Shipping industry officials point out that India offers abundant opportunities ashore for experienced seamen, thanks to the unprecedented growth in domestic ports, terminals and shipping sectors. Of late, the country has seen a mushrooming of ship agencies, manning companies, freight stations, logistics service providers, non vessel owning common carriers (NVOCCs) and port operators, which are providing better onshore employment opportunities mostly to retired captains.

According to a recent survey by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG-Shipping), out of every 1000 Indian seamen who went abroad, only one third stayed on. The remaining, possibly disillusioned by the severity of life at sea, have opted for more amenable employment ashore.

A job at sea is indeed strenuous, and keeps the seafarer away from the family for long intervals of time. However, opportunities ashore have also increased, leading to the enterprising seafarer building a good financial base for himself early on in his career and making the shift for a shore job after about 10-15 years at sea. In addition the perks of a job onshore are pretty attractive as well.

India has given considerable importance to producing quality seamen for the global industry. It has created sufficient capacity for maritime training and education and is able to produce quality Indian seafarers on a regular basis to meet the demands of the industry. The DG-Shipping has taken some steps to overcome the problem of plenty among ratings (common sailors) by restricting new approvals for rating courses for two years and enhancing the period of the general rating course from four to six months.

The marketing of seafarers abroad is another step initiated by the authorities. A recent visit to Norway is reported to have generated tremendous interest among Norwegian ship owners, who are already employing 4,300 Indian seafarers and have the potential of employing many more.