NUSI Celebrates Seafarers Unity Day in Mumbai

Padmesh Prabhune

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), one of the oldest trade unions of seafarers in India, serving since 1926, celebrated Seafarers Unity Day with much seriousness as well as fun & frolic, along with a musical extravaganza, on Monday 6th November, 2023 in Mumbai, to honor the spirit of the Seafarers serving the industry across the globe.
The event, virtually Presided over by NUSI President, Capt. Nand Hiranandani, was attended by over 1500 seafarers including several eminent personalities from the shipping fraternity who graced the occasion, and following the norms NUSI also distributed welfare financial assistance to seafarers and their families.
While Shri Shyam Jagannathan (IAS) D G Shipping, G.O.I. was the chief guest for the evening, dignitaries Capt Girish Phadnis, Chairperson & Director (MASSA), Capt Mukesh Sharan, (FOSMA), Capt Phillip Mathews (INSA), Shri Rakesh Singh, Secretary (ICCSA), Capt Tushar Pradhan, General Secretary (MUI), made their presence felt with their advice to the young aspirants.
The event began with an initial welcome speech by NUSI Advisor, Mr Abdulgani Serang, who enthralled everyone with his wit keeping the atmosphere a jovial.
Mr Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary & Treasurer, NUSI, then followed, elaborating upon various initiatives of the NUSI team to support the welfare of seafarers and their families in its pursuit to be a leading national seafarers’ Union.
The Chief Guest Shri Shyam Jagannathan, shared his thoughts maintaining the importance of unions and the role they play in protecting employees’ rights. Expressing his gratitude, he sincerely thanked everyone for the trust they have shown in DGS and said, “Considering the concerns of the seafarers we are working on a new merchant bill and the amendments are expected in some time along with an overall revamp of the DGS website that will have a Grievances redressal portal, and real time management of documents to have an advanced organized system in place”.
He also assured of implementing a complete end to end computerized mechanism for examinations- COC, COP, by further upgrading the website/portals. “We are here to ensure your safety & security”, he added.

Shri Jagannathan also officially inaugurated the NUSI IMEC Training Courses for skill enhancement that would be conducted at NOTI.

Apart from these, the dignitaries also shared their thoughts advising young aspirants to focus on skill enhancement rather than falling prey to touts who promise quick employment only to ultimately disappoint.

While Capt Mukesh Sharan, FOSMA, elaborated on importance of Skill Enhancement as it provides higher employment opportunities, and is much preferred by Shipowners as everyone wants better well equipped talented people, Capt Phillip Mathews dwelled upon expectations of Ship-owners from seafarers who would prefer a candidate with updated skills with a focus on safety and gender equity for ultimately it’s the reputation of the company at stake.

Capt Rakesh Singh, ICC Shipping Association highlighted the importance of coastal shipping and taking employment on small vessels than waiting for a bigger ship company.

“Don’t fall in the trap of fraudsters, and take a realistic approach for employment.” He added.

Capt Girish Phadnis equally highlighted problems of going to agents for jobs in shipping as there is none to help if one is on the wrong side of law. He said, “The solution lies in tackling scarcity of jobs which is the challenge, and there is a need for allotting increasing training berth on ships. But say no to agents.”

Highlighting the plight of seafarers, Capt Tushar Pradhan shared his thoughts on expectations of seafarers. He said, “Indian seafarers are on higher demand, but they need to upgrade their skills regularly. Give seafarers their due respect, shorter contracts, quicker job rotation so that they don’t feel left searching for employment. However Seafarers should also equally be responsible and be devoted, and not lose heart and patience.”

The event also witnessed some awards like the NUSI SCHOLAR for securing marks Highest In Class X; Ms Dikshita Senthil Murugan (3rd Prize), Ms Anjalli A. R. (2nd Prize), and the first prize was awarded to Master Satvik Venkat Moghera.

The Scholarships Grant was awarded to Mr. Javed (Engineering), Mr Subash Shirke (Medical), Seafarer Ali lore (Medical) and Seafarer Amit Chohan (Medical). Also the NUSI GOLDEN MEMBER was awarded to Mr Vijayan S.V, Mr Umashankar Misra, Mr Madhu Pillai, Mr Angelo Noronha, and Mr Ayaz Kumandan.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr Louis Gomes, NUSI Vice President, followed by a grand dinner.

-Marex Media