How does a pilgrim (Hajj or Umrah) enter the state of Ihram if he is traveling by ship?

Answer Summary: If a pilgrim (Hajj or Umrah (definition) performer) travels by ship, their ihram (definition) (state of ritual consecration) should commence when they are abreast of the miqat (definition) (designated boundary for ihram). They can seek assistance from trustworthy crew members on the ship. If they cannot find anyone to guide them, they may enter ihram from their home country before the ship departs or shortly thereafter. This is based on what Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both), who said: "When these two cities (meaning Kufa and Basra) were conquered, people came to Umar and said: 'O Commander of the Faithful, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) designated Qarn as the miqat for the people of Najd, but it is off our route, and it would be difficult for us if we wanted to go to Qarn.' He said: 'Then look for a place abreast of it on your route.'" Ibn Qudamah said in Al-Mughni: "Whoever takes a path between two miqats should exert effort to ensure their ihram is abreast of the miqat that is closer to their path… If they do not know the exact point abreast of the miqat nearest to their path, they should exercise caution and enter ihram from a point sufficiently far back to be certain that they have not passed the miqat without being in ihram."