Camaraderie at sea is not what we think is good and welcome to all seafarers. Often brickbats and ego triggered by too much pride gets in the way. More often than not ratings always on the receiving end simply because rank and superiority dictates the tempo or pace of everything that happens aboard ship. Feel-good is pretty much hard to do especially so when one is new on board. You’re like looking for light (friendly characteristics) in the dark.
Camaraderie at sea is superficial or shall I say not profound. Friendly characteristic is limited to a given few. In today’s seafaring activity, poor camaraderie compounded by poor behavior is generally the reason behind discord and strife among seafarers. Misunderstanding, rivalry, squabbling, shop talking and other nonsensical things permeates the cabin, bridge, crew and officers’ mess and the engine room.
However officers and ratings do not compromise the safety and security of the ship in spite of opposing views and attitudes. Drills, assigned duties and responsibilities and other activities like birthdays, holidays and shore leaves are being taken care of. Salary in dollars keep seafarers runs their ship in an indefatigable manner so to speak.
