A New Platform for Seafarers: OffshoreShipAdvisor.com
A seafarer has taken the initiative to address a longstanding issue in the maritime industry by launching a new website, OffshoreShipAdvisor.com. This platform is designed to function similarly to popular review sites like TripAdvisor but with a focus on providing valuable insights for seafarers and offshore workers.
The primary objective of OffshoreShipAdvisor.com is to enable crewmembers to rate and review the living conditions onboard vessels. By sharing their experiences, seafarers can help improve overall standards and promote transparency within the industry.
The founder of the website, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared with Splash their vision for the platform: “I aim to showcase the positive contributions of seafarers while also pinpointing areas where companies can implement significant improvements. This website serves as a tool for enhancing standards and fostering collaboration between maritime professionals and organizations.”
For many seafarers who frequently move between vessels as subcontractors, the lack of detailed information about onboard facilities has been a longstanding challenge. Traditional platforms typically only offer exterior images of ships, leaving crewmembers in the dark about crucial aspects such as accommodation quality, recreational facilities, food options, connectivity, and overall cleanliness.
OffshoreShipAdvisor.com invites seafarers to evaluate ships across various categories, including accommodation, downtime amenities, food and beverage options, internet connectivity, and hygiene standards.
The website currently features reviews for 37,400 vessels, with plans to expand its coverage beyond offshore ships to include other types of commercial vessels in the future.
One vessel that has garnered attention on the platform is the 19-year-old French-flagged RS Alegranza cable layer, which currently holds the lowest rating in the database. A British seafarer left a scathing review, highlighting issues such as excessive noise from generators, subpar sanitation facilities, and unpalatable food quality.
By empowering seafarers to share their firsthand experiences, OffshoreShipAdvisor.com is paving the way for improved working conditions and enhanced accountability within the maritime sector. With a growing database of vessel reviews, the platform aims to drive positive change and elevate industry standards for the benefit of all stakeholders.