Social in the ocean

Author: Zhao Minghua, Shi Xiuyin, Feng Tongqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: The Political Commissar on Chinese merchant ships is a non-technical position that is not required by international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization. Chinese shipowners have set up this unique position on merchant ships, which is not found on merchant ships in other countries. This clearly reflects the expectation that the position will objectively play a unique and important role, fulfilling functions that are special and irreplaceable by other positions. The establishment of this position has attracted widespread attention internationally. Since China's reform and opening-up, this role has garnered even greater attention and debate both domestically and internationally. Therefore, research is needed to describe the origins and development of the Political Commissar system on Chinese merchant ships, particularly to describe the current real-life conditions of the Political Commissar and crew members. This holds significant academic value and even greater social significance. In China, merchant ships sailing on the oceans are referred to as "floating countries." The social life we aim to study on these "floating countries," especially the social life of the Political Commissar and crew members, is the focus of our research. The Political Commissar is a formal position with a unique and important status on Chinese merchant ships. This book presents the results of an empirical study on the role and functions of the Political Commissar, with a particular focus on an empirical study of its relationship with the crew.