Beginnings
I began sailing in 1982, straight from Jamshedpur, and have now spent 43 years at sea, including 25 as a Master. Over these years, I've worked on nearly 90 ships, tankers, bulk carriers, and container vessels, and sailed around the world.
If I were to describe my journey, I'd divide it into four decades.
1982–1992: These were the best years of sailing. We had larger crews and spent longer periods in port, which gave us time to explore. Communication was limited, so our focus stayed completely on work.
Change and Adaptation
Between 1992 and 2002, computers began to emerge, and radio personnel were replaced. Slowly, everything was digitized, and they had to train themselves in computers. Management began to take an active role in ships, resulting in a decrease in the number of crew members on vessels. The size of ships has increased from then to now.
From 2002 to 2012, the shift was towards compliance. More regulations, more reporting, and a lot more paperwork. It changed how we worked; precision and documentation became as important as seamanship itself.
Since 2012, the salary has remained unchanged since then. There is a lot of micromanagement of vessels from shore. In the coming decade, I predict that there won't be any management, and everything will be autonomous.
What I've Learned
I believe in transparency and that seafarers require security from ship owners and managers. Even after they are relieved, they must have ongoing support. Seafarers should be relieved on time; don't force them to stay longer.
One small thing a company can do is provide more internet access. In some cases, when 2 GB per month is given, it is not sufficient.
A proud moment for me is that I have never faced a safety issue. Nothing has ever happened to me, my crew, or any vessel I have sailed on. There isn't enough recognition or appreciation for that. I believe in hard work, and it is because of my efforts that the crew and vessel have always been protected.
This industry is good for those who take it seriously, and you get paid well. I want young people to complete their exams on time. Working as a seaman has given my family and me a good life onshore. Seafarers are the most important part of the ocean; they move the industry. There is a need for better treatment of seafarers and fairer wages.
