With increased connectivity on the ships, enhanced safety measures, better school education structure in India, adequate availability of training institutes, better understanding for international compliances and most importantly improving quality of life on board, Indian Seafarers are set to play more significant role in global shipping industry according to experts.
The Day of the Seafarers on June 25 recognizes the contribution seafarers to international trade and the world economy. It marks the adoption of International Standards for Seafarer qualification and competency (STCW) 2010 Manila Amendments. The theme of this International Seafarer Day is ‘Safety First’ reflecting maritime safety and security and also safeguarding marine environment.
Apart from safety the thrust of International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also on encouraging women seafarers. Currently women account for only 2% of total number of seafarers worldwide. But with structured programs and scholarships for women encouraged by DG shipping, the number is increasing faster than before with women sailing from crew members to officers and engineers. This will further help augment India’s role in global shipping industry.
Pune based seafarer organisations including Company of Master Mariners, Institute of Marine Engineers India and Indian Maritime Foundation have organised a special celebration program on 30th June in Pune including a talk show and musical program at PYC Gymkhana
Ex.Chief Engineer Sanjeev Ogale, Chairman, Institute of Marine Engineers India- IME(I), Pune, said that there is a strong connection between Pune and Seafaring community. There are three associations along with four training institutes and about 5000 seafarers in Pune with 1000 of them sailing currently in cargo and passenger ships. The proximity of the city to Mumbai and Goa and bettered connectivity from the decade of 90s till today has made Pune a home to such large number of Seafarers. To attract and guide new aspirations we have also formed at guidance cell in Pune.
Capt. Shrirang Gokhale, Chairman The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) said that currently Indian Seafarers account for about 10% of the global shipping community and expected to grow to 20% by 2030 according to some estimates. Availability of English-speaking manpower backed by skills, technology adoption, good schooling structure in India and improving life on board is making it possible. With our seafaring experience we have a better understanding of International Compliances in various aspects.
The seafaring community have never been short of hurdles, whether it is the rough weathers, then piracy and now conflicts in the middle east. But the surveillance from International Navys including the proactive role of India is reducing the risks for Seafarers. The fact is that the world trade and the global economy depends on ships, there is no alternative to ships. We are seeing increasing role of India Seafarers in global shipping and is to set to further increase, said Capt. Anand Dixit, Chairman Indian Maritime Foundation.
What is required is a boost to Indian Shipping Industry according to Capt. Sudhir Subhedar, former President of Indian Coastal Operators and former member CMMI. Currently India has only 1000 odd merchant ships, that needs to grow at least five times more to cater to domestic as well as International demands. Shipping for containers, medicines, expensive cold cargo, finished goods and heavy equipment like train bogies can all be transported domestically through sea routes which is much more cost effective and environment friendly. The shipping industry will get a boost with more tax relaxations, fiscal incentives and deregulation.
All of the experts are of the opinion that it is a good thing the thrust is on adopting new technologies and skills. But competency and ground level experience still remain the key to become a successful Seafarer.
Pune Business 