New Site Lets Seafarers Review Life Aboard Ships

Seafarers have welcomed the arrival of a new online platform that allows them to anonymously share feedback on onboard living conditions, with its creator hoping to see participation from all sectors of the shipping industry.

Although initially named OffshoreShipAdvisor.com, the platform—likened to a “Tripadvisor for seafarers”—now includes all types of vessels across the maritime sector. With over 37,000 ships listed in its database, the tool aims to raise transparency and help enhance crew welfare standards across the board.

Filling a Longstanding Information Gap

For many crew members, especially those working on short-term contracts, switching vessels is a common part of the job. But when choosing a new assignment, available online information often stops at images of a ship’s exterior. Details about day-to-day life on board—such as food, accommodation, or communication access—are typically missing.

To address this, the new site allows seafarers to review ships based on key areas like sleeping quarters, recreational amenities, meal quality, internet access, and cleanliness.

A Platform Built by Seafarers, for Seafarers

The site’s anonymous founder emphasized: “Importantly, this site was created by a seafarer, for seafarers. While we remain actively involved in the industry, we aim to keep ownership private to avoid any impact on future job opportunities.”

A team of IT professionals manages the platform’s social media and technical operations, allowing the founders to stay behind the scenes while ensuring the platform runs smoothly.

Plans for the site include adding reviews for manning agencies and maritime training centers. The creator also hopes shipping companies will engage with the platform by highlighting their onboard facilities to prospective crew.

Industry Applause and Caution

The site has received praise from many within the maritime community. However, some have flagged potential legal challenges related to sharing sensitive onboard information.

“Knowledge is power and hopefully the true state of a vessel can be shared and people encouraged onto the good, and able to avoid the bad while the ugly get shunned and sanctioned,” said Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index.

Maritime advisor Frank Coles also lauded the initiative, calling it “brilliant,” while noting the importance of protecting users' identities and maintaining data accuracy: “The trick will be to maintain anonymity while keeping the veracity and integrity so that meaningful change can be pressured upon those who abuse the welfare of seafarers.”

The platform offers a promising new channel for peer-shared insights, helping seafarers make more informed choices while encouraging better standards at sea.