India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of skilled maritime manpower, contributing significantly to the global shipping industry. However, a striking trend within this community is the strong preference among Indian seafarers to work on foreign-going vessels rather than Indian coastal ships. But what drives this preference? Let’s explore the key reasons behind this industry-wide inclination.
1. Higher Salaries on Foreign-Going Vessels (FG)
Foreign shipping companies offer significantly higher wages—usually paid in U.S. dollars or euros—compared to Indian coastal vessels, making international jobs financially more rewarding.
2. Tax-Free Income Benefits
Seafarers sailing in international waters for more than 183 days qualify for NRI status, allowing them to enjoy tax-free income—a major incentive over coastal shipping, where income is fully taxable.
3. Longer Voyage Durations = More Experience
Foreign-going vessels typically operate on global routes, allowing seafarers to gain more sea time, broader experience, and higher earnings through longer contracts.
4. Modern Vessels and Better Working Conditions
International fleets are often newer, technologically advanced, and better maintained. In contrast, many Indian coastal vessels are outdated and lack modern safety and comfort standards.
5. Career Growth and International Certifications
Foreign vessels allow Indian seafarers to obtain globally recognized certifications and gain experience in multinational crews, accelerating their career prospects.
6. Less Bureaucratic Hurdles and Delays
Indian coastal shipping is often slowed down by inefficient port operations and regulatory delays, while foreign shipping tends to follow streamlined international maritime procedures.
7. Better Onboard Facilities and Crew Welfare
From internet access and quality food to clean accommodations and recreational spaces, foreign-going vessels (FG) generally offer better crew welfare, which directly impacts morale and performance.
8. Toxic Work Culture, Salary Delays, and Poor Treatment in Indian Coastal Shipping
Many Indian seafarers report toxic work environments on coastal ships, including verbal abuse by senior officers, salary delays, unclear contracts, and unsafe work conditions. Such mistreatment discourages seafarers from continuing in the domestic sector.
9. What DG Shipping Should Do to Improve Indian Coastal Shipping
The Directorate General (DG) of Shipping plays a crucial role in regulating maritime labor standards. To improve coastal shipping and retain Indian seafarers, DG Shipping should:
- Enforce strict anti-harassment and anti-abuse policies onboard all vessels.
- Mandate timely salary payments with legal consequences for non-compliance.
- Implement regular audits of working conditions and crew welfare on Indian coastal vessels.
- Offer financial incentives and training support for coastal companies that maintain high crew standards.
- Introduce clear career progression pathways within the coastal sector, supported by official certification upgrades.
These steps will help professionalize coastal shipping, making it a more attractive and respected career path for Indian maritime talent.
Conclusion
While Indian coastal shipping is vital to the nation’s economy, it suffers from systemic issues that discourage skilled seafarers. Unless drastic reforms are introduced—backed by DG Shipping and industry stakeholders—Indian seafarers will continue to choose the better-paying, safer, and more dignified route of foreign-going vessels (FG).
