Indian shipping industry is doing well financially. But, sadly seafaring has lost some of its old charms. With the rise in security risks, port state control, maximization of profits, criminalisation of Seafarers, the crew are loaded with more burdens. The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) has always voiced its concern for Seafarers and have condemned the port authorities, who deny shore leaves to Seafarers under one pretext or the other. Denial of shore leave is inhuman and needs to be paid immediate attention. When a Seafarer touches some ports, he has to go through stringent security checks and at times denied shore leaves as if he is a terrorist. The irony is that the same Seafarer when goes to the same country as a tourist, there are no such security checks. This is indeed quite strange and shocking. Seafarers are not terrorists, but are victims of terrorism.
A Seafarer's feelings can be described like this.

Don't forget our contribution in your prosperity
For the Seafarer, the call of the sea is indeed strong,
Tour after tour, he comes back on the ship where their heart does belong,
For him, braving the storms is like singing a simple song,
To bring his ship safely into the port is what he longs.

Once inside the port, he cherishes even the small walks,
If not outside the port, then at least within the docks,
Tired, exhausted the Seafarers want to have a ball,
If not for anything else, at least his beloved he wants to call.