7. Improved Communication Services
When at sea, seafarers long to talk to their loved ones back at their homes. In spite of all the advances in technology, communication systems at sea have not been improved as much as they should. When the ship is at ports, seafarers get a chance to contact their loved ones (But many a times calling cards are not available at ports). Tele-communication is the only medium through which seafarers are connected to their families and therefore an efficient and cheaper mode of communication is desired by all seafarers at sea.
7. Improved Communication Services
When at sea, seafarers long to talk to their loved ones back at their homes. In spite of all the advances in technology, communication systems at sea have not been improved as much as they should. When the ship is at ports, seafarers get a chance to contact their loved ones (But many a times calling cards are not available at ports). Tele-communication is the only medium through which seafarers are connected to their families and therefore an efficient and cheaper mode of communication is desired by all seafarers at sea.
In the last few years, many shipping companies have started providing internet access (mostly limited) on board ships. However, due to the recent financial slack, most of the shipping companies have stopped these services. Moreover, satellite phones are extremely expensive and it’s something that is always kept for emergency situation.
A continuous, uninterrupted internet and tele-communication services is a long-time wish of seafarers around the world.
8. Reduced Paperwork
The ISM code brought a major change in the duties of seafarers on board ships. Along with the routine responsibilities, they are now supposed to take care of a heap of paperwork for administrative purpose. This additional duty, though important, has become burden on seafarers who are already complaining regarding lack of sufficient rest hours.
The increasing amount of paperwork has not only added stress on seafarers but have also made them less focused on their core duties. Though the whole idea of ISM code is to increase the level of safety on board ships, the time allotted for paperwork often clashes with rest hours and other important duties.
Thus, steps must be taken to ensure that the additional job do not become a burden on seafarers, producing results which are opposite to what the code actually intends to generate.
9. Less Stressful Examination System
Let’s face it, the process of clearing maritime examinations in order to become eligible for promotion on ships is extremely tedious and stressing. Even though the rules and regulations that govern ships in international waters are same for almost all countries, the examination and evaluation systems are not equal at all. Each nation has its own method of examination (most of them all extremely tedious) and this prevents establishing of a universally accepted standardized system.
Moreover, these examinations are extremely stressing for seafarers, who have to wait for months to clear them. It’s a mammoth task wherein the seafarers have to go through several attempts of written and oral examinations before they are given a “clear” certificate. Moreover, the oral examinations usually take several months and attempts to clear, which is the root cause of high level of frustration among seafarers.
Seafarers around the world expect a more streamlined system of examination which is not only stress-free but also saves a lot of time. They also wish that they are treated with utmost respect at the examination centers and their time is valued throughout the entire process.
10. Better Salary
Last but no the least, the most debatable and common request among seafarers from every nation is that of increment in their salaries. Seafarers often complain that every year the number of responsibilities and jobs increase, but the remuneration/salary offered to them remains the same.
When we talk about land jobs, generally there is salary increment of certain percentage every year. However, when it comes to seafarers, they are stuck at the same salary which they used to get two years back. Seafarers expect that they at least get back something which is equal to the amount of efforts they are putting in, if not more.
Lately, the shipping and manning companies have also got into the practice of extreme negotiation when it comes to salaries of seafarers. This has led to a lot of dissatisfaction among seafarers who are being insulted because of such behavior.
Just like any other industry, maritime industry also has its own set of problems. The above mentioned ones are some of the most important things seafarers desperately want from the maritime industry, as early as possible.
Do you know of any other change that should be included in the list? Let us know in the comments below.
Note: The article has been written solely from the seafarers’ point of view, focusing on the problems they face at sea. We know that there are several other factors involved with every problem mentioned above and they are also worthy of mention. But by no means are we trying to demean any maritime authority or organization. The main intention of the article is to spread awareness among people regarding the problems faced by maritime professionals.
*Concluded
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