Yes, one of the reasons I left the cruise lines was that I was contracted for a 70 hour week, then was expected to do 14+ hours overtime a week. Bahh. My wife seemed to get a better contract than me at times.
Well regarding the situation, there is still the 'Unmarried Partner' visa, but you have to place a big emphasis on the fact that his previous relationship has broken up, if they suspect anything other, then it will be denied. You'd probably have to work hard to prove how much time you've been together in the relationship, and post your schedules and whatever evidence you could find to support that aspect. I think you'd probably have to suggest that your partner is intending to have an anullment and also that he's intending to stop working at sea and reside with you in the UK.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/vi...can-you-apply/
