What Ship? Where Bound? "

Trampship voyages in the 1950's

Sailing around the world on a variety of ships, the author details the events and twists and turns that occur on long 2 year voyages, often circling the globe several times before heading home. The company have established routes and these are 'stitched' together by ad hoc chartering, i.e. tramping voyages. No two voyages were the same but the routine onboard and the haphazard way that ships were manned meant that anything could happen. The mystery and excitement of not knowing the next port or country kept many faithful seamen loyal to the company, although anyone trying to minimise time away from home avoided signing on these ships. The accumulated experience bred a certain philosophy - one that enabled long sea passages and extended port stays to be borne somewhat philosophically.