(a) whether a number of trained Indian crew have joined foreign merchant navy;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether the Government has prepared any plan for improving the service condition on Indian Merchant Navy to discourage such trained crew members from joining foreign merchant
navy; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. There are approximately 1,00,000 Indian seafarers of whom about
30,000 are working on Indian ships. About 8,000 to 10,000 fresh seafarers join the profession
every year, two thirds of whom join foreign flag ships.
(c) & (d): India is a major supplier of seafarers to the global maritime industry.
Indian Seafarers join foreign merchant ships due to variety of reasons namely:
(i) Better wages;
(ii) Shorter contract period; and
(iii) Continuity with the foreign company after being sponsored for pre-sea training and
initial onboard training by the same company etc.
(iv) Better Taxation regime.
Tenure on board Indian ships and other service conditions including salaries etc. of Indian
seafarers working in Indian ships is negotiated between ship owners and seafarers unions
without any involvement of the Government.