Seafarers travel throughout the globe to join and exit ships across the oceans and continents, while they work in an environment where medical health is very difficult to provide in case of a Covid emergency.

While several countries have now started insisting on the 3rd dose before they permit passengers to fly into or out of their countries, the Govt of India’s announcement to reduce the waiting period for Covid Vaccinations for 2nd and 3rd doses from 9 months to 6 months will certainly help seafarers take their booster doses without much delay.

Sighting the challenges in advance, Capt BK Jha, Master CMMI, urged seafarers to take the advantage of the Government scheme and take the precautionary booster dose before boarding ships. Emphasizing the matter Capt. Jha said, “To ensure smooth crew changes, we urge all Seafarers to take the Precautionary Dose.”

Capt SM Halbe, Warden, CMMI, informed the Court Members that starting from 15th July, the Precautionary dose will be given free of cost to citizens above 18 years of age. This scheme will have a limited period of 90 days.

Supporting CMMI’s call, Captain Kamal Chadha, Editor in Chief, Marex Media said, “It is essential for seafarers to get vaccinated to the maximum to avoid catching Covid anytime during their travel across nations by sea or by air. The booster dose thus is of utmost priority for seafarers.”

CMMI, The Company of Master Mariners of India is a professional body representing Master Mariners, and it aims to develop and promote the traditions and highest standards of the Merchant Navy in India.

Marex Media