The Hindu : Karnataka News : Seafarers advised to have proper contracts

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Sunday, Jun 26, 2011
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Seafarers advised to have proper contracts

Special Correspondent

Eduardo Faleiro urges them to form union to protect their rights

Ex gratia to be increased to Rs. 500 a month
‘A copy of contract must be retained with family'

PANAJI: Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro said his office had received several complaints concerning missing seamen, death at sea, unfair termination of services, non-payment of dues, and ships hijacked by pirates.

He was speaking at a function organised by Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on the eve of “International day of Seafarers” at Margao in south Goa on Saturday.

“We render all possible assistance in such cases,” Mr. Faleiro said. “Indian seafarers, in general, and Goan seafarers, in particular, were highly regarded in the shipping industry as an educated, well trained and dependable workforce,” the former Union Minister said. He said the seafarers should always ensure that their contracts were properly drawn and signed, and a copy of the same be retained with them or family . He asked them to form an Union so that their rights were protected.

Captain of Ports James Braganza, Superintendent Octavo Rodrigues; vice president, GSAI Frank Viegas; secretary Benny da Costa; and treasurer, GSAI Santana Pereira were present.

Speaking about the steps initiated by the Central government for the welfare of seafarers, Mr. Faleiro said the monthly ex gratia scheme was available to some seafarers at present. The amount paid was Rs.200 a month but the Ministry of Shipping had decided to increase it to Rs.500 a month and to extend the scheme to all seafarers.

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 was likely to come into force in 2012, he said and added that it was considered as the Bill of Rights for the seafarers. It would benefit greatly the seafarers and improve their working conditions.

The Government of India was likely to ratify the Convention in the course of this year, Mr. Faleiro said.

Mr. Faleiro said piracy at sea had become a major issue. The Indian Navy was one of the few Naval forces which had taken drastic action against pirates by destroying pirate ships or boarding pirated vessels.

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