Team Herald
MARGAO: Pointing out to the difficulties faced by seafarers and their sacrifices, the Goa Seamen Association of India in a letter to Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged to provide these seamen with some relief.
The seafarers have asked for a shorter contract period which should be seven months extendable by another month so that the seafarers can meet their families more regularly and get time to relax with them.
They have also demanded 2 GB free internet service each month while on board the vessel so that they can keep in touch with their families.
The Association has also demanded that all seafarers be given flight tickets right up to their home town while signing off the ship they are working on and also asked for payment of double overtime whenever they work on Sundays or holidays.
Seeking a transparent medical plan for seafarers, the Association demanded that each company appoint a seafarer relation officer to help seamen to deal with whatever problem they may face.
