Team Herald
panjim: Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding paid quarantine for seafarers, the State government in a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) released on Friday said that companies will have to bear the expense in case the sailors tests positive for COVID-19.
The SOP also mandates that seafarers employed on barges and returning to Goa from Indian Coast, harbour and exclusive Economic Zones are required to undergo a COVID-19 test.
“As per the guidelines of Directorate of Health, under intimation to Captain of Ports Department, the owners need to pay the required fees to carry out the COVID-19 tests if the seafarers test positive. Seafarers serving on board, barges, tugs, pilot launch, mooring boats etc, which are operating exclusively within ports limits, are to be treated as port staff and necessary quick clearance and facilitation will be provided by the ports for crew changes as applicable,” the SOP states.
The Indian seafarers serving on board will also have to maintain daily records of temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate. If the vessel wishes to stay at anchorage, it is the responsibility of the owner, agent and master to ensure the crew does not disembark to go ashore. However, if for any reason the sailor wants to disembark, they should follow the health protocol.
“As long as the crew is on board, the owner, agent and master should ensure supply of provision and fresh water by maintaining hygiene standards at all times,” it said.
Close to 1,000 seafarers from different parts of the world have already returned to Goa.
