Transnational drifters or hyperspace dwellers: an exploration of the lives of Filipino seafarers aboard and ashore

This article considers seafarers as transnational actors in the global economy. It is based on research undertaken as part of an ESRC/Seafarers International Research Centre [SIRC] funded project. The study utilized on-board participant observation and depth interviews to explore the lives of seafarers sailing on ships with multinational crews. In addition depth interviews were conducted with seafarers who have settled in port cities such as Rotterdam and Hamburg. Here the article investigates the extent to which such seafarers are embedded in their 'host' societies and examines the links they maintain with their 'homes' by exploring their networks, social relationships, patterns of communication, remittance habits, and investment strategies.