In a recent incident a seaman was signed off from a Shipping Corporation of India vessel 'M.V. Sagar Kanya' on grounds of alleged insubordination. The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) to which the affected workman owed allegiance took up the matter with the Shipping Master. The Shipping Master in turn sought the reinstatement of the affected seaman. The SCI finally agreed to take the seaman back on duty.

The incident narrated above is yet another amongst numerous others that occur on a frequent basis involving the marine industry. The Marine World interacted with a few seamen at seamen's club, Mumbai and bring to the fore what they have to say regarding different aspects of their career at sea.

Wages
The most important need of a person is the basic needs and this can only be met when a person earns enough to meet it. For a seaman at the bottom of the ladder in the hierarchy a few rupees more would surely meet many of his needs.
When asked about what they think about their wages all the seamen echo in the same vain that it was too meagre for the hardships they have to endure. Seaman Pramod says with anguish, “I wish our employers took into account the risks we took with our lives at work and the unsafe conditions. Our salaries are way too low to meet our needs.” Karim adds, “We have long and uninterrupted hours of work, often extending up to 18 hours or more. And we do not have holidays on account of celebrations etc. others on the shore enjoy.” Another seaman adds that he wished he got an opportunity with a foreign ship where the salaries are higher and there is no tax.

Future and Terminal Benefits
A majority of the sea going fraternity work on contract basis and hence there is no continuity of employment. The organizations that employ them do not offer pension schemes etc. Also most workers do not save in any sort of fund such as voluntary P.F. etc. as they cannot be sure when their next assignment would come.
Shyam says, “I consider myself lucky that at least I have this job. But I often wonder what will happen when I am old and can no longer work. In other organizations when people retire they get terminal benefits such as pensions and provident fund”.
Duration of Contracts
Most of the seamen are on contracts of 9 to 12 months. They are compelled to be away for long durations away from their near and dear ones.
Bahadur has been a seaman for over 20 years. He says, “Long durations at sea deprive us of a normal life. I have missed many an important family occasion.” Francis adds, “Employers should consider shorter durations of 4 to 6 months for us also. This would greatly benefit us. It would give us a chance to enjoy the fruits of our labour with our families and friends”.

Stress and Violence
Long voyages also brings along stress and frustrations. Sometimes petty quarrels lead to violent behavior. There are also instances of fatalities. Bahadur puts it very plainly. “I've seen it all at sea. Even though crew members want to have a pleasant time together things do go out of hand at times. Quarrels are frequent. People who cannot cope with stress end up endangering their lives as well as those of others.”

Employment Jobs to relatives
Many seafarers are hopeful of giving a sea career to their relatives. Quite a few relatives invest in pre sea courses with hopes of finding employment in ships where they work.
Prabhu said, “It is highly disheartening to see companies discriminate when considering employment to members of family. It's seen that many companies do not want to employ siblings for reasons best known to them. It's sad that relatives often nurse ambitions to follow the footsteps of their kin and invest in pre sea courses and after obtaining CDC's they apply to the same company with high hopes. But crew managers turn down their requests saying that they can accommodate sons but are not interested in siblings.

Gullible Aspirants
The Marine World also interacted with the newspaper vendor, Mishra of Seamen Club. He says, “Everyday I see a lot of aspiring youngsters keen on taking up a sea career. Their enthusiasm can be gauged by their interest in buying periodicals that display the most number of job advertisements.” Mishra adds, “I also see touts preying upon gullible freshers who part with their hard earned savings desperate for a career.”