Fair Future for Seafarers

Sriti Devadiga

Since last year, the whole world has been battling C19 pandemic; to ensure that the trade continues and essentials reach the masses to sustain this pandemic. The seafarers have been working relentlessly, tirelessly throughout the global lockdown and combatting challenges day in and day out.

25^th June is dedicated and celebrated as Day of the Seafarer to recognise and appreciate their contributions they render to the society. Commemorating this day, the NMDC hosted a webinar on 25^th June to honour them.

Ms Sonali Banerjee, a marine engineer and currently serving as Senior Surveyor with Indian Register of Shipping compered the virtual celebration and Mr Atul Ubale, Chairman, NMDC committee and Director, Bulk Carrier and Tanker and Addl Charge Director, P&A, SCI opened the session. He welcomed all the delegates and seafarers and shared that the Day of the Seafarer is an opportunity for all of us to say a big thank you to our seafarers. The pandemic could bring out the role of the seafarers in an enhanced way as seafarers were the only ones responsible for transporting goods, medical infrastructure, medicines, oxygen, and everything even when the whole globe was shut despite the tremendous hardships caused to them.

“This year’s theme is a ‘Fair future for seafarers’. It stresses on the fair treatment to the seafarers, a fair working condition, enhanced training, and seafarers’ welfare,” he opined.

Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary General, IMO video message was relayed: “Our 2021 Day of Seafarer campaign builds on the progress we have made to support seafarers on pandemic related challenges. It aims to draw global attention to areas where fairness is important which includes safe secure environment onboard, reasonable working conditions, fair treatment in all situations as well as respect for the rights of all regardless of race, gender and religion.”

Mr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways video message was played where he thanked the dedication, hard work and sincerity of all the seafarers who are away from their families to deliver their best at sea.

Today we have over 2lakh 40 thousand seafarers in India. He urged the younger generation to join shipping industry and appreciated the contribution made by all the seafarers towards the nation.

On the need to setup modern wellness centres at Indian Ports, Mr Mandaviya stressed, “The government has taken initiatives to set up modern-wellness centres for seafarers’ at all Indian ports. Few wellness centres will be ready and running at some Indian Ports by next Day of the Seafarer.”

On autonomous ships, Mr Mandaviya assured that the seafarers’ jobs are secured but it definitely will undergo technical changes and we need to be prepared for the transition. “We need to adopt with the changing technologies and need to undergo newer training and fight newer challenges,” he said.

The event also witnessed award being conferred upon SCI’s vessel MT Swarna Krishna for being the first Indian Flag vessel with all 14 women officers onboard. The award was handed over to Mrs HK Joshi, CMD, SCI. The award was to recognise, appreciate and salute the indomitable spirit, unfailing and relentless pursuit unleashing the potential of women in seafaring.

Capt Suneha Gadpande, Master and Ms Divya Jain, Chief Engineer, MT Swarna Krishna shared their observations and experience on the vessel.

Their motivating words spoke of the unfathomable feat women can achieve in the male dominated sector given a fair chance. It urged shipping companies to recruit more women seafarers. The message these two strong women gave out was that women has all that it takes to run a ship successfully.

The Certificate of Competency awards were given out to the seafarers for their academic performance in 2020.

Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO, MASSA updated that starting this year MASSA has initiated 4 cash awards to encourage more women in the seafaring community. These awards will be conferred upon the women of the maritime training institutes for achieving highest ranks among girl cadets at the entrance test conducted by the Indian Maritime University.

Speaking on the theme, Mr Amitabh Kumar, DGS shared that the theme for this year is apt as it showcases the challenges faced by the seafarers amidst the pandemic and how a fair treatment to the seafarer is pivotal and the need of the hour. Fairness would mean in respect to the working conditions, leave, wages, wellness opportunities, and non-discrimination based on race, gender, religion, social status and their hierarchy onboard. He shared the move of the Indian government to go digital with regards to all examinations for the seafarers.

“It is the time to review our past work and prepare for the future,” he added.

Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways too left no stones unturned for the praise and recognition of seafarers’ efforts and hard work.

The webinar concluded with a grand online one-of-its-kind cultural programme by the members of the shipping fraternity putting their best foot forward in showcasing their talents.

The successful culmination of the programme brought to light the purpose of celebrating the Day of Seafarer to seek and increase the visibility of seafarers by drawing attention to the invaluable role they play now and will continue to play in the future.

Marex Media