I was a US Civilian Mariner (aka merchant marine) for 16 years or so and a licensed officer for the last 4 years. I recently changed professions due to a welcome addition to my family that I can't bear to leave for months at a time! I'm not here to tell you the Ever Given situation isn't meaningful, I think it is. What I can do is tell you what it's like to live and work in the industry, share my training and experience with large ocean going vessels. Basically I'd like to help dispel nonsense so we can all get to the truth and look good doing it!
I just got off work and I'm starting my weekend, so I'll be back to answer any questions after a good sleep.
Am I still a shipfag if I actually lived it and know what I'm talking about or is that just for armchair followers?
The {fag} suffix is generally only applied to professionals, or experts in their respective fields of faggotry. Carry on sir.
This is correct.
It’s been normal to me for so long I hadn’t considered that others might see it as an insult or a term of mediocrity.
If you have the suffix “-fag,” people, then you are of the highest echelons in the relevant area of expertise.