The Indian National Ship-owner Association (INSA) has written a letter to DG shipping as onboard crew is being termed as virus carrier and hence not allowing them for sign in /off despite end of contract period.
Speaking exclusively with The Pioneer, Indian nationals serving in Merchant Navy said that the Indian Sea Fearers having no travel history to China and Covid -19 affected countries are not being allowed to sign off and sign in.
Admitting the fact that the maritime trade has fallen 10-17 percent so far and expected to be worsen more as orders for upcoming months have been shut, a senior officials said that several maritime operations have been halted, instance - Crew sign in/ off, repair work of the ships, vetting inspection on tankers, adding certification of Indian vessel could get jeopardized and dry docking of ships.
Crew sign on/off, Service engineers / Repair work of the ships, vetting Inspection on tankers, Certification of the Indian Vessel could get Jeopardised and dry docking of ships. The Pioneer spoke to many sailors on boards on this.
In their letter to Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping, the association member mentioned that Indian seafarers on board Indian ships which are operating on the Indian coast should be allowed to sign off without any restriction.
“Indian seafarers on board Indian ships have no history of having visited any of
COVID -19 affected countries in the past 30 days should be permitted to be sign off freely.If found to be symptomatic they may be asked to undergo testing and quarantine. Indian seafarers joining ships should be allowed to sign on to Indian ships without any hindrance or restriction,” the letter read.
While speaking to the correspondent, onboard sailors shared their experience to be in sea amidst the COVID -19. These remote workers who are bound to stay away from their families at least for the six months are being termed as the virus carrier at harbor.
“We follow the instructions and with limited stock of food and wine , we try to maintain joy in sea. We are the supply chain as at any condition, we need to transport the essential which are require for survival, instance - oil and coal, there are many countries in the South hemisphere which are reliable on oil to produce electricity.. but, in this difficult times when no one wants to see us at harbor, it is difficult for us also to sustain in blue waters for long,” said a third officer deputed on the merchant ship.
Adding insight to sailor's tough time, another sailor said that we are receiving advisories in every hour and being guided by seniors what to do in hard times , however Corona pain is more hitting psychologically than affecting our physical health… staying away from families and dedicated to deliver the supply in time , sea shore companies are not providing us the quarantine suits even..everything is not wine,” he added.
Meanwhile , many issues pertaining to repair squad and specialist engineers are being faced as the engineers should be permitted to board Indian ships for the purpose of carrying out repairs and maintenance.
Citing the example of Singapore, Liberia and Marshal Island, shipping agencies urged DG shipping to grant extension to the existing ships certificates for a period of at least six - eight months for smooth maritime trade functioning.
