Exodus of Crew Members

Source: PIB

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.

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. (v)

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.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Shipping, Shri G. K. Vasan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.