Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa Seamen Association of India (GSAI) in solidarity and support to employers and seafarers trade unions demanded the repatriation of the crew working beyond their stipulated contracts and also those who are stranded.
GSAI reminded the government that June 16 was the deadline given to resolve the crew change issue for more than 2,00,000 seafarers worldwide due to the strict travel restrictions put in place by governments. GSAI has warned that the deadline could negatively impact the commercial viability of the industry, which can in turn disrupt the world economy.
GSAI highlighted the concerns expressed by the UN Secretary-General of the growing humanitarian and safety crisis facing seafarers around the world.
"United Nations agencies, including the International Labour Organisation and the International Maritime Organization, have worked with the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers Federation to develop protocols for crew changeovers, taking full account of public health concerns.
The Secretary-General calls on all governments to urgently implement these protocols, allowing stranded seafarers to repatriate and others to join ships" reminded GSAI President Frank Viegas.
"Though India is a key supplier of crew to global shipping, it's all about execution now while urging the government of India to act on the IMO protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during COVID-19.
The mental health and safety of seafarers, overdue for relief on board and job losses for those onshore will be catastrophic" Viegas added further.