Author – V.B HARI NARAYAN | Partner, United Maritime Law Chambers ( UMLC)
The job of a seafarer is often described as a difficult one involving constant fight with unexpected perils of the sea. The seafarers spend months together in the sea away from their family causing extreme mental and emotional suffering without much assistance for a considerably long period of time. Though it is said that sea is for those who dare and are adventurous the fact that life becomes monotonous and cause emotional drain cannot be lost sight of. It is in this background that many seafarers after spending years in the sea think of alternative jobs in the shore. This write up is intended to throw light on the shore based opportunities available to seafarers who process LLB/LLM qualifications.
Maritime law has always been an area of practice which has attracted the interest of many lawyers and those connected with the sea and or sea trade. Even though maritime law is of ancient origin and has developed in various jurisdictions across the world as a full-fledged branch of law involving specialists, for various reasons it is still considered to be a niche area. Therefore, the entry of new entrants into this field is mainly driven by passion and clear focus. However, considering the nature of claims that arise under maritime law being limited coupled with the lack of knowledge on the subject which has got international element it becomes difficult for lawyers to specialise in maritime law unless they possess specialised knowledge and expertise.
Those who would want to specialise in maritime law will have to work with lawyers/ law firms handling maritime law and also undergo further studies in master’s level as a mode of specialisation.
To be able to make a mark in the legal profession it takes years of hard work and dedication. This is applicable also for lawyers who aspire to specialise in any field of law including maritime.
Claims which come under the domain of maritime law to a large extent require some amount of knowledge on the operational side of shipping. Seafarers who have been on vessels and involved in sailing are well equipped and knowledgeable on the technical and operational side of a vessel. Those who possess this knowledge will have an upper hand when it comes to dealing with complicated issues relating to the voyage of a ship or incidents arising under such voyage. Thus, a seafarer with an added qualification of LLB to his credit can aspire to become a maritime lawyer provided one is able to understand the nuances of law. However, as said earlier it is not an overnight transformation that takes place from a seafarer to a maritime lawyer. On the other hand, it can take years of dedicated and disciplined hard work to gain the necessary experience to equip one to handle complicated legal issues that can arise in the field of Maritime law. Therefore, if a seafarer is willing to put in years of practice with a maritime lawyer/ maritime law firm he or she can aspire to become a successful lawyer after several years of practice.
Apart from the position of a lawyer there are plenty of shore-based opportunities available to seafarers who possess legal qualifications. For instance a seafarer who possess a masters degree in maritime law ( which is possible in several other jurisdiction except India) can take up carrier with a Protection and Indemnity club (P& I) and handle claims arising against vessels / their owners. Similarly Marine insurance is also an area which would require lot of talent especially those with background in shipping and legal knowledge. Opportunities are also available in the form of serving as Arbitrators for resolving disputes under contracts of carriage even though a law degree is not a requirement but highly desirable.
From the comforts of getting a hefty monthly salary at sea, one who chooses to come to the shore is invariably taking a risk to get established to claim a commanding position in order to achieve financial stability. However, like any other profession, the legal profession also requires a lot of perseverance and hard work to attain success.
If seafarer has that ability and willingness to work hard then the sky is the limit for them.
