A souvenir released by the Goan Seamen Association of India on the occasion of World Maritime Day.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
On World Maritime Day, Goan seafarers under the banner of the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) have called for insurance coverage for seamen when they are sailing as well as on shore.
They have urged the stakeholders to protect the interests of seamen vis-à-vis welfare measures considering the plight of retired seafarers.
Speaking at a function organised by GSAI to commemorate World Maritime Day, GSAI President Frank Viegas reminded that the world economy is propelled by the shipping sector with seafarers playing a big role. He, however, lamented that seafarers are a neglected lot with many a retired seafarer abandoned in their old age for want of welfare measures.
He made a fervent plea to the stakeholders in the maritime sector, including international maritime organisation, ILO, Director General of Shipping, the Shipping Ministry, and trade unions to protect the interests of the seafarers.
“One way to protect the interests of seafarers is to cover them with insurance, both onshore and on land. For, the seafarers are presently not covered under insurance when they are on vacation. At least, their families will receive financial support if they are also covered on shore,” he added.
Frank took the occasion to point out that the GSAI founder president Dixon Vaz and he are now both heading the village Panchayats of Cavelossim and Chinchinim are Sarpanchas. “We have got the opportunity to serve the people and for the betterment of our villagers,” he said.
Saying that many Goans are now occupying top positions in the shipping sector as Captains, Chief Engineers, General Managers of shipping companies, Frank made a plea to these officers to help their fellow Goans for employment in the sector.
GSAI founder-president Dixon Vaz called for unity amongst the seafarers to face future challenges. “It’s now 15 years since GSAI was formed in Goa to protect the interests of the seamen and their families. We have taken up many issues in the last decade and a half to address the issues of the seafaring community,” Dixon said.
