Now You Really Can Work from Anywhere—Including Working at Sea
The world of telecommunication has made it possible for anyone to work from anywhere—including working at sea.
Mobility is the wave of the present and the future. CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners can now fully operate their businesses from anywhere in the world, whether by land, sea, or sky. They can set up their office space on land in the traditional manner, in an office with a landline, fax machine, cable internet, mail box, and front door. Alternatively, they can set up at a Starbucks with a laptop computer. Or they can set up their office temporarily in First Class, soaring the skies on a commercial flight or aboard a private plane.
You’ll find the truly adventurous, however, working at sea.
Oceanographic Telecommuting
Oceanographic telecommuting is the new business playground and office space. As a matter of fact, the phenomenon is making as much of an impact as telecommuting from home. Telecommuting by sea is becoming more commonplace these days. Boats and yachts are larger now than some houses or office buildings. Therefore, space is not necessarily an issue at sea these days, if you’re on the right boat. Your business can sail the seven seas while you’re getting the job done, with the added benefit of changing scenic views.
Many businesses in the marine sector must of necessity operate their business aboard a boat—and have been doing so for some time now. Marine science, oceanography, Coast Guard, military, research companies, travel industry, entertainment sector, customs, imports, exports, and shipping all rely on offices at sea. Working from boat offices has become commonplace as well among architects, software programmers, bloggers, writers, real estate developers, and retired businessmen-turned-consultants.
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Staying Connected
However, vast stretches of water complicate telecommunications, internet, phone, mail, and physical interactions with clients. These drawbacks are disappearing, however, falling under the waves of times long gone. The globe is quickly becoming more interconnected than ever, even in remote places. Real-time data sharing from ship to land office can be quick, efficient, and often successful, despite the difficulties.
That’s because, in the modern world, those shortfalls don’t have to be an issue. Satellite connectivity is getting more widespread and affordable around the globe. Most coastlines have WiFi signal and hotspots for boat dwellers and operators. Most marinas will provide WiFi, mailboxes, landline and fax services, drop off and pick up for packages, utilities, and other services. Additionally, the HiSeasNet (HSN) network, funded by various private and governmental agencies, is available to oceanographic ships at sea for those that qualify.
Solar, fuel, wind generation, and sail, combined with long-life energy cells, provide power. Satellite, GPS, and other technologies provide smooth functionality. Business meetings aboard yachts and larger ships are effective, entertaining, and attractive to clients and associates. Just picture it: Nothing makes a business deal go more smoothly than sipping a margarita while you’re gazing at a seaside sunset and sporting a suntan.
Plan Your Infrastructure
Properly plan your infrastructure so that your operation will be continuously connected and your business operations will always sail smoothly. For example, be sure to plan for your WiFi or satellite connection and purchase hardware and equipment that is impervious to the elements—fire, water, and extreme temperatures. Equipment will also need to be secure, with proven cables and wiring. Therefore, be sure to choose resilient equipment and waterproof hardware.
Be certain that you can batten down for any storm, catastrophe, or act of nature. Therefore, back up your data frequently while you’re working at sea. Make sure to protect your electronics, and set up emergency plans. Establish a proper operations plan as well for your physical equipment as well as your data. The reason for this is that marinas are not necessarily safe, nor are the free WiFi signals that they offer. Therefore, put in place special contingency plans and security precautions to protect your business data.
The complexity of working at sea can be overcome and is therefore disappearing beyond the horizon. Your office at sea now offers a working adventure of a lifetime—or for some, a daily existence.
