Life of the Sailor Aboard

Throughout the 19th and 20th century, whaling has revolutionized in many different ways. However, getting there was not easy. A common sailor's job is considered the most rigorous occupation in history. Did you know that an average whaling voyage lasted about three years? In addition to these timely voyages, finding rats, insects, and other pests around the ship became common sight amongst the crew. But this was not the worst aspect of life on a whaling ship. In fact, if a crewmember became ill, the captain of the ship was their doctor. In other words, if you became sick on a whaling ship, there is no telling what kind of medicine you may be swallowing in an attempt to cure the illness. However, at the end of the day the payment that they received was fair (just kidding). This payment or "lay" as the crew would call it ranged anywhere from 1/65th to 1/200th of a third of the total commission that the ship made. Basically, if you were the average whaler, you made about 165$ for three years of full time work. It was not ideal. However, without the thousands of hardworking crewmembers, the technology gained from whaling would not have reached anywhere near where it is today. So the next time you discuss the life of an 19th century whaler, mention his hard work and dedication.