PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday said that the delay in seafarers signing off was due to non-compliance on the part of agents and ship owners with regards to the Standard Operating Procedure of the Director General Shipping.
While seafarers from Marella Discovery signed off last week, the crew from Karnika and Angriya vessel are yet to follow suit.
“Our officials and so also DG Shipping are continuously in touch with the agents but they have to follow the SOP and only then they can be allowed to dock for signing off,” he said.
About the delay in seafarers from Discovery arriving in Goa, Sawant said there was some delay over e-pass. “All the seafarers of Discovery have tested negative. There is some delay on e-pass, once that is done they will be brought to Goa,” he said, adding that the quarantine rooms were ready in the State.
Sawant also explained that the government has not asked any seafarer to pay for the quarantine facilities. “We have asked the agents and ship owners and they have agreed to pay,” he said.
