Padmesh Prabhune –
The Directorate General of Shipping, under the Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, has issued guidelines for providing seafarers on ships that are in Indian ports with access to adequate welfare facilities and service.
This means all ports across the country will have to develop necessary infrastructure in the Ports for ensuring easily accessible adequate welfare facilities for seafarers; be it Internet/ Wi-Fi access (onboard or ashore and at anchorage;) to medical facilities, recreation facilities like sports, library, shopping facilities; Hotel facilities, Online delivery services and many more.
The initial verification and compliance of the ports providing such welfare facilities for seafarers (as detailed in the guidelines) would be verified by the inspecting team of “Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT)” as mandated through a separate order.
Capt Daniel Joseph, Dy. Director General of Shipping (Crew), said, “The Port Safety and Port Welfare have been due for change for quite some time, and I am sure setting up welfare facilities at Port would be a win-win situation for both: seafarers and ports.”
He further added that successful compliance reports submissions and issuance of MLC compliant seafarers’ welfare club certificate (with 5 years validity) by the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT) would act as an incentive to the ports as this would make the ports eligible for getting necessary aid or grants from various donors such as charity foundations, seafarers missions, and the Directorate General of Shipping through the support of Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), subject to the approvals of the said society’s trust.
Issuance of successful and positive reports by the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT) would bring in many added advantages to the port, enhancing its image as the ‘the one caring for the well-being of global ‘key workers’.
To determine welfare facility to be established, the welfare board / committee or other relevant stakeholders shall consider various aspects, including the number, types and turnaround time of ships calling at a particular port, and distance and accessibility to nearby cities or other places providing services requested by seafarers.
Marex Media