After years of working offshore, I often found myself searching for details about the vessels where I would be spending months at a time. However, online searches typically revealed only exterior images, leaving crucial questions about onboard conditions unanswered. Unless you had a personal connection onboard, you had little insight into what awaited you. That gap inspired the creation of this platform—a dedicated space for seafarers to share their experiences and provide valuable insights into life onboard. After months of planning, I took the plunge and turned this idea into reality. From the first contact with the website development team in June 2024 to its official launch in November 2024, I gained a newfound appreciation for the effort required to build such a platform. Now live, this website aims to be an essential resource for offshore professionals, allowing them to review vessels based on firsthand experiences. Some vessels offer outstanding accommodations, with dedicated crew members who go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay—whether it’s stewards maintaining impeccable cleanliness, talented chefs crafting memorable meals after long shifts, or companies providing exceptional onboard facilities like top-tier gyms and well-designed cabins. Conversely, the platform also serves to highlight areas where improvements are needed, helping companies address concerns ranging from unreliable WiFi to inadequate cabin conditions. To maintain integrity, all submitted reviews undergo moderation to ensure they remain professional, free from offensive language, and avoid revealing personal names or sensitive project-related information. The primary focus remains on onboard facilities and experiences. Our goal is to foster transparency, benefiting both seafarers and vessel owners alike. Additionally, the website features a photographers’ section, where users can upload stunning images of vessels, further enriching the platform’s content. Open to seafarers, offshore workers, and ship enthusiasts, this space welcomes all maritime professionals eager to contribute and engage. 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. Our social media presence is managed by IT specialists, ensuring smooth operations while maintaining anonymity for those behind the platform. As the website experiences steady growth, we continue expanding its scope by adding vessels regularly. The more reviews and images submitted, the more valuable the platform becomes. Users can create accounts and usernames to protect their identities while contributing to the community. Looking ahead, we envision expanding our offerings to include reviews of recruitment agencies and training centers that support offshore professionals in obtaining their necessary certifications. The positive feedback we’ve received reinforces our belief that this platform will evolve into a vital tool for seafarers and offshore workers worldwide. We also hope major vessel-owning companies will engage with the platform, showcasing their vessels and facilities. If they take pride in their accommodations, why not highlight them to attract top talent? Currently, we are working tirelessly to expand our database, adding vessels monthly. With countless ships operating globally, this will remain an ongoing effort. Whenever demand for a specific vessel type arises, we strive to add it promptly. If a user requests a vessel not yet listed, we make it a priority to integrate it into the site. We are deeply grateful for the early supporters and contributors who believe in this initiative. Every review and image added strengthens the foundation of this platform and propels it toward fulfilling its mission: empowering seafarers with knowledge, fostering transparency, and enhancing life at sea. Source: Offshore ShipAdvisor