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.