What happens if?

[Unregistered]

I am deckie nearing the end of phase 1 and will be heading to sea in July at some point. I just have a quick question and looking for a bit of general info.

I have an immediately family member (parent) who is ill and condition is worsening. I have no idea what's going to happen over the next 6 months during phase 2 at sea however things aren't looking too good just now.

Firstly, should I tell my company before I go to sea that I may need to get home quick. I wan't to avoid this ideally as don't want to be treated any differently or get sympathy etc and also don't want them to think I am preparing an excuse if I don't like life at sea as I am sure I will love it and really looking forward to it.

Secondly, what if the worse happens and I need to get home? I will be deep sea so not sure how getting back to UK will work?

[MrStealth]

I can't answer the first question unfortunately.

Regarding your second question however, you'll most likely be repatriated back to the UK at your next PoC. They may even make arrangements to get you off sooner, although I'd imagine this is unlikely.

[alistairuk]

Most companies, in event of a death or serious illness of an immediate family member will repatriate you as soon as practicable to your home airport - may or may not be at your cost, depends on contract - however, do realise that "as soon as practical" may be anywhere from a few days to a week, possibly longer.

Clearly if your ship has just departed for a 2 week crossing of the pacific, it's going to be considerable time before you are able to get home.

As for advising your company, i don't know who your with, but if you think it's likely that they may send you on ships closer to home then that might be the way forward - it's easy to get home from Europe in a few days if not hours, not so easy from Asia or Australia where even if you were able to leave the ship immediately, your still 2 days flying from uk.

[Silvertop]

Best to tell them. As Alistair says they may put you on a more convenient ship, rather than at the other end of the world. I was in a similar situation a few years ago with my mother and understand it is not easy, but keeping them informed is far better than dropping a bombshell to the Captain say it to you want off when in the middle of nowhere. Obviously also tell the Captain when you join the ship so he is aware, with him on your side he is also more likely to help you if the need arises.

[Midge]

I would tell them, firstly as you say you have no idea what will happen or when. They may treat you differently ( in that they might place you where you have access to getting home quickly) but what's wrong with that, it is a parent after all not a long lost cousin.

It seems entirely reasonable thing to do. Going to sea for the first time is stressful enough without the added stress of a very ill parent.
They may not appreciate having to get you back home quickly when you knew in advance there was a possibility, and they could have had the chance to arrange a placement that would be easier for all. They may give you other options too.
Have you discussed with your ill parent and family? They might have views which might help you decide.

[newbie]

You should tell your sponsoring company, and most importantly make sure that your family know who to contact in your sponsoring company while you are away in the event of bad news from home. I sincerely hope that you don't receive bad news while you are away, but such news should be relayed to the company and then through the Master to you.

With the availability of email and social media onboard it's inevitable that bad news can each you instantaneously onboard from family at home, but this isn't always the best way on hearing such news while you are away. It's important that the Master and company are aware and are unfortunately quite experienced in handling such matters.

Should you want to go home they will do so at the earliest opportunity.

The above advice should apply for anyone going away... Make sure your family know who to call in your sponsoring company should they need to. All sponsors operate a 24hr emergency contact process, make sure you and your family know what it is.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all the replies. I told my sponsoring company this week and definitely feel better for it. I just wanted to make sure I don't get treated any differently as I know it's going to happen at some point but I just don't know when. As it's cancer it will get worse to a point where I will know roughly when it'll happen so will just keep the company/master informed of her condition.