Question : MANPOWER IN SHIPPING INDUSTRY

(a) whether the Indian officers working on ships are leaving the Indian ships and joining Norwegian ships since they are giving attractive salary packages;

(b) if so, the details of shortage of manpower in the shipping industry;

(c) whether the Government had some time back, proposed to set up a university with the help of industry to train manpower looking at the growing demand in this sector;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the efforts made by the Government in this regard so far?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)

(a) & (b): The strength of Indian seafarers in the Norwegian controlled fleet has increased from 3500 in the year 1995 to 4200 in the year 2004. As per Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), there is worldwide shortage of 46,000 seafarers. In the Indian context, the shortage at officers level is estimated to be 500.

(c) to (e): The proposal is under active consideration.