MARGAO
Newly-formed Goa Maritime Officers Association (GMOA) has on Thursday said the time has come for the maritime community in Goa to take the initiative and seize the Sagarmala Project as an opportunity for their own advantage.
The Association said that under the Sagarmala project, the Ministry of Shipping has been focusing on improving the coastal shipping and inland waterways transport which is an environment friendly mode of transport.
Asked to elaborate on the Sagarmala project, President of the Association Capt Jacinto Da Silva said lot of transport by inland waterway will be opened up, with plans to renew the inland jetties and plans to set up a cruise terminal in the offing in the State. “We are maritime professionals, we have been doing this job since we are all well trained and well informed to carry out the job,” he said.
That’s not all. He pointed out that in case seafarers don’t want to sail anymore, but want to work on shore, they can take up the job since they are all competent to do the job.
In fact, the Association has pointed out that a delegation will be interacting with government authorities to explore the possibility of the maritime officers contribution to the Sagarmala project. “The Sagarmala project is a big project, promoting coastal shipping and encompassing environment protection. We have lot of talent pool, including Superintendents, Chief Officers, high ranking officials. We will focus on how we can provide expertise to the government on the Sagarmala project, which will also generate revenue to the Association because of our association with the Sagarmala project,” informed Association Executive member Bhaskar Revenkar.
Outlining the host of objectives of the Association, Capt Jacinto said the Association intends to set up small and achievable target of creating awareness of marine officers profession at the secondary school level.
“More students should recognise it as a career option and aspire to become Captains and Chief Engineers in the future. We will provide students and parents with career guidance on how to pursue opportunities in the merchant navy as officers. This can be realised through, school visits, and organising maritime career fairs to showcase diverse opportunities within the industry and connect students with potential employers. We will keep brochures and information of institutes available in our office at Nuvem,” he said, adding that the Association will promote maritime skill development of Goa.
Saying there exist a requirement for professional training institutes/ colleges, revalidation training and advanced STCW courses in Goa on a regular basis, the GMOA’s plan involves establishing a comprehensive database of instructors from Goa, including both permanent and temporary, and collaborating with training institutes to oversee the implementation of these courses.
“The GMOA will arrange regular networking events that bring together maritime professionals interested in entrepreneurship, creating a platform for idea exchange and collaboration and act as a facilitator with various agencies/ professional bodies/ educational institutions and the Maritime Industry,” he said.
