Advertisement

SUMMER SAILORS

Year after year it has become increasingly popular for college students to ship to various foreign ports as seamen, stewards, or in some sea-going capacity. These journeys are usually made either because of a desire to see the world, or a longing for adventure. The bo's'n generally puts an end to these romantic notions for adventure the first day, and now the Seaman's Union intends to stop the practice altogether.

It has recently been decided that no union ship, which most desirable vessels are, shall take any seaman other than one who intends to follow the sea for a vocation. Regardless of the fact that most sailors never remain on one ship for more than two voyages, the fact that students only work for a summer is cited as an objection to employing them.

Another of the Union's criticisms is that the employment of students in the summer months deprives many sailors of a job. It is true that the utilization of students is the cause of some scarcity in sermon's berths but the notorious overslon of the sallor to steady work counteracts this to some extent.

Thus the Union is trying to keep non genuine sallors off the high seas but it is doubtful if they will succeed. It is not only the least organized labor group, but its members are all too ready to sell their Able Seaman's ticket to any person who desires a touch of nautical life. And the summer sailor may still satisfy his yearning for a vacation position on shipboard by the use of a little ingenuity and nerve.

Advertisement
Advertisement