Don't underestimate the attraction of a job like this to a seafarer looking to swallow the anchor and find a decent shore based job. Merchant Navy qualifications and experience don't exactly equip you for many other employment opportunities.A Master's (Class-1) for 50K - they must be dreaming !
A spotty 22 year-old with a Second Mates (Class-3) and DP ticket can get 60K (net) for six months work.