- The Goan Seamen Association of India requested the shipping ministry to appoint a seafarer relation officer (SRO) mandatory for registered shipping companies.
- These officers will act as a single point of contact for seafarers to voice their grievances.
According to an article published in Times of India, on International Maritime Day the Goan Seamen Association of India requested the shipping ministry to make it mandatory for registered shipping companies to appoint a Seafarer Relation Officer (SRO) to act as a single point of contact for seafarers to voice their grievances.
Seafarer Relation Officer
These officers will act as a single point of contact for seafarers to voice their grievances while dealing with the government, unions and the shipping company, president Frank Viegas said.
Association’s letter
“According to ITF, seafarers are among the most exploited and abused group of workers in the world…it is therefore important that there is an appointed SRO in each company whom seafarers can approach for any legal guidance, support and for seafarers to ensure their safe and secure voyage in international waters,” stated the association’s letter to minister for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya.
This along with other demands were officially handed over to the commissioner of NRI affairs Narendra Sawaiker on Monday and also sent to director general shipping, maritime union of India among other stakeholders.
Association Points
The association has also put forth the demand for shorter contracts periods of seven months for seafarers stating that the shorter contracts many companies are offering are not available for crew from all ranks and departments.
The “shorter contracts” will motivate seafarers to go to sea and encourage more people to join the industry, Viegas said.
The association has also highlighted the need for 2GB internet to be provided to seafarers by their companies to connect with their families along with repatriation up to their final destination, irrespective of the destination mentioned in the SEA, and not to the location of the reporting office.
Seafarers Struggle
Another demand is double overtime so that seafarers who complain of lack of sleep, hectic schedules leading to accidents and injuries can be avoided.
Seafarers are often unaware of medical benefits available to them. “It would be desirous for companies to create more awareness amongst seafarers related to medical benefits so that they are well versed with all requirements, eligibility, benefits, etc, to avail of these benefits whenever the situation arises,” the association stated, suggesting that they be provided leaflets when joining.
Chief Guest’s Highlight To Seafarers
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Sawaikar highlighted the crucial role played by seafarers and called them heroes of the seas.
He assured all his help to alleviate their grievances and announced that the seafarers pension that had been stopped for a while will resume from next month with retrospective effect from January 2021.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source : Times of India
