MEET THE CREW SERIES - Samantha Morris, Seafarer Clarity and Confidence Coach
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Samantha Morris is a Seafarer Clarity and Confidence Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and Essential Oil Specialist. She grew up in Manchester, before sailing to success as a Purser at the age of 21, working in both the cruise ship and yachting industries. Over the last 14 years, she traveled the world and worked onboard multiple yachts, including Pelorus, Ocean Victory, Madame Gu, and Solandge.
In 2021, she resigned from the yacht due to the decline of her mental and physical health. As she says, she felt lost, fragile, empty, vulnerable, and worthless. Discovering coaching changed her life as she was able to appreciate her resourcefulness, gain clarity, identify values and beliefs, and change her behaviors.
She explains “I guide lost Seafarers to discover their "clarity compass". Through personalized maps, I steer them toward positive change, helping them navigate uncertainty with purpose and direction. I use essential oils alongside my methods of coaching to help individuals combat their negative emotions whilst working through their challenges.”
1. What was the best part of your work as a seafarer?
What truly stands out for me are the individuals you come across, the bonds you create, and the knowledge gained from engaging with diverse cultures.
Building relationships and experiencing the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that working in the maritime industry exposes you to can be incredibly rewarding. These experiences broaden your horizons, enhance your interpersonal skills, and create lasting memories that enrich your life personally and professionally. It's often the people and the cultural exchange that make careers at sea so unique and fulfilling.
2. The biggest lesson you learned onboard?
The absolute necessity of teamwork and the significance of cultural awareness and boundaries. While working in the maritime industry, I came to understand that the success of any operation doesn't rely solely on one individual but on the collective efforts of the entire crew. Onboard a vessel, you're part of a close-knit community where every member has a unique role and responsibilities. The smooth functioning of the vessel depends on effective collaboration among different teams and departments.
My biggest lesson from my time onboard a vessel was the recognition that teamwork, cultural awareness, and respecting boundaries are essential for success, safety, and harmony in the maritime industry. It taught me valuable life skills that extend beyond the maritime world and apply to various aspects of my life and work.
3. What is your favorite memory from the ship life?
Narrowing down a singular favorite memory is indeed a challenge given my extensive years of experience. However, a couple of instances do stand out.
During my time on cruise ships, we orchestrated a crew talent show that we presented to the passengers. Witnessing the diverse and exceptional raw talents of our crew members beyond their regular roles onboard was truly a remarkable experience.
In more recent years, as I transitioned into the yachting industry, a particularly memorable moment was the period during the pandemic. Over an extensive span of 7.5 months onboard without disembarking, the unity among all 31 crew members remarkably transformed the vessel into a comforting haven. Not only did we maintain our team's unbreakable bond, but we also ingeniously infused a sense of enjoyment into our unique circumstances.
4. What would you say to someone just starting in the industry?
Life at sea can be demanding, and mental well-being is a crucial aspect of a successful and fulfilling career.
Onboard, prioritize self-care by making time for relaxation and activities that bring joy. Stay connected with loved ones to combat loneliness and learn coping strategies like aromatherapy or deep breathing. Don't hesitate to seek help from colleagues, supervisors, or professionals if needed. Follow a healthy lifestyle with exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep for better mental well-being. You can also reach out to the PYA Crew Welfare Group at [email protected] for support.
Lastly, mental health is not a sign of weakness, and seeking help when facing challenges is a courageous and wise decision. By fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support, the onboard environment can become a more supportive and mentally healthy environment for all its crew.
5. You have shifted from the yachting industry and started your own business. Can you tell us a bit more about it?
As a Seafarer Clarity and Confidence Coach, I help seafarers find their "clarity compass" for positive change. Self-awareness is crucial onboard, not only for personal growth but also for teamwork and efficiency. It's often individual reactions, not the core issue, that lead to conflicts among the crew. Converting reactions into constructive actions is key to resolving conflicts.
Life at sea comes with challenges like long hours and potential risks. Self-awareness helps identify stress triggers and coping strategies. Emotional regulation equips crew members to handle adversity and contribute to the team's success.
Moreover, for those seeking to further develop their emotional intelligence, life coaching can be a potent tool. Life coaching can enhance emotional intelligence through self-awareness, skill development, goal setting, and ongoing support. It empowers individuals to navigate obstacles with resilience and improved relationships.
6. How did your experiences in the maritime industry shape your understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by seafarers?
14 years of seafaring experience is a journey loaded with numerous trials and demands. Among these, a particularly challenging moment emerged in 2021, almost leading to a mental breakdown. Engaging in introspection allowed me to delve into my depths, fostering an enhanced self-awareness. Through this process, I recognized the alternate choices I could have made to avert such a situation. Whilst external factors sometimes lay beyond my control, I now grasp how my actions intertwined with my mental well-being.
Inspired by my own transformative experience, I am now dedicated to assisting and guiding fellow seafarers through their challenges, facilitating positive changes in their lives.
7. What specific skills and qualities do you bring to your coaching practice, and how do they benefit your clients in the maritime world?
My coaching empowers seafarers to navigate the maritime world with clarity, confidence, and a comprehensive toolkit for managing challenges and promoting overall well-being. In my maritime coaching practice, I offer:
· Clear Communication: I simplify strategies for effective solutions, even amidst sea communication challenges.
· Empathy: I understand the emotional toll of maritime life, building trust and support.
· Motivation: I provide encouragement and accountability, helping seafarers pursue goals.
· Adaptability: Tailoring coaching to seafarers' unique challenges, schedules, and needs.
· Resilience: I assist in emotional resilience, enhancing the ability to handle maritime highs and lows.
· Growth: Encouraging continuous self-improvement and career advancement while maintaining well-being.
8. Can you elaborate on the role of essential oils in your coaching approach? How do they complement other techniques and contribute to the holistic well-being of seafarers?
When my clients attend the sessions, they frequently share their prevailing emotional states. Each essential oil carries its unique emotional elements. Depending on my client's specific psychological wellness needs, I suggest particular essential oils. Occasionally, during a session, it might be necessary to break the current state. The introduction of essential oils into the session serves as an effective method to guide the client back to the present moment assisted by the grounding ability of a scent.
Moreover, it's important to note that these essential oils have been instrumental in my well-being and growth. They have, therefore become an integral tool in my work, not only benefiting my clients but also playing a significant role in my own self-care and professional development.
9. How do you integrate life coaching techniques, NLP, Ayurvedic principles, meditation, and breathwork into your coaching practice? Can you provide some examples of how these approaches have helped seafarers overcome specific challenges?
In each coaching session, I apply structured goal setting, action planning, and progress tracking to steer seafarers toward their goals, cultivating self-awareness and growth. Through NLP integration, I assist in reframing limited beliefs for positive change. Aromatherapy aids emotional balance whilst breath work aids emotional control and meditation promotes mindfulness, reducing anxiety and nurturing tranquillity. Incorporating an Ayurvedic morning practice to promote comprehensive wellness and establish a centered start to the day. Integrated coaching has helped seafarers in the following ways:
1. Career Motivation: A seafarer struggling with motivation and career direction found clarity and purpose through life coaching.
2. Enhanced Focus: To combat decreased productivity during long shifts, aromatherapy with invigorating essential oils improves mental clarity and concentration.
3. Seasickness Relief: NLP techniques were used to reduce anxiety and mitigate seasickness symptoms.
4. Digestive Health: Ayurvedic guidance led to dietary adjustments, resolving digestive discomfort and promoting overall well-being.
By integrating these methodologies, I provide a well-rounded coaching experience that addresses seafarers' physical, mental, and emotional dimensions. This approach fosters personal transformation and equips individuals with the tools to lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.
10. What is your vision for the future of seafarer well-being, and how do you see your coaching practice contributing to that vision?
My vision for seafarer well-being centers on comprehensive support for their unique challenges, promoting a healthier maritime community. My coaching aims to:
· Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about seafarers' mental health, educating seafarers and industry stakeholders on proactive support.
· Provide Tailored Tools: I provide personalized stress management tools, fostering mental and emotional resilience for improved well-being.
· Remote Accessibility: Offering coaching through digital platforms, ensuring accessibility for seafarers regardless of location.
· Emotional Resilience: Equip seafarers with coping skills for enhanced emotional resilience.
· Holistic Approach: Integrate various techniques to address the multifaceted nature of well-being.
· Industry Impact: Improve seafarer well-being for potential benefits in safety, efficiency, and overall maritime operations.
· Promote Collaboration: Partner with maritime organizations to advocate for integrated support systems.
· Long-Term Sustainability: Provide lasting tools and skills for seafarers' careers and personal lives.
Ultimately, the goal is to improve mental health, resilience, and work-life balance for seafarers, elevating well-being standards in the maritime industry.
We hope you enjoyed the story about Samantha’s unique career path.
On our blog, you can find many interesting stories from fellow seafarers, and if you are interested in sharing your own, feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected]