Seafarers Demand Shore Leave as a matter of ‘Right’

Delphine Estibeiro

Photos take from Jaggu

On Friday, 30^th June, a committee set up for seafarers’ rights under the aegis of The Maritime Union of India (MUI), comprising its General Secretary Capt Tushar Pradhan, Capt Gajanan Karanjikar, Capt Kamal Chadha, and Capt Nazir Upadhye, held a maritime press conference at the Mumbai Press Club in Mumbai to strongly protest against the denial of Shore Leave to Indian Merchant Marine Seafarers in Indian ports.

MLC 2006, regulation 2.4, paragraph 2 mentions that all seafarers shall be granted shore leave to benefit their health and well-being. This issue is also linked to Regulation 4.4 of the MLC, 2006 requiring members to ensure that shore-based welfare facilities, where they exist, are easily accessible. The importance of granting efficient access to shore facilities and shore leave for the well-being of seafarers is also recognized under ILO Conventions Nos. 108 and 185 on seafarers’ identity documents.

“Then, why are Indian Seafarers, holding Indian passports, confined to their ships as prisoners, when the ship docks at Indian ports,” questioned Capt Pradhan, General Secretary, MUI.

Informing about the work of the seafarer, Capt Karanjikar, President, All India Maritime Pilots’ Association (AIMPA), says that seafarers working on merchant ships face a number of challenges and hardships by virtue of their profession and their tenure on board extends to months. They basically work in a confined environment and face a number of challenges and numerous hardships. Working away from their families for months at a stretch, in trying weather and sea conditions; all these factors have a direct impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of the seafarer.

Capt Karanjikar added, “Shore Leave is the period during which a Seafarer is permitted to take leave from the ship on which he is serving, while it is docked in port, after an often physically and mentally exhausting voyage. It is therefore very shocking when Indian Seafarers are not permitted to go ashore in the ports of their own country!”

“Denial of shore leave affects the seafarer’s mindset, health & wellbeing. This may also affect their performance and morale and may lead to undesirable incidences in port and at sea. Acute boredom, mental and physical fatigue are dangerous states of mind and body, which can lead to impairment of concentration and frustration, which can lead to accidents to self, the ship, cargo and the environment,” Capt Karanjikar emphasised.

The matter has already been taken up with the Chairman of the Indian Ports Association, Mr Rajiv Jalota and Mr Shripad Y Naik, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Tourism, who will be setting up meetings with the relevant authorities like the Immigration zonal Chiefs and the local FRROs to address this issue so that this gross injustice is stopped soonest.

“This is now a matter of urgency and in the interest of all concerned, all Indian ports should be instructed to grant Shore Leave to all Indian seafarer. Seafarers are even ready to do a ‘Dharna’, hunger strike, and resort to other forms of protests if the issue is not resolved within two weeks from the date of this Press Conference,” stated the press release.

Marex Media