10 top most hidden benefits of a Seaman’s book:

You’re well aware of the benefits that come with your Seaman’s book, but did you know there are many more benefits than those most commonly known?

It’s easy to take some things for granted, especially when it comes to your job, so it’s good to keep a steady mind about what you have and what you don’t.

In this article, we’ll run through ten unexpected benefits of having your Seaman’s book in hand that you may know about!

10 top most hidden benefits of a Seaman's book

Saving money on your trip
Access to professional discount
Medical Coverage
Discounted Travel
Accident Insurance
Opportunities to work
Career Flexibility and Job Security
To join any port-of-entry around the world
Good long term prospects
Transferable skills

1) Saving money on your next trip-

The popular savings tool among seaman is one known as TIDE, which stands for Taking Investment Dollars Every month. What’s cool about TIDE is that you can accumulate money over time – even while you’re traveling. For example, if you set aside $1,000 per month in your bank account before taking off to cruise on your boat, you’ll have $12,000 in found money by the time your three-month trip is over.

2) Access to professional discounts-

Many stores, restaurants, and services offer discounts to services members. For example, all Starbucks locations in military bases are 10% off to active duty personnel and their families. Active duty service members get free meals at Applebee’s, discounts on all car rentals for Hertz through Military Star Card, free hotel nights at Marriott hotels for up to five years after active duty, and much more.

3) Medical Coverage-

Although it is not required by law for employers to provide medical coverage for their employees, many do so voluntarily. A seaman’s book will give you access to all medical services offered by your employer as well as information on which health plans will best suit your needs.

Additionally, if you decide to purchase health insurance independently, your book can offer information on many different policies and explain how they work.

You may also eligible for government program such as Medicare and Medicaid while you are away from home.

4) Discounted travel-

One of, if not the, best reason to get seaman’s book is that it comes with discounted travel. Whether you’re looking for flight, hotels or an apartment rental, your book gives you access to cheap accommodations and travel opportunities around every corner in all corners of world.

5) Accident Insurance-

When it comes to choosing a policy, there are several criteria that you must consider. For example if you’re married and have children, then you may wish to purchase coverage that pays out in case of accidental death or dismemberment. However, if you are single without any dependents (or if your spouse has sufficient coverage), then life insurance may be more suitable.

6) Opportunities to work-

Everyone knows what travel can do for your brain, body and soul- but did you know there are actually tax benefits to being an ocean-goer?

Here’s how a seaman’s book works and how it can benefits you. If you haven’t been in long enough to qualify for veteran status, or if you simply don’t have time in service yet, consider getting a maritime merchant mariner credential (MMMC).

This document is accepted by all U.S.-flagged vessels as proof that you are eligible to work on American ship. It is also recognized internationally as proof of eligibility to work on foreign flagged vessels. Once you get your MMMC, you’ll be able to start working toward a seaman’s book.

7) Career flexibility and Job security-

The fact that sailors and seaman can pick up work on any ship that comes along is both an advantages and a curse.

On one hand, seaman have flexibility in their careers which gives them opportunities to travel and earn money at ports all over the worlds.

On the other hand, they also risk becoming jobless if there are fewer ships coming into port. And because they don’t stay with any one ship for very long, it makes it difficult to get health insurance or set aside savings for retirement.

8) To join any port-of-entry around the world-

Every seaman who works aboard a vessel must have his/her own document, commonly referred to as ‘Seaman’s book’, and it’s issued by most countries’ immigration officials. But if you leave your ship while in port, you may have to wait up to 72 hours before you can board another one.

Having an electronic seaman’s book on your mobile device allows you to use e-gates at various ports, ensuring that you will never again be delayed because of delay.

You can also keep all your documents in one place and access them easily anytime. You don’t need to carry around multiple documents anymore!

9) Good long term prospects-

A career as a seaman is great for young people looking to gain job experience that will help them find their feet later in life. It’s also good for older workers ho may be interested in something new but don’t want to completely move away from their current job.

The work of a seaman can be quite varied, and you might end up working on cruise ships, fishing boats or cargo ships. The more you work, the more experience you get and so your prospects for promotion are very good indeed.

10) Transferable skills-

As an apprentice seaman, you get to learn and develop transferable skills like leadership, discipline, decision-making and communication.

These are life skills that can help you not only become successful in your chosen career but also contribute to your personal growth.

Final thought:

These are many unexpected 10 benefits to having seaman’s book.

We are just found out that a mariner can buy travel insurance without prior medical examination(That’s Huge!) Also, you don’t have to pay for life and medical insurance through your employer anymore.

And if you think that is great, there are more benefits! Take a look below to see what else there is to learn about these books.

These blogs will help you better understand how useful they really are. Happy reading!

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