Introduction

The purpose of this Web page is to give you a sampling of some of the aspects of Life on a Cargo Ship. Each of the activities asks you to make a personal commitment to what you like, believe, or feel. Really try to find things that you can connect with. Good luck and have fun!

The following links come from all over the World Wide Web and represent a variety of viewpoints. You may complete the following Internet activities alone or by working in a group. You have already found out about daily life on a VOC trading vessel. Your task now is compare a sailors life on board one of these vessels to a sailors life on board a modern tanker or cargo ship. You must conclude with a paragraph explaining why you think mutinies were more common back then than now.

Internet Activities

Cargo Ships

1. Find the paragraph that describes the life of a seaman working on a cargo ship. Why is is a good life?
2. Explain an advantage of working on a bulk carrier

Canada by Cargo Ship

1. Read the whole article. What is the name of the ship?
2. Describe the living conditions of the 12 passengers
3. Describe the food being prepared on board for the crew

A Cargo Ship Cruise Down Under

1. What was the name of the vessel and how long was the author on board for?
2. Describe the meals and accomodations on board
3. List down the first two considerations the author makes before going on a freighter voyage

By Cargo Ship

1. Scroll down to 'On Board' Why are crews now greatly reduced and what are their main tasks (hint: there are 3)
2. Describe the cabins and food
3. Describe the entertainment and other facilities available on board

My Life in the Merchant Navy

1. What is the authors name and job?
2. Why did he join the merchant navy?
3. Describe his working day - list all of his jobs

Conclusion

While exploring this sampler on Life on board a Cargo Ship, we hope you've had fun, learned, and most importantly connected with some part of this topic. If you did not, please go back and explore some other links and look deeper inside yourself. Be prepared to explain why you think mutinies were more common in the days of the Batavia by using evidence collected from this activity.