The state of seafarer training in Sri Lanka has reached a critical juncture, with thousands of aspiring seafarers investing substantial resources only to face unfulfilled promises and limited job opportunities. This article explores the origins, challenges, and urgent reforms needed to transform seafarer training in the country.
Background and the Establishment of Seafarer Training in Sri Lanka
Seafarer training in Sri Lanka was established under the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention 1978, a set of international requirements adopted to ensure a consistent level of competency among mariners globally. The STCW was amended in 1995, and Sri Lanka began implementing it to ensure that local seafarers met the international standards necessary to work aboard ships. The objective was clear: to prepare Sri Lankans for careers at sea by equipping them with essential skills and qualifications.
However, despite this well-intentioned beginning, seafarer training schools in Sri Lanka have faced ongoing criticism. From the outset, schools were established to provide training without intake limits, leading to an overabundance of trained seafarers. The programme’s emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skill development has resulted in the issuance of Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs) based largely on book knowledge. Many seafarers find themselves ill-prepared for the practical demands of the profession, causing frustration and disillusionment among trainees.
Financial Strain and Unfulfilled Career Promises
The financial burden on aspiring seafarers and their families is immense. Many sell their hard-earned belongings to cover the costs of these training programmes, expecting that a certified maritime career will offer a pathway to a stable livelihood. Yet, upon completing the courses, too many graduates find limited job opportunities, forcing some to turn to alternative work, such as driving three-wheelers. This failure to secure employment in the maritime sector after extensive and costly training is both a financial and psychological blow, leaving many questioning the value of their educational investment.
The job market for trained seafarers has become highly competitive, with many struggling to secure work. In the past, the cost of CDC training might have been manageable with more career opportunities available. However, today, despite more than 60,000 CDCs issued, only a fraction—about 10,000—secure employment. Thirty years ago, when 15,000 CDC holders were vying for jobs, the outcome was similar, with only around 10,000 securing jobs. Today, the problem has intensified as the number of CDC holders has grown while maritime job opportunities have stagnated.
The Need for Domestic Maritime Development
Sri Lanka, an island nation, suffers from a lack of domestic shipping routes along its coastal belt. The country has heavily invested in road infrastructure, yet shipping—an essential element of coastal and inter-island transport—is notably underdeveloped. This neglect is evident in the construction of fisheries harbours, some of which are designed with only a 3.5-metre draft, limiting the depth required for larger vessels. Developing a robust coastal transportation system that includes appropriate harbours and ships for domestic use would create employment opportunities for local seafarers and strengthen the maritime industry overall.
Solutions: Expanding Training Opportunities and Utilising Sri Lanka’s Coastal Belt
- Increase Training Standards and Practical Experience: To align with global standards, training programmes must integrate more hands-on, practical skills. Simulations and at-sea training experiences could greatly benefit trainees, preparing them to meet the demands of seafaring jobs.
- Increase Collaboration with Foreign Institutions: Many aspiring officers prefer to train abroad, citing cost efficiency and higher quality training programmes available internationally. By creating partnerships with reputable international maritime schools, Sri Lanka can improve the quality of officer training locally, bringing global standards closer to home.
- Develop the Domestic Shipping Sector: With Sri Lanka’s coastal belt largely unutilised, there is a clear need to expand domestic shipping infrastructure. This would serve dual purposes: improving inter-regional connectivity and creating jobs for locally trained seafarers. A well-developed coastal transport network, combined with a strong coastal cargo initiative (CC initiative), could greatly enhance opportunities for Sri Lankan CDC holders.
- Encourage Local Employment for Trained Seafarers: Sri Lanka should prioritise job creation within its maritime industry to absorb the increasing number of CDC holders. By focusing on domestic employment options, the country could retain skilled seafarers, reducing the exodus of talent and providing a stable employment landscape for new trainees.
The seafarer training sector in Sri Lanka urgently needs a comprehensive overhaul. By refining the quality of training, establishing stronger connections with international institutions, and investing in domestic maritime infrastructure, Sri Lanka can transform the seafaring profession into a viable and rewarding career for its citizens. Seafarer training was once seen as a gateway to opportunity, but today it has become a path riddled with obstacles. Ensuring a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s maritime industry will require concerted effort, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainable reform, for the sake of both current and future generations of Sri Lankan seafarers.
