The SUR is a key partner for seafarers throughout their career

Kaliningrad cadets actively join the Seafarers' Union of Russia. In September alone, 25 cadets—future engineers, motormen, and marine radio electronics technicians - joined the Union following meetings between first-year students of the Kaliningrad Marine Fishing College and representatives of the SUR Kaliningrad Regional Organization. The first-year students understand that seafarers need a trade union to protect their rights, ensure decent working conditions, and support them at all stages of their careers.

Meetings between SUR leaders and KMFC cadets have become not only a good tradition but also a significant part of the educational process. This time, the Union's representatives spoke to cadets studying in "Operation of Ship Electrical Equipment and Automation Facilities" and "Operation of Ship Radio Communication and Electronic Radio Navigation Equipment" about the SUR's activity, how to draft maritime documents properly, and how to find a job with a good company.

"We do not merely tell the history of the Union; we share real-life cases—situations that happen to seafarers at sea. This helps cadets understand the difficulties they might encounter. Lyudmila Izmalkova, the Chair of SUR KRO, stated, "We devote particular attention to the commencement of a career, providing individuals with a comprehensive guide on how to present themselves in the most favorable light: what to say about oneself, what to include in a job application to increase their chances of success."

She also noted that the objective of these meetings is to instruct young individuals on how to assert their rights and comprehend the intricacies of the recruitment process. Cadets will begin to comprehend the red flags that indicate an incorrectly drafted individual contract.

"We also offer simple but vital advice, such as to leave your relatives all information about your place of employment—a copy of your contract, vessel details, and company information— before your voyage. This is a 'safety anchor,' " Lyudmila Izmalkova noted.

By the way, in October, cadets will also have their first acquaintance with actual vessels. The Seafarers' Union of Russia (SUR) is organizing excursions for them on the fishing vessels of the FOR group of companies, which will return to Kaliningrad soon and dock at the port for repairs and maintenance.

"Many of the cadets have never stepped on board a vessel, they picture its operation in their minds just theoretically. They will see the scale of the vessel firsthand, experiencing the specific smells of diesel fuel, paint, the sea, and fish, and hear the noise of machinery. It's a completely different life—the very one they will soon be immersed in," the SUR KRO Chair added. 

According to her, excursions on the FOR group of companies' vessels are an excellent opportunity for the cadets to look out for potential shipboard training opportunities: "Such excursions are also the first step toward future employment," Lyudmila Izmalkova noted.

The meetings entailed a lively response from the cadets: 25 first-year students joined the Seafarers' Union of Russia. Currently, the SUR's ranks number 132 cadets of the KMFC and 35 cadets of the Baltic Fishing Fleet State Academy.