The following article was published in the Manila Times about Martin Otto's new book for seafarers.

Manila Times: Business Maritime Section

Otto releases new book, 'Seafarer's Family: Reality or Illusion?'

Reverend Martin Otto, a German maritime chaplain and author of best-selling seafarer motivational books, has released a new e-book that tackles seafaring families.

The Seafarer's Family: Reality or Illusion? is a thought-provoking book that delves into the complex realities faced by seafarers and their families. It explores the intricacies of their lives at sea and on land.

"Rev. Otto provides valuable insights into the challenges, joys, and sacrifices that come with a life intertwined with the ocean. Through compelling storytelling and deep reflection, he invites readers to ponder the blurred lines between reality and illusion in the seafaring world," Glenn Mark Blasquez, vice president for operations and marketing director of Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), said in his review.

"Whenever I visit ships and meet with seafarers from different countries, it is obvious that all of them are very concerned about their families at home. One of the first questions I am asked is: Do you have a sim card so that I can get in touch with my family?" Otto shared in the introduction of his book.

Martin is a maritime chaplain and the director of training of the Seafarers' Christian Friend Society (SCFS)*. His passion for seafarers started when he worked for a shipping agency in Hamburg and saw the hard work of seafarers. Later, when he left the company, he studied theology in Switzerland and the United States and eventually returned to sea to help uplift the souls of these seaborne professionals.

The book was endorsed by international maritime personnel and several Filipino maritime leaders such as Commo. Joel Abutal, superintendent of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), and Rear Adm. Samuel Felix PN (ret), head of the office of cadet affairs of MOL-Magsaysay Maritime Academy.

Print copies of the Seafarer's Family: Reality or Illusion? will be released in the first quarter of 2025 and shall be made available to seafarers worldwide.

Otto is also the author of the books: Seafarers: A Strategic Missionary, Church on the Oceans and Eight Secrets to Answered Prayer.

*sic - Martin's involvement in training with SCFS is in context with Hamburg and in the Philippines.