MARGAO
On National Maritime Day, the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) made a host of suggestions to Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to make the lives of seafarers, especially ratings working in the toughest of environments much better.
In the letter, GSAI president Frank Viegas has called for shorter contract period for seafarers (Ratings) 7 Months +/- 1 Month, saying this step if implemented properly would change the way seafarers look at their profession.
“Short term contracts would motivate them to go to the sea frequently and also make them more enthusiastic about their work. It would be one of the best steps taken for the betterment of seafarers. This step might also interest several others who are planning to join the industry but are uncomfortable with the idea of staying away from their family for several months”, said Viegas.
While demanding 2GB free internet access per month on board the ship, the GSAI said tele-communication is the only medium through which seafarers are connected to their families and therefore an efficient and cheaper mode of communication is desired by all seafarers at sea. “Providing a minimum of 2GB free internet will definitely boost the morale of all staff on board”, he added.
While saying that seafarers should be provided with repatriation upto their final destination, ie up to their hometown irrespective of the destination mentioned in SEA, he said companies should be made to ensure that seafarers are repatriated upto their hometown and not upto the location of reporting office. This kind gesture from shipping companies will go a long way in boosting the morale of our seafarers, he added.
While making a suggestion to consider providing double overtime if working on holidays and Sundays, GSAI further demanded making medical plan/benefits for seafarers more transparent.
Demand for a Seafarer Relation Officer (SRO) to be appointed by every RPSL company has been mooted by GSAI to deal with matters related to Government, Unions, Shipping Company, Seafarer and to establish a single point of contact for Seafarer to voice their grievances. According to ITF, Seafarers are among the most exploited and abused groups of workers in the world. Yet their plight is barely recognized by the mainstream media and public opinion, he added.
Sawaikar announces pension resumption
MARGAO: Describing Seafarers as heroes of the seas, NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar announced resumption of seafarers' pension with retrospective effect from January 2021.
He was speaking at the 58th National Maritime Day Celebrated by Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) at St Estevam on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sawaikar highlighted the crucial role played by seafarers and called them heroes of the seas and assured all help to alleviate their grievances.
The pandemic did not deter the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) from celebrating the 58th National Maritime Day at Casa do Povo Hall, St Estevam on 5th April with great passion and enthusiasm.
GSAI president Frank Viegas said due to the ongoing pandemic, adequate precautions were taken and COVID-appropriate protocols were put in place with the number restricted to just 50 people for the inaugural ceremony.
The highlight of the occasion was a half-day health camp organized in collaboration with Manipal Hospitals with a specific focus on Cancer and Orthopedic check-up by specialized doctors.
GFP pithces for early constitution of SMB
MARGAO: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has demanded that the Goa government take immediate steps for the early constitution of the State Maritime Board.
The regional party also demanded that the government restrict the limits of the Mormugao Port Trust to its operational area.
Addressing the media, Goa Forward leaders Prashant Naik and Dilip Prabhudesai said Goa has been blessed by as many as 28 ports across the length of the state, but the government has utterly failed to exploit the same to boost tourism and to check unemployment.
“The government has only made promises to set up the State Maritime Board, while other coastal states already have such Boards in their states”, Prashant said, while demanding that the government come out with a law establishing the state Maritime Board.
