1-348 Furthermore, the seafarer on joining a new ship may or may not receive a good hang-over from an efficient perdecessor. He or she may also have had to leave home with personal or family metters unresolved - a sick child or an impendinv house move; or with riots and insurrection in their home country. This is not a plea for sympathy for the seafarer; they are well aware of the challenges of their chosen profession. Rather, it is a plea for understanding from the ship manager; there is an immense pool of knowledge and capability at sea that is poorly managed and therefore poorly utilised.