and ventilation

Cabins can sometimes feel stuffy, especially in warmer climates. A small battery-operated fan or moisture absorber can help improve air quality and keep humidity at bay.

Invest in noise-canceling headphones or earplugs

Working on a ship can be noisy, particularly if you share a cabin. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help you rest better and concentrate when needed. After all, maintaining focus when you work in a maritime job is essential.

Use aromatherapy for relaxation

A small bottle of essential oils or an aromatherapy diffuser can help create a relaxing environment. Scents like lavender and peppermint can promote better sleep and reduce stress.

Read more: How to Cope with Stress When Working in a Seafarer Job

4. Maintaining efficiency in daily routines

Stick to a cleaning schedule

A clean and organized cabin not only enhances comfort but also helps maintain hygiene. Allocate time every day to tidy up your space, take out trash, and wipe down surfaces.

Plan your laundry routine

Laundry facilities onboard may be limited, so washing clothes regularly in small batches helps prevent excessive accumulation. A quick-dry towel and compact detergent sheets can be useful for handwashing smaller items.

Keep a supply of essential medicines

Having a personal medical kit with basic supplies such as pain relievers, seasickness tablets or other relievers, and bandages ensures you’re prepared for minor health concerns.

5. Making the most of limited resources

Save water and electricity

Ships operate on finite resources, so conserving water and electricity benefits both the environment and fellow crew members. Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving your cabin and using water efficiently can make a difference.

Read more: 5 Ways to Improve Life Onboard by Being a Better Crewmate

Maximize Wi-Fi and connectivity

Internet access onboard may be limited, so downloading essential entertainment or educational materials in advance can help make off-duty hours more enjoyable. Using offline apps for reading, language learning, or entertainment can be a good backup.

Develop productive hobbies

Life at sea comes with downtime, which can be used for personal growth. Consider engaging in:

• Learning a new language.
• Listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
• Practicing a creative hobby like sketching or writing.

Productivity and positivity when working in a job at sea

As someone working in a maritime job, you face unique challenges when it comes to making the most of limited space and resources, but with the right strategies, life onboard can be both comfortable and efficient. 

By optimizing storage, streamlining personal belongings, and enhancing daily routines, you can create a more enjoyable and organized living environment.

These life hacks not only make everyday tasks easier but also contribute to your overall mental health and wellbeing during long voyages. Implementing these simple but effective tips will help you maximize your space, maintain a clutter-free cabin, and focus on making the most of your time at sea.

Looking for your next seafarer job?

If you’re ready to line up your next job at sea and don’t have anything currently on the horizon, take a look at Martide’s maritime job vacancies. From Chief Officers to Wipers and from oil/chemical tankers to bulk carriers, we have seafarer jobs available for all ranks and competencies.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to stay one step ahead of the very latest maritime jobs, news and more!