India’s oldest Union of merchant navy officers, The Maritime Union of India (MUI) has urged the Indian government to take cognizance of ‘the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change’ in the formulation of ‘Maritime India Vision-2030’ by The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India.
MUI general secretary Amar Singh Thakur said: “The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change, a declaration released by the global maritime industry recently, primarily focuses on recognising seafarers as key workers by all governments worldwide in line with the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on 1 December, 2020. While finalising the intricacies of ‘Maritime India Vision-2030’, The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India should hence permanently accord the status of ‘key workers’ to Indian seafarers.”
“Since seafarers are the frontline workers of the maritime industry carrying 90 per cent of global trade, it is extremely important to take care of their mental and physical well-being during unusual circumstances and crises such as pandemic, war, etc. If designated as ‘key workers’ by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, Indian seafarers will be able to play a pivotal role in the global supply chain in the future through implementation of high-quality crew change protocols and SOPs supported by the Indian government,” added Thakur.
A prominent voice of the Indian maritime industry and managing director of Suntech Ship Management Company, Captain Sanjay Srivastava said: “The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change also highlights the implementation of high-quality health protocols aboard cargo vessels world-wide. Indian seafarers have been traditionally known for their determination since ages as they have continued to trade through ships despite the roughest seas or piracy infested waters. The proposed ‘Maritime India Vision-2030’ document should also lay emphasis on the novel initiatives to strengthen social, mental and physical wellness of the Indian seafaring workforce. Such a move will indeed enhance the global share of Indian seafarers in the years to come.”
Shared responsibility
At the recently concluded ‘Chintan Baithak’ – a conclave held by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India – Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussed modalities to bolster the growth of the Indian maritime sector by designing and implementing ‘Maritime India Vision-2030’ in consultation with the stakeholders of the Indian shipping industry.