A seafarer is a skilled individual who is employed or engaged in any capacity to operate, manage, or provide services onboard a ship or other types of watercraft. This can include a wide range of roles from the captain, sailors, engineers, technicians, to deck officers, responsible for navigation, cargo operations, or maintenance tasks. The seafarer typically works on large vessels such as cruise ships, fishing boats, cargo ships, or military vessels, which navigate oceans, seas, rivers, or other bodies of water, either for transportation, trade, fishing, military purposes or other maritime activities. It involves extensive travel, physical labour, and requires knowledge and understanding of navigation principles, safety protocols, and maritime laws. It is a trade that often involves long periods away from home and can include dealing with harsh weather conditions and isolation at sea.

1. Sam is a seafarer; he serves as a captain on an international cargo ship and traverses the Pacific Ocean for most of the year. 2. Jenny became a seafarer after completing her marine engineering degree, and now she works on an offshore oil rig. 3. Mark has been a seafarer all his life, working as a fisherman on a commercial trawler in the North Sea. 4. Michelle found her calling as a seafarer, operating a research vessel that monitors marine wildlife. 5. After retiring from the navy, John continued his career as a seafarer by becoming a deckhand on a luxurious private yacht.

Fun Fact: Did you know that seafaring is one of the world's oldest occupations? People have been working aboard watercraft for millennia, dating all the way back to prehistoric times when our ancestors navigated rivers and coastlines in primitive boats. What's even more interesting is that today, the International Chamber of Shipping estimates that there are more than 1.6 million seafarers worldwide! However, this work is not for the faint of heart. Modern seafarers often spend several months at a time away from home, braving the open seas and harsh weather conditions, navigating through everything from calm waters to violent storms. They are essential keepers and transporters of almost 90% of the world's trade goods. Now, that's a fun fact to ponder about next time you are on or observe a watercraft!