WELFARE AND LIFE OF THE MERCHANT FLEET SEAMEN OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE AT THE LATE XIX – BEGINNING OF THE XX CENTURIES

Zuev Andrey Vyacheslavovich

In Russia, until the beginning of the 20th century, there were no special institutions under the direct control of the government whose direct task was to improve the living conditions of merchant marine sailors. On the initiative of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich, a government department was created on November 7, 1902, to which the management of merchant shipping and coastal commercial ports was entrusted. Several bills were prepared aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of sailors. However, such vital issues as the organization of savings and loan business, pension and insurance provision for sailors, wages, and working hours were not properly enshrined in law in pre-revolutionary Russia. Assistance to merchant marine sailors was provided only by mutual aid societies and unions organized in some large cities of the Russian Empire. Thanks to the action of such employee funds, members of ship crews had the opportunity to receive loans and were assigned pensions. However, due to their small number and insufficient funds, they could not seriously improve their situation.

Keywords:Directorate General of Merchant Shipping and Ports, merchant shipping, merchant marine, pensions, insurance, wages, loans, living conditions, welfare, contract.