The vast expanse of the ocean, while breathtaking, can also be a realm of isolation for those who call ships their temporary homes. Seafarers, the unsung heroes of global trade, often spend months away from loved ones, navigating the world’s waterways and ensuring the smooth flow of goods. In this unique and demanding environment, the importance of games and social interaction transcends mere leisure; it becomes a crucial element for their body and mind to recharge and be operationally efficient.
A ship’s life follows strict timetables and challenging duties. The repetitive nature of daily tasks, combined with the ever-present risks of the sea, can impact mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in games, storytelling, or light-hearted activities becomes crucial in maintaining morale and connection.
Let’s have a look at some of the games you may have just finished before reading it here.
Table of Contents
The Classic Games
The classic refreshers after the day is done, and dinner is almost ready. These games helps build new teams and trust among crew.
Chess
You can find a table dedicated to chess in one of the smoking rooms and if not then, then you will find some of the most sophisticated crew members sit with a board for a blitz on a Sunday before after biriyani.
Cards
There are many decks on ships, but this deck of cards is the most visited one and you will always find one seafarer with a good hand. A stick of Marlboro or a pint of Corona, sets Aces for any evening.
Carrom
Life is black and white with a queen in middle, and the game of carrom perfectly puts it on board. A glass of your favorite juice and an overhanging bulb is all it needs to get your queen covered.
Table Tennis
The most popular game among the seafarers onboard. A gym onboard without a TT table feels incomplete. The game becomes more challenging when sea takes part to give some extra swing to your spin. There are full fledge Doubles tournaments on long voyages, with rookie and pros in same team.
Cricket
This game needs no introduction. More than just a sport it is an emotion. Cricket onboard is not just a pass time sport. Crew even sacrifice their rest hours, to hit their HOD’s for a boundary. An empty cargo hold, or steering flat makes the perfect pitch at sea.
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When Play meets Party
These games come complimentary to ship’s party. Some comes with a prize for the winners, others have dollar bills on the line. Whatever be the outcome, they sail the party beyond the 1000 dishes and “Saat Samundar Paar…” playlist.
Deck Billiards
Seafarers who have sailed with Filipinos, should know this game. On a fine morning the biggest weather deck is all set for the race to reach the farthest making or breaking others game against the clock. And please do note Filipinos take this game dead serious.
Bingo
It is a fun party game with tickets selling at a dollar and crew would definitely be feeling lucky after a couple of beer. It may be a one night game or if you have a long voyage, this can go for weeks.
Darts
You don’t have to hit bull’s eye all the time. This game requires a team play with some part time players and rookies. Darts can be a good game to bind and keep the party alive.
Karaoke
Not a conventional game, but yes it propels the singer inside you to come out and win good points for your team on your favorite track. Karaoke is complimented by a drummer, pianist or a guitarist to make it more or less a live concert.
Horse-Race
Last but the most favorite game, or better a gamble. To be honest there are no horses to race, instead the money is on some beer bottles with eye-candies on them, to race around a track with lots of twists and turns. Your luck can reap some handsome reward at the end.
If you find these games being played on a ship you newly joined, feel absolute lucky for your coming months will be awesome. These are signs of a healthy shipboard environment and a fantastic crew.
But sadly the engagement among crew onboard has dried up. Not sure if the availability of a good network service or we have become so lost in our life that these get together sessions have became mere formality.
Always remember
Work never ends on ship, take some time off the grind and your grid to cherish the togetherness.
We may just have scratched the surface as far as the games are concerned, so don’t leave the comment sections empty .If you have any other games to add, please enlighten us.
