The remarks regarding Merchant Navy are outdated.
Insurance companies have taken action in the meantime and National Legistlations in various EU countries have made it easier and more lucrative to rebase ships in a EU country.
Ships do have EU deck and Engine officers, moreover, there is NO unemployment once graduated, you are very much needed. salaries have gone up a fair bit too.
Insurance companies require a certain percentage of Western well educated Officers onboard.
Shipping is our sister profession, we should work together, as Navigational Officers to make sure our lives and profession is regarded with esteem.
Shame that in Aviation, the Insurance companies are not yest seeing the light regarding Pay to fly.