Team Herald
PANJIM: Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) cautioned the government of mass unemployment in the State if the SSC pass clause for granting CDC is not withdrawn.
Addressing the media, GSAI President Dickson Vaz said that the Director General of Shipping has made SSC mandatory to grant Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), which is a seafarer’s identity document certifying that he is a seaman.
Vaz is wary that the rule could adversely affect the employment opportunities of thousands of Indians, including hundreds of Goans.
“DG Shipping has begun implementing this rule since February 2 this year. There are many who have come down for holidays and will not be able to go back to work due to the new rule as it will not allow them to renew their CDC and they will lose their jobs,” he stated.
He added that the association has written to the authorities, including Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar.
Cautioning on mass unemployment Vaz said, “If the decision to reverse this rule is not taken there will be many Goans who will lose their jobs. There are more than 500 Goans which means more than 500 families which will face unemployment.”
A seafarer Charles Fernandes, who is currently on vacation, said that the company would not wait for too long if he does not report to work as there are many from different countries who vie for the opportunity. “I have been working nearly 10 years and to lose a job now will be a disaster,” he added.
