Guran, Iran - Nakhoda Ismael prepares food on board of his Lenj. "In the past, Lenjs were the main mean of sea trade. We used to travel to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Emirates, Oman, Yemen, India, and also the east coast of Africa. There were different types of missions, solo trips to the Persian Gulf countries, to India, and to Africa. The longest journey, which would take 9 months, was to India and Africa together. Each Lenj would take 20 to 30 crew members based on the vessel's size where each crew member had his unique responsibilities. It was of utmost importance that crew members follow the instructions of Nakhoda."