Calling into Dubai ports can be an expensive stop for seafarers. Deepak Chandera, chief executive officer of the Dubai International Seafarers Centre, reveals how one of the city’s best-kept secrets has been providing crucial support to visiting mariners for over three decades.
How long has the Seafarers Centre been operating in Dubai?
We attract every level of staff, from port workers to engineers, vessel captains and managing directors of shipping companies.
We’ve been here for over thirty years, and were established in 1976 by Royal Decree of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Members join from throughout the shipping community, including freight lines and the port workers. We don’t advertise or market the Seafarers Centre because within the shipping business it is very well known and our member base is typically people coming back year after year.
How is the club funded?
The club is maintained through it’s membership fees. Sometimes the lines will fund or subsidise fees but the majority of the seafarers hold their own membership. Shipping firms often renew company membership because they find these facilities and our location very convenient and better value than hotels, and we offer a tailored environment for shipping.
What staff from the maritime business does the club attract?
We attract every level of staff, from port workers to engineers, vessel captains and managing directors of shipping companies. The facilities and services are available to hire and we provide a wealth of recreational facilities, a selection of swimming pools, a gymnasium, basketball and volleyball courts and a soccer pitch. Part of the reason is to give the seafarers a chance to stay fit and healthy, but part of it is to provide some proper rest and recuperation after being at sea.
Does the centre engage in any charity work?
The centre works very closely with Reverend Stephen Miller and the Mission to Seafarers. In circumstances where crew have fallen on financial hardship or wages have gone unpaid we always try to help in any way we can, but the matter would usually be referred to the International Transport Federation.
Are all visiting seafarers able to come and enjoy the facilities?
Every ship that berths here, the crew have the opportunity to show their identification and come and use the facilities, so the range of people covers the whole spectrum of the jobs available in shipping, but also from every corner of the globe too.
Do you directly assist with the employment or recruitment aspect of the shipping business?
We have not been directly active with regard to the recruitment issue, however if people come down and network at the club then that’s an obvious advantage.
How do you help mariners maintain contact with their home country?
The internet café is important in helping crews stay in touch with family and friends, and that is a complementary service, whether they use our PCs or bring their laptops down with them and use the WiFi. Most of the rank and file coming off of ships are going to have their finances stretched when they’re in Dubai, they aren’t on the highest salaries so this facility gives them the opportunity to properly relax and recuperate in a way they can afford. Even better when we can offer e-mail and internet access for free.
Is your background tied to the sea too?
No, previously I ran hotels, so I’ve brought hospitality know-how with me. I’ve not been involved in the maritime world before, but what we aim to do is create a homely, refreshing atmosphere for the guys to enjoy when they leave the vessel.
What about the future?
Given the opportunity, we would like to develop some accommodation here for seafarers. Hostel type accommodation would be ideal. Basic amenities could be covered quite simply and the food and beverage element is already here.
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