Page 14 - Navik Jeevan_Ebook

are the sentiments of the shipping companies as they comment on the lack
of ship-specific awareness, despite having exceptional knowledge and skills.
Mariners should have multifaceted traits and should be available in a timely
fashion at a reasonable cost to shipping companies.

The Indian maritime industry and therefore the Indian seafarers’ professional
life is governed by various requirements as shown in the figure below:

Industry D.G. Shipping
Requirements Requirements

International STCW Convention
Requirements Indian Seafarers Requirements

Figure –Requirements governing the Indian Seafarer

Issues faced by the Shipping Industry

A few decades ago, about 50 seafarers were required on board to operate
a ship. However at present, due to advanced technology, the standard
complement of a large merchant ship is only about 20 or 22 with the distinct
possibility of this being reduced even further.

With the increased productivity at the ports, the cargo loading-unloading
work is completed in much shorter time than before, thereby reducing the
turnaround time in ports. The requirement to ensure smooth cargo operations,
various maintenance work on machinery and equipment, looking after receipt
of supplies in port, increased security and safety measures and environmental
protection being a top priority, have resulted in reduced possibilities of going
ashore in an exciting new country.

Lack of companionship on board, increased workload, long sailings, increased
isolation, etc. have resulted in significant mental agony among the seafarers.
This eventually affects the morale of the crew and their productivity. Further
there is a tendency for the Indian seafarer to leave a sailing career at an early
age.

A maritime country with a developed economy and higher life standard has
few seafarers because of the availability of lucrative land based jobs. Majority
of the present-day seafarers come from developing countries, however in
the near future more and better options ashore would be available making a
career at sea less attractive.

Increased use of automation has resulted in giving better performance and has
reduced the need for heavy physical work but at the same time demanding

An Initiative of the Research and Training Committee- Supported by the
4 Indian National Shipowners’ Association Maritime Training Trust