Filipino, Indian officers disclose expectations from benefactors at Seafarers forum

Seafarers 2009 Conference

SINGAPORE – Two ship officers boldly disclosed expectations from their benefactors during the recently-concluded Seafarers 2009 Conference held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel – one of the finest in this country.

Organized by the IBC-Asia (S) Pte Ltd, Capt. Krishna Kumar Mundath from Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd. in Hong Kong and newly-promoted master mariner, Capt. Alberto F. Dela Cruz from Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC), took turns in presenting the collective expectations of their colleagues from their shipowners or principals before a congregation of maritime professionals.

By Jun G. Garcia

Perfectly at ease and confident with their standpoints, Captains Mundath and Dela Cruz were lauded for their excellent presentations and convincing responses to the analytical inquiries and clarifications from the ‘think tanks’ of the shipping industry.

With that, both Magsaysay and Anglo-Eastern sure have another reason to be proud of. They don’t just have competitive officer. They sure have happy crews onboard.

The reports of the Filipino and Indian senior officers could be an eye-opener to some manning agencies which appear to be clueless on how they can please or retain their pool. But to most agencies which were already giving so many welfare benefits to their seafarers, the presentations of Mundath and Dela Cruz served as manifestations to the demands of the front-liners of the trade.

Mrs. and Capt. Alberto dela Cruz with Mr. Alex Querol from Magsaysay Maritime Corporation.

What Filipino seafarers want

According to Dela Cruz, the Filipino seafarers want and need help from their employers. On top of the list is the need to get a good-paying job and security of tenure.

“ They need help in building a long-term career even beyond a career at sea. They need a company that is stable and secured with a long range vision of the future and a plan for its people. They need help in achieving their aspirations. They want a company that knows them, talks with them, a company that understands and shares their dreams – a company that can think of programs that address even their family’s needs. They need help in financial management,” said Dela Cruz.

“Let’s face it. Seafarers earn a lot but when faced by the unexpected loss of job due to injury or illness, they are caught unprepared. Many retired seamen, even officers, do not have enough savings for a comfortable, financially secure retirement,” he said.

The young master took the opportunity to boast that his present company has a savings program that encourages crew to save a monthly amount from their wages and invest them wisely. Dela Cruz works for Fairmont Shipping – a partner of Magsaysay and MOL. Moreover, it has a livelihood training program for the seafarers’ wives. Magsaysay crew, wives, and employees had formed a self-help cooperative that conducts training and can provide capital for small and medium enterprises.

The communication needs, real-time news and information, harmonious and productive work environment, longer vacation leave with an assurance of continued employment, are some of benefits that Dela Cruz, and most of his colleagues are enjoying.

And with that, Dela Cruz pronounced that he will not sell himself to the highest bidder. He made certain that he will stay in a company where there is a balance of short term as well as long term benefits and where he feels at home.

What Indian seafarers expect

Capt. Mundath from Anglo-Eastern Shipmanagement in Hong Kong.

Capt. Mundath, On the other hand, delivered a balanced view on seafarers’ expectations. He said the seafarer’s expectations fall into two square categories – the professional and personal.

Admitting that most of his shipboard services were with Indian seafarers, he clarified that his references are limited to his colleagues. However, since the shipping industry is a global enterprise, Mundath believes that his presentation was certainly a common insight among all seafarers, irregardless of race, color, or nationality.

For the professional aspect, the gentleman from Anglo-Eastern said the seafarers expect competitive pay, perks, benefits and on-time payment.

“They want permanent employment with paid leave, pension, retirement benefits in terms of retirement funds (SRF), contract duration flexibility and relief on time, safety standards, rationalized tax regimes – reduce NRI days,” he said.

He added the steady career progression and shore opportunities, the insurance and medical benefits, and the employee stock options (ESOP), to make seafarers grow with the company.

Like the Filipino officers, the Indian officers also expect support in times of crisis – be it technical, administrative or personal. They want shore team to correct and commend rather than criticize. They want well maintained ships – regular supply of stores and spares. And more recently, they want company’s support and contingency against piracy.

Moreover, Mundath said the officers want performance bonus, and they want to promote transparent policies in terms of wages and promotion, etc.

For the personal aspect, on top of the list is keeping in touch with family – this is the single most important need of the seafarer. They expect companies to consider tie up with mobile service providers for cost effective schemes and/or special packages for seafarers. They want access to the internet – tech socializing – boon or bane.

A lot of companies already have these facilities though and it is fast becoming a trend.

“They want welfare – onboard and ashore – networking with the family. They want recreation – need for leisure on board for a healthy mind and body. They want real time access to world news – via satellite, TV or E-mail. In this case, the Newslink Services is the most effective real time service provider of news for all seafarers,” he continued.

Mundath revealed that the Indian officers would want free passage for spouses and dependants while joining and sign off. Likewise, they want a visible employer, who is always there in times of need; they want periodicals and informal info exchange through group emails; they want recognition for loyalty – rewards, awards, and bonus.

Like the opportunity that Mundath had experience, most Indian officers would also expect the same opportunity for active representation in various forums, like this Seafarers convention.

They want companies to make them feel a part of the company and responsible for its growth. They want appreciation for a job well done. They want accessibility to various departments in the organization. They want personal touch – these and more of the many expectations enumerated by Capt. Mundath in his presentation (check IBC – Asia for actual copy).

The master advices companies to discern if the seafarer is either a cost or an asset to better understand their needs.

“Few organizations understand their employee investments beyond the cost of salary and benefits. And fewer still, understand the return on their investment in employees. Companies need to measure the value that employees bring to the organization, evaluate their impact on business performance and then align them with business results,” he said.

The Indian Master further said that there are three key measures in business – “The customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and cash flow, in that order. The shift in mindset of treating plants and machinery as assets and people as costs will take time.”

Mundath ascertained the importance in investing on human capital and saving it. He said in a growth driven atmosphere, it is but natural to suffer the shortage of skill and dexterity. He said no industry can create a mass supply of human capital overnight. Hence, the need to look into the human capital – the seafarers – is the most valuable intangible asset.

“Human capital has suddenly not only become important but critical and is today the prime creator of economic value,” he maintained.

From investing, we come to saving the human capital. Mundath stressed that it is high time to realized the importance of appreciating the human capital – the companies’ trained and assembled workforce and nurture it for it to give back returns tomorrow.

With the extreme shortage, rising attrition and acute manning crisis, a quick action is essential and Mundath believes that retention is the key.

Accordingly, the first step is to know and understand the needs of the seafarer and address them within reasonable realms.

“What does the seafarer expect from the profession he or she has chosen against all odds? More so what does the seafarer expect from his employer or the organization that he is working for?” he concluded.

What companies may expect from them

It is good to know what these officers have honestly spoken. Obviously, the audience appeared to be impressed with what they have presented. Should be alright to let the industry know what these officers expect.

After hearing both sides, we cannot help but ask what the companies, in return, may expect from them. Supposed get everything that they expect from the company, will that guarantee their loyalty? For practical reasons, a few may think twice should another company offer higher and better benefits. Aren’t they practical enough not to transfer if the price is right? Is there such thing as permanent employment in the seafaring sector? Is there such thing as ideal company or ideal seafarer? Is there such thing as loyalty in a contractual employment? What do they really need? What do they really want? Will they ever get satisfied? Will somebody give us an answer please? Thank you.