India>>No jobs for trained seamen, marine edu needs revamp: Seamen’s body

No jobs for trained seamen, marine edu needs revamp: Seamen’s body
May 29, 2022 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/no-jobs-for-trained-seamen-...

Margao: The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has written to Union minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways Shripad Naik highlighting the non-availability of jobs for trained seamen and marine engineers. The letter has also called for a revamp in marine education.

“Getting a job after completing pre-sea training is very tough and competitive as many students are going for this course, and there aren’t enough ships to place them on board,” GSIA president Frank Viegas wrote in his letter.

Viegas further pointed out how the unemployment situation has led to ‘a breeding ground for job agents and fraud shipping companies’. “Maritime academies are churning out cadets and making huge profits, irrespective of the market condition,” Viegas said. “Most merchant shipping companies ask for experience without even considering that experience will only come after employment is provided to these candidates.

“To reverse this trend, the shipping ministry, DG shipping, shipping bodies and HRD ministry should chalk out a plan for a major revamp of India's marine education,” Viegas said.