India plays a very crucial role in the global seafarer industry. From many quarters, the industry has been demanding to accord ‘priority’ to seafarers in the vaccination drive in view of the nature of their work. On 7 June 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India) (MOHFW) had issued an SOP allowing certain categories of citizens to get their second dose of vaccination earlier (after 28 days). Seafarers who came under the category of ‘employment overseas’ were beneficiaries of this SOP. However, it is valid only till 31st August 2021.

Thus, the 5 industry associations – FOSMA, MASSA, INSA, ICCSA & CMMI, have collectively appealed to the DGS (Directorate General of Shipping) to extend the validity of this SOP and allow seafarers to keep receiving their second dose of vaccination after 28 days.

“The MOHFW was very proactive is reducing the time gap between the two COVISHIELD doses to 28 days between the first and second dose, COVISHIED being as of now the only WHO approved vaccine in India. This relaxation was given to three categories of citizens. First being our citizens involved with the Olympic Games, our citizens being employed abroad and finally our citizens who are students studying abroad. This is valid until 31st Aug 2021 mostly due to the completion of the Olympic Games. However Indian citizens need to be continuously employed abroad, the seafarers come under this category of citizens and the same applies to students going abroad. Sighting this it was decided by FOSMA, MASSA , INSA, ICCSA & CMMI to send a joint appeal to MOHFW via the DG shipping’s office to continue the relaxation of the gap of 28 days between the two vaccines for seafarers,” said Capt Sankalp Shukla, Chairman, FOSMA.

Seafarers are responsible for transporting over 80 percent of all goods around the world, including food, medicine, and vaccine supplies – and have continued to do so despite extremely challenging circumstances. Now not extending the validity of the SOP for Indian seafarers could very well effect their employment prospects adversely. On the other hand, a ‘fully vaccinated’ Indian seafarer is at low risk on board, and is preferred by employers.

The 28-day period between successive vaccine doses allowed for Indian seafarers has had a great positive impact on seafarers being permitted to travel across international borders more freely.

“Safety and employability of seafarers needs to be at the focal point of our attention. Fully vaccinated seafarer will not only contribute to his own safety, but also the whole ‘ecosystem’ including his colleagues on board. As a labour supply country, wellbeing and employability of our seafarers should be a national agenda!” expressed, Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO, MASSA.

Marex Media