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The shortage of Indian officers is mainly on account of the following: (i) Increase in number of ships globally. (ii) Better remunerations, contract terms and better service conditions in Foreign flag vessels. (iii) High incidence of Income Tax for Indian officers sailing on Indian Ships.
Norwegians control 1400 vessels totaling 48 million DWT, which is 6 times more than the Indian owned tonnage. The Norwegian controlled fleet represents 10 per cent of the World’s total merchant fleet making Norway one of the largest shipping nations in the world. Its position is relatively stronger in respect of specialised vessels as Norwegian companies control approximately, 23 per cent of world’s cruise vessels, 19 per cent each of world’s gas and chemical tankers and 10.50 per cent of crude oil tankers. As on February, 2001, out of total of 61330 seafarers working on Norwegian controlled vessels more than 50 per cent were foreign seafarers. After Philippines, India is the 2nd largest supplier to the merchant fleet of Norway. The MoU signed between Norwegian Ship owners Association and the Indian Maritime Fraternity would provide better opportunities for Indian seafarers on Norwegian vessels, establish management level structure on board training programme and implementation of cadet training as well as training of ratings to stimulate the future growth of competent Indian Officers. India has created sufficient training infrastructure and large number of candidates are completing Pre-Sea training every year. However, suitable on board training slots are not available. Norway, a large ship owning country, would increase its quota on employing Indian seafarers on its vessels for on board training.
This information was given in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply by the Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri T. R. Baalu.
NSD/BS
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