Goan Seafarers
sail the seas across the world while toiling away their work hours in the galleys and catering to the needs
of others. They put in their optimal efforts onboard for the families to live a
comfortable life.
It’s due to these boys at sea, that many Goan families,
especially in South Goa, lead comfortable lives, even managing to buy land and
build homes.
However, in return they, still at times, wonder if they will
always have a safe life onboard. And their families at homes, wonder who to
turn to at times of tragedy.
The most recent case was of Brito D’Silva who left behind his
bride and set sail on the ill fated ship which was hijacked by pirates. He was
part of the 20-member crew of MV Duke who were abducted on December 15 by
pirates. The other three Goans included Roby Rego from Cuncolim, Revlon
Fernandes from Chinchinim and Siddharth Naik from Vasco da Gama.
In Goa, the Seafarer’s Cell under the NRI Department was opened
but nothing beyond that was done. There is no nodal officer and no talks about
the seafarers getting any benefits from the government. There are many
instances of hijacking and problems at sea, however, it is only when a shocking
or extreme incident that takes place that the authorities show concern. Goa
Seamen’s Association of India has been working tirelessly for over a decade for
the government to set up a proper cell to address their grievances and have
details of crew members registrations with emergency details and to intervene
when there are disagreements between the company and them.
It is only apt
that we hand over this narrative to the sea farers, who express their views
We have NRI status
but no confirmed safety
It is high time now
that the government should take action and we should benefit from the
government. We only have the NRI status but our safety is not confirmed. There
are good companies who provide armed guards when venturing into pirated areas
and some companies also give the option to sign off from the duty and they have
a replacement crew. These areas are globally marked on the map. The smaller the
ship, the more dangerous and easy it becomes as a target. There are some
companies that are affiliated with the National Union of Seafarers of India.
However, the government should interfere and as they don’t have any idea, they
should take advice from seafarers and the Director General of Shipping and form
a global body especially to aid seafarers
– NATIVIDADE
FERNANDES, Cavelossim
We need more
investment from the government in the lives of seafarers
The Goa government
can work miracles and the Indian Government can do wonders for seafarers
however, no one is invested and nothing is being done. We only want their help
and support. There are so many agents through whom seafarers get jobs but also
many who rob them and don’t give them proper placements. There should be a
proper channel to go through. Goa makes up for 60 percent of seafarers from
India and we have 1200 captains and 1800 chief engineers currently onboard and
working. The wives of these seafarers are accepting the absence of nearly 8-9
months of their husbands due to work and run the family of 5-6 members on their
shoulders. Seafarers find their own jobs and are employed abroad but when there
are crisis on the ship, the government should also take responsibility
– DIXON VAZ, Cavelossim
How was the ship
released and the company not bothered about the crew
Nearly 90 percent of
the world’s trade depends on shipping. When a ship is entering a risk zone, they
should have armed guards on the ship, for the safety of the crew. While we are
trying on our own to get qualified and search for jobs, the government should
at least protect our job security. Companies are selecting crew based on their
qualification and fitness and once we are employed, it is the government that
is benefiting from it. The government together with the International Maritime
Organization should question how the ship was released and the company was not
bothered about the crew. These issues cannot be neglected as Indians especially
Goans are hard working and loyal to the company employing them
– FRANK VIEGAS, Chinchinim
The government should
work towards sea farers welfare and immediate action should have been taken to
relieve the crew of the ship. When we got the news, we were so worried about
Revlon Fernandes from our village, that nothing bad should happen to him or he
should not be ill treated. When I was working we would often take the pirated
area of Malacca Strait with armed guards. I was a catering officer and we would
convey messages from the bridge and deck about any sightings. But now pirate
attacks are common. Why are they not employing navy warships in these dangerous
waters? If the company has paid their demands, everyone should be released. We
are working under certain companies and they should not let their ships go with
the crew onboard. They are equally responsible for the safety of every crew
member
– VENICIO REBELLO, Chinchinim
