Discussion Regarding Employment Situation of Bangladesh Mariners

JMAAA feels it is important that a vibrant discussion should be exchanged by the Bangladeshi mariners relative to the job situation in Bangladesh. In this regard; we are providing the readers with a sampling of discussion that is currently happening in the [email protected].

The idea is to form a constructive dialogue and then formulate a unified course of action. If this can be achieved and we are successful in making a unified action, we will have achieved our goal.

 

Sent: Friday, August 29, 2014 5:05 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [BDMariners] Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers

Respected Seniors & Beloved Juniors, Assalamu Alaikum,

Thank you Salahuddin Sir for your very important reminder.

Let’s us not discuss this “Maritime University” matter for the time being.

Let’s concentrate on the topic “Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers”.

I have changed the Topic thread with new Subject.

As far as I know from many Singapore Management companies (including our Ocean Tankers), to employ our Bangladeshi Officers/Cadets/Crew, THE MOST & ONLY important issue at this stage is to solve our Bangladeshi Seafarers VISA issue.

If this Visa issue can be resolved (Seafarers shall not require any VISA at any foreign ports), we can bring many Bangladeshis (Officers/Cadets/Crew) even in our Ocean Tankers’ managed vessel where we 22 Bangladeshi origin Mariners working in Office.

We have almost 100 Tankers & we surely can pursue our top Management to employ our Bangladeshi Seafarers if there is no VISA requirement.

This should be done at the Government level.

Please look into this & ONLY this matter very seriously.

With Kind Regards

Baten (18th Batch), Singapore

Sent: Friday, August 29, 2014 6:03 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [BDMariners] Maritime University in Bangladesh

 

Respected Seniors and all BD Mariners brothers.

Dear Baten thank you for  opening another thread on employment under BD Mariners global forum.

I have one last query on BSMRMU Act 2013 on previous thread of Maritime University in Bangladesh, hope those who are liaising closely with the authority will be able to shade some light.

Whether the clause 72 (Ka) & (Kha) (Page 40 of the act)  is still there in the act or taken out/amended?  This clause has all the powers to affect Marine Academy by the University.

Well understand that the location of university has been changed from the gazette notification, hopefully an addendum to gazette will be published by the government soon.

Since the act is in Bangla pdf format, I am unable to copy and paste the relevant clause from the 50 pages BSMRMU Act. I have attached the link again below, appreciate to have look at page 40 clause 72. I may not have understood correctly and my worries may be undue:

http://www.dpp.gov.bd/upload_file/gazettes/6720_49990.pdf

Kind Reagrds

Mokbul (8^th)/SGP

 

Sent: Friday, August 29, 2014 7:39 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BDMariners] Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers

Dear Baten Sir

Asalamualikum . Thank you very much for bringing up the topic and focusing  on our priority.
With down trend in global economy and for other associated reasons, the no of Bangladesh registered vessels have reduced remarkably and continuing ( last I know the number has reduced from 74 to 43).
Since I am associated with a shipping company in Bangladesh , everyday I least meet 2 -3 young mariners ( cadets, 4th engr, 3rd off) who acquired their minimum qualification (passed out from academy /got their coc) 6 -8 months back and still unemployed.  Sometimes they cry, they beg for a job (even ready to join at hand to mouth salary ) . I also get calls from guardians,  crying and requesting to help them out by providing jobs to their child.

Sometimes I feel helpless, I feel like cry, I feel sorrow , I feel like shout to the people who produced so many mariners without even thinking how they will be consumed in the market, what is the market demand and what steps had been taken to generate employment before graduating them .

It has become something like population growth in Bangladesh where no body knows how to control or best utilization of man power ( in a very raw way- a rickshaw puller giving birth to so many children without thinking of their future).

I also remember the job scarcity when we passed out and how we suffered – is it not anyway connected to government policy ? Is there any one who should take the resposibility not to apprise the government of present shipping market and adjust cadet intake accordingly  ?

I think I have become very much emotional in expressing my feelings which I should not.

It is not my intention to hurt any one any way but to raise our awareness on the issue which is going to affect the community very shortly.

I look forward to my senoirs who knows how to handle this kind of crisis and hope they will come forward with suggestions,  employment opportunities to help these young kids.

Kind Regards
Anis (30th).

Sent: Friday, August 29, 2014 8:34 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [BDMariners] Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers

Salam

I have just returned home after two weeks of overseas assignment, had no internet/email/FB there.

Found massive  number of postings and will have no opportunity to read them.

I am very impressed that industry heavy weights like Salauddin Sir (1), Capt FR Ch Sir (1) and Janab Zahedur Rahman Sir and other pioneers have joined this forum.

We are emotionally attached with our beloved BMA and cannot see its death. I have received half a dozen private emails (CV) from BMA graduates to assist them with job, though I am out of marine sector for over 25 years. It is utterly painful to read plight of these cadets having brilliant background looking for work.

We are very special species.  The word “Impossible” is absent in our mariners dictionary.

I may suggest followings action plan, moving forward:

1. BMA to remain as an independent entity managed exclusively by merchant navy officers, insulated from any political influence and affiliated with WMU, Malmo only.
2. There should be no other institution in the vicinity that can impair its environment, image and beauty.
3. Current BMA infrastructure, training facilities and course contents to upgrade
4.  No increase  of yearly intake in BMA  for  at least next  5 years
5. Structured transition of all non-BMA institutions to become Seamen training centers. No officer training institution (Other than BMA) to be established in Bangladesh. BMA can be expanded as required.
6. Overseas mariners funded, fully equipped “Research, marketing & employment centre” to set up  in S’pore.( I do not suggest this to be in BMA or anywhere in Bangladesh as the info could be misused, slow internet etc)
7. Office  staff  PD to be developed, will post monthly KPI   in above forum
8.  All Bangladeshi mariners to post job ads, potential employers contacts.  Etc in confidence.
9. All unemployed BMA graduates to register for placement.
10. Al l mariners   forums, alumni, meetings, gatherings, reunions etc  to have “employment opportunity” agenda in their activities and output conveyed to  above S’pore office
11. All Bangladeshi  mariners working at senior levels( Manager, superintendent, surveyor level and above) to  influence, recommend BMA graduates and communicate with   S’pore office in confidence

 

Kind regards

Dilwar Ali (6^th batch Engr)

Melbourne

(My apology if my inbox already contain above suggestions)

Please  note  undermentioned email from Anis(30) as I  have completed above  text and just about to dispatch. I urge all mariners  to display slightest bit of sympathy.

 

Date : 28/08/2014 – 04:57 (TST)
To : [email protected]
Subject : Re: [BDMariners] Maritime University in Bangladesh

Dear Salauddin Sir,

Thanks for your ideas.

Regarding  the Philippines have been able to become the world leader in seaman employment, I have some observations:

1. The Employment Agencies in Philippines are very well managed/organised.

2. Most of the European Shipping Companies have Offices and Training Centres in Philippines.

3. Philippines Government have a Policy Regarding the Employment of the Seaman.

4. Hard-working Seaman with good command in English

5. 0% probability of Crew Desertion in European. Australian, USA & Canadian Ports (no need to place extra security Guard).

The above mentioned points are the reflection of my personal experience of handing 200 vessel/year.

Regards

Kamal Ahmed

15th Batch

 

Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2014 2:40 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BDMariners] Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers

To All Mariners of Bagladesh,

Thanks to all senior and junior mariners of Bangladesh. Reading the present and incoming future of problems of Bangladesh Mariners, I think it will be better for us to identyfy our main problems and documentory formalities/weakness refer our emploment in overseas country etc. This will include our governmet authorities etc such as DG Shipping, PO MMD, Issuing authority of CDC, No-Objection authority, etc, Ministry of Shipping, Catagory of of Certificates accepted by all Internation Shipping Services. Dealing with Government Authority and make them understand the diffulcuties will take some time and modification etc. Hope it will be better if our previous senior/retair goverment ex-employee and the Mariners at presnt in service of DG Shipping, MMD and Ministry of Shipping. I am more than sure that our Bangladeshi Nautical,Engineer and Crew member can do better in sea-life arround the world.

Refer BSMRMU Acts, Marine Acadamy Certificate, Marine Fishery Certificate etc we should sort out inside our national capability etc.

Our main Target should be:

1) International Marine Certficate recognised by the World.

2) Safety at Sea.

3) International Fire-Fighting certificate.

4) Vissa for all Sea-Ports and Special Vissa if required by individual Country etc.

Hope above may help us for our fiture.

Best regards,

Syed Moazzem Hossain.

Marine Engineer.

 

Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 4:39 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [BDMariners] Some further thoughts

Dear Sirs,

I have noted with interest the discussions on various matters by the group.

Problems have been highlighted and possible methods of tackling them have also been conveyed by many. However, there are grey areas which no one is really looking into. It is this perspective which I need to convey.

1. Maritime University.

Keep the Academy intact. Leave it to the government to decide on the University. Simply let the authorities know

a. Academy should remain as it is.

b. If a University is to be, let it be placed independently anywhere but the Academy grounds.

c. The Navy alone should not be in charge of appointing a Vice Chancellor. It should be left for the fittest candidate. (Brian May, lead guitarist of the band Queen, had a PhD from Imperial UK,  in Astrophysics and was also the VC of John Moore University).

2. DOS

It is beyond belief that more surveyors are not being inducted. Certain people in the DOS are making money. They do not wish to share the loot, hence the blocking of more candidates for so many years. There are lobbies, departmental as well as political, within the DOS. It will be up to the BMMOA as a strong group to correct this. DOS has to be shaken up, stirred and filtered. My gratitude to all in the DOS who are honestly trying their best despite the odds.

3. Jobs

Nobody in his correct mind will give our crew a chance, with desertion factor as the main obstacle.

a. Could it be possible (and the Crew Union will be opposing this) that cadets can join as ratings on board our dwindling local fleet?  This can ease out the sea time requirements for the boys who are waiting after passing out.

b. Officers should try to get into specialised fields like DP. Invest and get the certificates, it will pay handsome dividends.

4. Intakes

Intakes should NOT be curbed. Somehow, somewhere, people will manage and survive. On what rationale can we restrict number of intakes? Those who wish to pursue this profession should do so at their own risk and if this is what they wish to choose, so be it. Nobody is forcing them.

5. Audit of Maritime Institutions:

There are quite a few sincere , honest and impeccable officers who are capable of doing an audit. The DOS should not have required “assistance” had they built up their own manpower. Now that there are questions, it is the professional bodies like NI etc who are requested to assist. Careful here. Though its a big honour and prestige being earned, please be forewarned that should at any time something goes wrong, it will be the Institutes name being tarnished. Therefore it would be important to specify that a member of the Institute (NI, IMarEst) etc, IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY, will be doing the audit and NOT representing the Institutes itself. We do not want a maritime academy giving an advert in the paper tomorrow saying “Fully Audited by NI, London or IMarEST UK”

6. From 65 bulkers three years ago, we are now down to less than 40, (figures are very approximate) more will be scrapped since the freight market is down, Owners are not making money. The government should assist at this stage to keep the fleet survive. The bureaucracy, high taxation, exceedingly high interest rates from banks are killing the industry. More favourable rules would mean more will invest. More ships will equate to more employment and increase in earnings of foreign exchange. This should also be stated to the Ministry in question.

These are a few of my thoughts.

My gratitude and thanks to all the guidance and input given by the contributors to this thread.

By the way, how come we do not have a single contribution from any active seafarer, below perhaps 30th Batch or equivalent? It seems those of us ashore (and also many from abroad) are the ones showing concern. Baten, please see how we can get them into the band wagon. It is humiliating that there are rumours of cadets paying 3 to 4 lacs to join ships and senior most candidates being asked to pay upto 10 lacs to get their certificates. Philippines is no less corrupt, but they are definitely doing better than us. These are the grey areas no one talks about.

In my personal capacity, I have assisted many seafarers while in Hong Kong. Wallem was one company who trusted me, not as a manning agent but on personal grounds till one day I got a call stating one referral from me had jumped ship. That was the end. I have also been closely in touch for the past three years with a ship owning company and have seen the scarcity of jobs. I pray that things will get better for those who are not yet employed and sense will prevail amongst those who make the rules.

Regards,

Capt Ghulam Hussain (11th)

 

Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 2:14 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BDMariners] Maritime University in Bangladesh

I think the problem originated from the time cadets were issued with degree and that gave the impression that it is an educational institute  forgetting that it is pre=sea training institute preparing cadets for a career at sea. Our cadets still have to do apprenticeship on board as cadet for  nautical cadets and engineering cadets are required to do three years ass apprentice engineer in a rcognised marine workshop. In lieu the engineering cadets now do phase 2 as cadet on board ship and phase 3 back in the academy to complete the training and join ship as 4th mate or fifth engineer.  Thereafter they have to complete required sea service to appear tin their first professional certificate. Till such time the cadet obtains a profession certificate hiss value inthe industry is next to nothing , even though he has a degree isssued from an university.  With that he may join civil service but can not become a useful member of an ocean going ship. . The degree is therefore is nothing but a scrap of paper to us.

The thing that we have to explain to the administration that the role of an educational institute and a training establishment are not identical.

Are our boys willing to renounce the degree. If so we can tell the administration that e do not need the degree, all that we need is certificate from the Academy stating  that we  have completing two years training  from the marine academy which will give us exemption from sea service or workshop training as the case may be.. It has to be understood by all concerned that it is not a educational institute but a pre sea training establishment. This fact must be understood by all concerned.

Salahuddin ahmad (01)E

 

Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 11:02 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BDMariners] Some further thoughts

Dear Capt. Ghulam and Capt . Sahfiq,

Thanks to both of you for your inputs.. My own personal views on the subject raised in your mail is as follows:-_
Maritime University:-

I have time and again said that this is not our cup of  tea, nor is it a part of ministry of shipping , of which the Academy is a part. It is venture of the ministry of education and let them deal with it as they deem fit. It is their baby and necessarily their responsibility .We must however oppose any effort to transfer teh assets of the marine academy to the university or for that matter to any other organisation.

2. Jobs:-

Desertion of seafarers are going to be a major problem. I recall that during late seventies and early eighties the Philippines faced this problem. With the active cooperation of their government they did overcome this problem. I have my doubts that our shipping ministry or the shipping office will be able to take similar steps to eradicate the scourge of desertion. I feel that ministry of overseas employment will be the right forum who would be able to assist us in improving employment of Bangladeshi seafarers in foreign vessels just like the Philippines.

3. Department of shipping:-

it i unfortunate but trues that the department is not its own master. They are under the thumb of the semi-literate but powerful rust bucket owners called launch owners.  The surveyors however well intentioned he may be , just have no room to manoeuvre, they just have to susuccumb to the pressures of the rust bucket owners.

To deal with the inland and coastal vessels we need to have a separate Bangladesh government Classification just like Japan have JG( Japan Government class). That body will be responsible for formulating rules for building and construction of inland and coastal vessels and and award class notation tor those vessels. . vessel owners will have to be made liable for the loss of life and caro, which will compel them to insure their vessels bringing in  one more party interested to ensure safety of vessels at in the inland and coastal vessels.

Intake and Audit:-

Having the academies audited is a prerequisite to proper training of seafarers. It has to be ensured and once training is imparted by duly audited  institute then we need not worry about intake provided they maintain the standard of training required…

Updating our Shipping laws
This is long overdue. we have to keep ourselves abreast with the current trend in shipping.  I strongly feel that we should have home trade and middle trade services as they have in the uK.

We should also have a career counselling for those seafarers who wishes to make a transition to shore life after a career at sea,.

These in brief are some of my own ideas. I shall appreciate if we all work as a team an d actively participate in the discussion for the benefit of the community.

regards

Salahuddin Ahmad (01)E

 

Sent: Monday, September 1, 2014 3:10 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: bdmariners yahoogroups; BD-Mariners@ Houston; Juldia Marine Academy Alumni Association
Subject: Re: [BDMariners] Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers

Dear Shafiq Bhai and Zillur

Some very good points raised by KM Asaduzzaman. While touching on the issue of manning agencies only, it is surprising to note that some agencies in Bangladesh, Indonesia and even the Philippines are allegedly charging a fee to the seafarers for placing them on ships. This is not permitted under the MLC, 2006 as they are already being paid by the shipowners. So why the regime of double charging?

To overcome this, Bangladesh first needs to ratify the MLC, 2006 Convention and then make secondary law in the country under its Acts to implement and enforce the MLC Regulations, under which it should be a criminal offence for a Recruitment and Placement Service or RPS (so called manning agency in the past!) to charge a fee to the seafarers for finding them jobs. If the DG DoS and it’s surveyors wish, I can supply them with the full pack of MLC, 2006 Regulations and Guidance Notices for reference to see how we have implemented the MLC, 2006 Regulations in the UK as the flag state administrators.

The RPS should be approved or licensed under the MLC Regulations and we have to educate them that days of charging seafarers for facilitating their employment are over and it is unlawful too – only shipowners are to be charged for this purpose. They have to overcome their greed of double charging malpractice if they are to sustain their activities in the global market of supplying seafarers.

Best regards

Khairul Anam

9th batch (N) UK

 

Sent: Monday, September 1, 2014 11:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: bdmariners yahoogroups; BD-Mariners@ Houston; Juldia Marine Academy Alumni Association
Subject: RE: [BDMariners] Employment of Bangladeshi Seafarers

Dear All

I liked the way Asaduzzaman has presented the problem and few possible solution. I think establishing a manning agency under BMMOA is a great idea, which can be easily funded by the contribution by the members, volunteers and supporters like us. I am sure if it is well advertised then it can bring contribution from shipping companies and ship owners.

Visa issues needed to be distributed to the local marine community with conjunction with the central committee, since it may need engagement from foreign ministry. But lot can be achieved by initiating a conversation from local level and from the BMMOA. If there is a issue with US visa I am willing to take it up with the state department. I can initiate a dialog through Bangladeshi American Democratic organization, they will be more than happy to help us. Is there a US visa issue which discriminate Bangladeshi sailors? Please have a action plan ready so that we can start to work on that.

Best regards

Tareq 23rd

Sent: Monday, September 1, 2014 11:59 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [BDMariners] Fwd: Maritime University (MU) – Satement of facts

Dear All,

I am reading with very much interest the various discussions, opinions, proposal and counter proposal  about Maritime University in Bangladesh from our respected seniors, ex-colleagues and beloved juniors.

After a long time brain storming finally I think we have managed to identify our prioritized job at this moment which is “ How to address the unemployment problem of Cadets?” and not Maritime University. As a solution, the proposed Marine Forum sounds  a “constructive proposal”. If the forum can complete successfully with the active and positive participation of various party/ stakeholders/government body etc and all of them are sincere enough specially Govt to solve this Cadets /ratings Unemployment problem, it can be easily done but not expecting overnight.

In my opinion, the BMMOA has to take the lead for this Forum. Capt Shafique should not leave this responsibility with Capt Zillur alone. A steering committee should be formed to coordinate with all party, prepare a list with all identified problems already highlighted by many of our seniors and Juniors those who are actively on the job of ship management/operations ect.

In my opinion, the main issue is obtaining  Visa for Bangladeshi seafarer. If the government is really wants to address this problem, they have to be very sincere and work on it. We can identify few countries/ports where most possible crew changes are taking place. The government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)  has to take special initiative to hold meetings with those country’s High Commissioners and pursue the matter for special consideration of visa“only for Bangladeshi seamen” if not for all Bangladeshi nationals.

In the Forum,  it would be better to call all unemployed Cadets to be present so that Government/Misinters are aware about their numbers. In addition rank wise a list may be prepared including all ratings and presented the same to the Foreign Minister, Shipping Minister, Education Minister & labour Minister for their realization. Capt Shafique in his speech may be highlighted each and every core problems of our seamen that they are facing now.

If these huge number of unemployed seamen and their problems are focused truly in the news media/electronic media, the MU will die itself with” starvation” of peoples interest . I mean no one will be interested to go MU and  cross this tunnel where there is no light at the end.

Thank you

With kind regards

Engr.M N karim (8c)

1. 

   Md. Imranul Hasan says:

   September 5, 2014 at 6:24 pm

   Assalamualaikum sir,

   Its a great hope for us that our honorable ex cadet sir are concerned about our current situation and trying to solve our current problems. We hope that very soon new sun will rise and eradicate the darkness of maritime job market. I am a sufferer of this current situation. I have got my class-3 COC and am jobless for 6 months. In this 6 months I faced and experience d some problems which I want to present here,

   1. After getting COC I went to manning agencies. Manning agents, which are recruiting for foreign principles, asked for US visa. Then I managed US visa and went to those agencies. Now they are asking for experience. I requested to them, that I am ready to join as cadet but they didn’t showed any interest in me. Then I understood that problem is in me and the problem is I don’t have a reference.

   2. I went to Bangladeshi companies and they are refusing me daily by telling that they don’t have vacancies. Some Bangladeshi company is recruiting their cadet and that is good.

   3. There are so many mariners roaming around in agrabad and only few are mariners with legal documents. others are so called auto mariner. With 3000 to 4000 taka one can get a coc and cdc. Than they are showing experience on their fake cdc and sailing on board foreign vessels.
   I was also offered by an agency to do such thing but i didn’t. Only few manning agent like unicorn, hoq and sons, universal shipping are running their job in legal way.
   5. Biggest problem for candidate s like me is we don’t have reference neither for a Bangladeshi company nor for a foreign company.

   Hope one day we will be able to get on board. Everyday we go to manning offices with a heart full of hope and come back to home with a heart full of sorrows. For last 6 months not for a single day I didn’t give gala in my job searching job.

   Md. Imranul Hasan (45th)