When recruiting new Myanmar seafarers, some have not got jobs because they are weak in English, Captain Soe Min Aung, chairman of the Myanmar Seafarers’ Federation, said in an exclusive interview with One News.
According to the International Maritime Organization’s estimate, the number of seafarers needed in the next three to five years could reach 300,000 due to the increase in global trade volumes. Currently, there are only about 150,000 officially registered seafarers in Myanmar, of which only about 40,000 are currently on board, Captain Soe Min Aung said.
Currently, about 20,000 new seafarers who hold seafarer registration books with the intention of becoming seafarers have not been able to find jobs.
Although young Myanmar seafarers have practical skills, they have difficulties in interviewing for jobs as they are weak in English, which means they are often rejected for jobs. While there are job opportunities for young Myanmar seafarers, they need to work hard to grasp the opportunities, and relevant authorities and training schools need to work together, Captain Soe Min Aung said.
