Team Herald
PANJIM/MARGAO: Urging the government to follow the steps taken by the global maritime industry and other countries, the Goa Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has urged the government to expedite the repatriation of Indian seafarers stranded on different cruise liners and merchant vessels across the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Pointing out that the industry and union of seafarers across the world have set out a 12 step plan to help bring back the seafarers, GSAI appealed to the government to seek assistance from the global maritime industry, which is associated for the welfare and well-being of seafarers.
“A comprehensive road map has been advanced by a broad coalition of seafarers unions and international shipping industry associations with inputs from airline industry representatives, international organizations and the insurance sector to provide a blueprint of how governments can facilitate crew change overs and resolve safety concerns throughout the entire process,” said GSAI president Frank Viegas
They further referred to the IMO circular no. 4204/add.14, which has recommended all IMO Member, States, United Nations, specialized agencies, inter-governmental organizations and non-govt organizations in consultative status with IMO to follow the recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus pandemic.
Besides Frank and GSAI Secretary Michael Benny Da Costa, Captain Venzy Viegas and Dixon Vaz had earlier submitted a memorandum to Union Ayush Minister of State Shripad Naik. In their meeting, they emphasized that the stranded Indian seafarers are anxious due to the extension of the lockdown.
In their detailed plan that has been suggested to the government, the association mentioned that the companies are ready to take charter flights and make a ‘Green Corridor’ for seafarers, so that the COVID-19 tests are done, quarantine places are nominated and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) complied with once the government gives the permission. “They requested the SOP which is submitted by the Industry pertaining to Indian Seafarers, to facilitate their return to India by chartered flights and allow Indian Seafarers to join the vessels, so that the ship moves, the cargo moves and the service to mankind continues,” it further states.
The memorandum also quotes a letter by President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley that Indian crew will be transferred to Anthem (cruise ship) and depart on May 9, which will sail to Goa, arriving on June 3. He said that they are working on transportation details to home cities from there.
In another matter, the senior Vice President, HR- Global Fleet Operations Susan Coskey in her letter stated they plan to transfer Indian teammates to Majestic Princess, which will then sail for Goa and then Mumbai. “Once the Manila disembarkation process has been completed, we will then begin the process of transferring team members based on their nationality. At this time, Eurodam scheduled to arrive in Goa on May 23. Some ships in Manila will then prepare to sail to their operational pause locations.
Elsewhere, Celebrity Cruises in their letter states – Indian crew members will be transferred to Celebrity Infinity and departing within the next two weeks to Goa, arriving in early June. We are working on transportation details to home cities from there,” the association stated.
Also, Seven Seas Voyager, another cruise liner, will be arriving on May 9 in Mumbai with 71 Goan Seafarers.
