Permanent contract - pros and cons
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As we already know from the article about the terms of seafarers' contracts, among the offers from crewing and shipowners, you can find options for every taste - from two months to six months or more. To a large extent, this also depends on the type of fleet, since, for example, in an offshore fleet, a frequent situation is short-term contracts with a designated period of rest on the shore. Today we will touch upon another type of contract, which is also more represented in the offshore fleet - this is a permanent or permanent contract.
What is a permanent contract?
What is a permanent contract? As the name implies, this is a type of contract in which the ship owner binds the seafarer with obligations for a specific period (at least one year), regardless of whether the seafarer is on a voyage or on land. During this period, the seafarer is not allowed to enter into agreements with other companies and at the first call of the company must be ready to go to the ship. Naturally, this type of contract has both advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage of a permanent contract is stability. With such a contract, you are provided with work for at least a year and you do not have to worry about your earnings. In addition, you will be paid in equal installments for the duration of the contract, whether you are at home or working at sea. Another important plus is that most often a permanent contract implies a social package and seafarer's insurance, which also adds to the attractiveness of this type of contract. Plus, working with the same company and team increases your career prospects.
But, of course, there are some disadvantages in concluding a permanent contract. For example, under the terms of a permanent contract, the amount of your earnings is distributed immediately for a year, however, circumstances may develop in such a way that during the year this amount will no longer be so attractive, and the terms of the contract will still have to be fulfilled. There is no opportunity to accept a more attractive offer from other companies and crewing - this inflexibility also largely does not contribute to a positive attitude towards permanent contracts on the part of experienced seafarers.
The other side is also for rest on land - under the terms of a regular contract, you can come from a voyage and stay ashore as long as you see fit until the next contract. A permanent contract stipulates that you can be summoned to the ship at absolutely any time, which does not contribute to the drawing up of far-reaching plans for the arrangement of life on land.
Negative point in terms of payment
There is also some negative point in terms of payment - not every seafarer is comfortable receiving a payment divided by each month under the contract. This is due to the fact that often the amounts on permanent contracts are somewhat lower than on ordinary contracts, and many also find it more profitable to receive a large amount immediately upon completion of the contract. Naturally, the key feature here is the ability to make more significant purchases with the funds received. Therefore, many forums note that a permanent contract is more suitable for those seafarers who have already managed to make all the necessary acquisitions for their service (apartment, car, etc.) and do not need a significant amount at once.
Summing up, it should be noted that it is impossible to put together a single opinion at once about whether such a contract is suitable for you or not. In addition, it all depends on the individual terms of the contract. However, for those seafarers who are just starting their careers, this type of contract is quite suitable for gaining experience and the possibility of promotion without the need to look for new vacancies every time.
