With nearly three decades at sea, VN Surendran has witnessed the Indian maritime industry evolve from traditional practices to today’s increasingly regulated environment. Now 62 years old and sailing as a Chief Engineer, Surendran’s career spans both foreign-going vessels and India’s coastal (NCV) fleet.
Holding a foreign-going certificate issued by Panama in the early 2000s, Surendran transitioned into coastal shipping over time. Reflecting on the shift, he acknowledges that while foreign-going vessels once carried more prestige, NCV vessels have improved significantly in recent years, especially in terms of standards, operations, and professional acceptance.
"I like working on NCV vessels," he says. "Things are much better now compared to earlier years."
Having spent close to 30 years in the shipping industry, Surendran has experienced the demands of shipboard life first-hand. One aspect he values deeply today is shore-side accessibility and support, particularly the ability to communicate issues quickly and receive timely assistance. Compared to earlier days, he notes that modern systems have improved maintenance planning and operational coordination.
However, he believes there is still work to be done. From a policy perspective, Surendran feels that greater government-led education and awareness about shipping careers could encourage more young people to enter coastal shipping.
"If youngsters are properly educated about shipping and if rules and regulations are framed with seafarers' benefits in mind, more people will join," he explains.
He also highlights the growing administrative burden in shipping today, particularly paperwork and regulatory compliance, drawing comparisons with European and US standards. While safety and compliance are essential, he feels that regulations often lean more towards owners than seafarers, and a better balance is needed.
On the operational side, Surendran confirms that timely salary payments are critical to crew morale and stability, an area where consistency makes a noticeable difference to seafarers' confidence in their employers.
When asked about his most memorable experience at sea, Surendran recalls a deeply personal and challenging Mumbai-Gulf voyage from when he was around 30 years old. Newly married at the time, with his wife pregnant back home, the ship was caught in a cyclone and left stranded at sea after the engine failed. For three days, the crew worked under intense pressure and uncertainty, unsure of what would happen next. When the engine finally came back to life and the vessel made it safely to shore, the relief was overwhelming. Decades later, the experience remains etched in his memory, not just for the technical challenge but for the emotional weight it carried.
Originally from Kerala, Surendran continues to sail with the same sense of professionalism and commitment that has defined his career. His journey stands as a reminder that experience, adaptability, and dedication remain the backbone of the maritime industry, especially as coastal shipping continues to grow in importance.
