Presently Merchant marine as a profession - Good or Suicidal?

As a profession merchant marine was regarded as one of the most luxurious and desired job opportunity at near past.But now the scenario is totally different.Due to the recent economic recession the shipping world got the worst shock. From the year 2010 shipping industry started suffering and within the year 2014-2015 the rising graph stacked at the bottom. If we point out the main factors for this condition we will get those points described below-

• world economic recession.
• Due to restive political situations.
• Fall of cargo freight
• Fall of price of oil in global market.
• Rise of ship maintenance cost.
• Implementation of excessive rules and regulation hampered owners profit.

Above discussed points were the factor behind the disaster of shipping industry. After effect of this sudden fall of shipping industry was really a night mare for the Mariners. They were the ultimate sufferer. And still thousands of seafarer suffering beggar description. Many seafarers are passing hard time sitting home for year after year without any job. Unemployment creating huge frustration among the seafarers. As they are specially trained for shipping field they not being able to even switch this profession.
Fresh graduates means the fresh cadets are the worst sufferer of this present situation. They have to Wait on average 1.5-2 year to get their first ship job as apprentice for their mandatory 12 month sea service. In some cases They have to bribe agencies to get on board. Sometimes the amount of bribe settle at 3-4 lac. In some cases the corrupt broker or agency pull away with money.
Even junior officer and new crews are also suffering with the unemployment problem. In some cases they are offered with very low salaries which is very inhuman task. In such condition Senior Officers and specialist persons are marking some points for this devastating job field. What are they?

• Unplanned production of officers and crews
• Not maintaining demand and supply chain.
• Corrupt manning agency.
•  Visa problem for seafarers.
•   Less number of ship in operation.

In these disastrous situation experts are discouraging youths from joining merchant marine. This industry need a few more time to get the flow as earlier. It will take a time to get its golden period back.
But what's for them who are already in the field? The thing which is mostly needed is 'patience'. They have to keep fighting. They should try to find some other way to survive. They may take initiative to be a Entrepreneur. They should develop their skill in some other sectors. Following fields may be very effective for those who are struggling:

• Freelancing
• Teaching or giving tuition.
•  Blog writing according to their taste.
•  Small business entrepreneurship.
•  Apply for foreign scholarship for higher studies.

The time unemployed seafarers are passing that is beyond description. They have to handle this situation with bravery as the face the mighty scary sea. Nothing is impossible for our brave sailor. And for the new comers its not the ideal time to get in! Before taking any decision think twice thrice again and again because once you stepped forward you cant undo your step.
Good luck Seafarers!