By Capt Shiv Halbe

14 years ago, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) declared 25th June to be celebrated as ‘Day of the Seafarer’, to commemorate a new dawn in Maritime Education and Training. This was probably influenced by the Maritime Labour Convention coming close to being ratified by the global community, a ’Bill of Rights’ for the seafarers. However, have things changed for seafarers in a decade and a half?

Statistics show that 90% of the global trade by volume is moved by the sea. The global trade moves on the broad shoulders of about 2 million seafarers, who ‘man’ the ships that carry this cargo. However, does the seafarer get his due? Hardly!

The seafarer came into focus during the pandemic, when the threat of the world coming to a standstill loomed large. Every organization worth anything sang in unison highlighting the remarkable efforts of the seafarer and how he deserves better than what he is being dished out. He was designated as a ‘key worker’ ‘essential worker’ etc.

Did that change the situation on the ground, then or thereafter? Emphatic, no!

Consider this:

1.       Despite the ILO convention on seafarers’ identity document coming into force, this has not benefited the seafarer in ease of travel to and from his home to ship!

2.       Shore leave for seafarers remains as elusive as ice in a desert. The global tourist industry is throwing up astonishing growth rates post pandemic, but seafarers are considered a security threat?!

3.       The Maritime Labour Convention requires welfare facilities for seafarers to be established within the precincts of a port facility. All the seafarers are expecting are a few basics- internet facility, TV, a barber shop and somebody to talk to! That is still a pipe dream!

4.       Despite the maritime nations agreeing to treat the seafarers fairly in the event of a maritime incident, the truth is quite different, and remains only as such- a resolution in the hallowed halls of the IMO.

5.       The world over, with a few exceptions, the seafarers dread arrival of their ships into port, because the interface with the officials, customs and immigration, is largely devoid of basic decency.

In recent times though, all the inconveniences seem to have taken a back seat, as the seafarer is more worried about the route his ship will take. Will it be through the Red Sea? An area generally known for fair winds and following seas has been rendered hostile by the acts of few maniacs. But the trade still goes on!

So, is there much to celebrate for the seafarer on this 25th June? The world is welcome to answer.

(The author of this article is chief executive officer of India’s leading shipping association, The Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents)