Wasn’t ’SAILOR BEWARE’ sign on breakwaters the day EU threatened criminalization for pollution (which even OPA didn’t)? Could we have used the media like Samsung did and gone on a pro-active blitzkrieg of E-actions? Haven’t we collectively failed the test of pro-activeness that is normally attributed to bureaucrats? It is a pity, we are protesting after fait accompli and spitting scorn after the biased justices have bolted the chambers!

More questions than answers as usual when in dilemma! As per some senior mariners, we the fraternity has failed to see the value of unionism that is collective by nature. We could have and should have used clout, strings and contacts of maritime unions through ITF, ILO etc to ensure that injustice was not perpetrated. Alright, let us get into action mode belatedly from now on, so that in future at least, mariners won’t be fooled around with.

Indian unions do have a large membership base and substantial funds too to fall back on. However between them NUSI, FSUI and MUI, the latter has been least active and effective. Recall the protest against banning officers from sailing on foreign ships in the late ‘70s? (It is very much there in Sec 87B of MS Act, but not enforced by default!). I must admit that it was the first and last activism I physically participated. So let us open the books and see how we all can work together.

To start with, MUI should disseminate the advantages of membership, data on its strength, history of what it has done, what it could have done and more clearly what it can do to serve the members’ cause. Eligibility of membership to those sailing on Indian and Foreign flagged ships, of those ashore with any valid STCW certificate, renewed CDC and even those retired but willing to continue membership, should be promulgated.

Enrolment or affiliation could be made as good as mandatory and benefits highlighted. Membership should be made life time and after say minimum of three years. Such numbers will come handy when activism is to be pursed at short notice, as a large proportion would be ashore at any given time. Branches should be created wherever there are 100+ resident families with electronic voting by seafarer/spouse. The organizational set up must evolve from such grass roots with due importance to port cities plus Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehra Dun…

Create a feedback forum immediately on what-else membership benefits/advantages are looked forward to? Move away from traditional union benefits and tailor it to fit the profession and its specific needs. Medical benefits, professional up-gradation assistance etc also need be enlarged. Scholarships to needy off-springs of the seafarers and family pension for untimely deceased seafarers too. The main monetary benefits may be limited to those on Indian flags: Foreign Going, Coastal, Offshore, Dredging etc.
Set up a defence and assistance fund –well managed- to help seafarers in distress in any part of the world. Draw up an understanding with International Group of P&I Clubs and others, so that the Clubs themselves can take the initiative through their correspondents. It is timely, since IMO/ILO/IBF have new Conventions in the offing on Wreck removal, Repatriation and for Fair Treatment of Seafarers.

Provide for legal aid for obtaining Fair treatment, wage recovery, repatriation when stranded (on the lines of FDD –Freight, Demurrage, Defence of P&I Clubs) etc till adequate provisions are made through Conventions and Clubs. We are in and in for a deep/long recession and sailors are bound to be left high and dry all over next few years.

Membership of those on Indian bottoms –with fees paid by owners/managers- and those on other flags through FOSMA and MASSA are currently being taken for granted. Though there are about 120 licensed Manning agents, MASSA & FOSMA together comprise only about half of that. It is obvious that such membership benefits and entails Blue & Green ITF cards as also under the IBF (International Bargaining Forum).

Are those on the other half on the rolls of licensed manning agents paying/being paid for to be members? If not, let us get them on board. Indian unions should flex muscles as strong and broad-based labour pool. Now that India is the most important manning source, let us –even not a small percentage- not be exploited without unionized benefits. Has MUI assisted officers of stranded Indian ships or has it stood by its Master/Officers against unfounded allegations by seamen on Indian or foreign ships?

As has been seen, seafarers are required only as cheap labour/head count –certified and trained to certain extent- in no man’s land on ships lacking allegiance to any effective jurisdictions. This is often proved when they are left to fend for themselves when stranded in many parts of the world. Let not Indians be befooled by the unprincipled and rootless. Are we given rightful audience and hearing with NA, DG and NSB?

There is a need for shipmanagers to educate their officers, for the Masters to guide his crew and for the officers/crew to update themselves on the benefits of membership and rights there-under. These should include the Cover under Clubs. In totality, such efforts should benefit one and all as seafaring by its very nature is a marine adventure with risks shared amongst all as in General average.

Unionism should not be a feared or hated five letter word. Instead, it should be respected and accepted as an association for dialogue, co-operation, inputs and mutual benefits. Unity is strength amidst diversity and collectively we can defend, set right and take on the rest.

Let us take a New Year resolution and pledge to strengthen the hands of the maritime unions so that they are acknowledged, accepted, respected and feared too if need be.