MARGAO
In an effort to create a better workplace for seafarers, the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has brought to the notice of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that the recent process/ procedures to obtain the Biometric Seafarers Identity Document (BSID) for seafarers is getting delayed due to the slow network connectivity and manpower at Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) Vasco.
GSAI president Franky Viegas said that seafarers have to wait for period of three months or more and online appointments are fully getting booked, leaving seafarers to travel to neighbouring states of Mumbai or Mangalore.
展e understand that at such pandemic times the ongoing efforts can be tremendous but at the same time the situation for signing of seafarers cannot be compromised as the delay in joining creates an adverse situation in terms of unemployment," he added.
GSAI has also written to the surveyor in-charge of Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) Vasco Bodh Raj, Director General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar and shipping Ministry, Government of India, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar to intervene and facilitate more manpower to streamline process of obtaining the BSID faster for the benefit of the Goan seafarers.
He further said that seafarers who have a covering letter from their shipping company for joining should also be given priority.
