SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Goan Seafarers Association of India (GSAI) on Saturday claimed that most of the seafarers who joined cruise ships are facing cut in salary and putting in extra hours of work due to low response from the cruising passengers affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
While observing the World Maritime Day at GSAI office, here, President Frank Viegas questioned the future of seafarers.
"Many Indian seafarers are facing hardship due to the ban in some of the countries for joining or signing off due to port restrictions. Most of the seafarers who joined cruise ships are facing crew cut, salary cut, extra hours of work due to COVID-19 and low response from the cruising passengers. And hence, the Indian government needs to take prompt decisions in order to resume this operation,” he stated.
Frank also urged the Government of Goa, besides Union Minister Shripad Naik to take this issue seriously.
"Communication needs to be done between the Indian government and the countries that have banned the Indian seafarers due to COVID-19, so that operations may be resumed. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) also needs to come forward in order to resolve the issue,” he stated.
Further, Frank informed that the IMO has chosen to make 2021 a year of action for seafarers, who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their vital role as key workers for global supply chains.
Captain Glen Lacerda, Vice-President of GSAI pointed out to take prompt action by the shipping companies towards seafarers who are uncomfortable with their daily life if any signs are noticed due to COVID-19 can save life at sea. Also some of the Indian seafarers lost jobs due to delay in vaccination process and resumption of flights.
The GSAI also distributed fruit saplings to the seafarers’ community
