The wellbeing of seafarers depends to a certain degree on having a stable family base
on land, but seafaring entails by its very nature long breaks from home. The periods of
transition between ship and shore have previously been identified as some of the most
stressful in this life of living in two worlds. It was the intention of this study to gain
information in this area, casting light on the problems which arise, leading to insights
into the problem, and suggestions for ways of managing it. This was done with a
qualitative study using in depth interviews with Swedish seafarers. The results
confirmed this to be a problematic area, but many important means of lessening the
distance to home and the turmoil of transitions were brought forward. Communication
with family, length of tour and having had family on board were all factors which
lessened the impact of transitions.