Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) President Frank Viegas called on the Director General of Shipping, Amitabh Kumar, and raised a host of issues facing the seafarers, including an income tax-free status for all the Indian seafarers.
He also took up the issue of pension or monetary assistance to all retiring and retired Indian seafarers with the senior official.
The GSAI President handed over a memento to Kumar as a token of appreciation for his sincere service and dedication and support shown towards the association in regards to the welfare of the seafarer community.
Frank informed that he has requested Kumar to consider and give relaxation for those seafarers whose sea service experience is up to 11/01/2018 to be considered up to 31/12/2020-22 without SSC qualification so they are eligible to apply for the Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-Seafarer’s Identity Document (CDC).
Frank said that issue including flight tickets from shipping companies up to hometowns of seafarers, 40-kg baggage weight allowance on airplanes and pension or monetary assistance to all retiring seafarers were discussed.
The issue of making provisions for the seafarers so that they enjoy a better life after retirement was also taken up with Kumar.
Highlighting that the international shipping industry is responsible for the carriage of around 90 per cent of the world trade, Frank said that shipping is the lifeblood of the global economy.
“Seafarers work in a closed fraternity, which is not visible to outsiders, their work is indispensable and is overburdened with several new issues. They need some change which will help them to live a better and safer life at sea, along with making them feel good and satisfied,” he added.
The GSAI President also said that he had made a plea to make medical benefits more transparent for the seafarers.
