Local marine officers accuse ABS Marine of discrimination

Sarthak Kanjilal

Port Blair, Nov 02: Manning agent for Fore Shore sector vessels, ABS Marine Limited, is facing accusations of discriminating between local marine officers and mainlanders. As per the clause 2.6 in the agreement executed between the Shipping Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and ABS Marine Limited, Chennai, the latter will have to accord preference to local marine officers for employment in Fore Shore vessels subject to availability at station. However, the management of ABC Marine is alleged to be openly flouting the provision leading to unrest among local marine officers.
“As per clause number 2.6 between Andaman Nicobar Administration (DSS) and ABS Marine Limited, Chennai, if a local officer is available in the station and reports to the manning agent, the local officer should be granted preference by the agent. But the Manning Agent has been disregarding the provision while recruiting marine officers. Even the Shipping Department has failed to take action against the ManningAgent for the violation and support the private agency in all possible ways,” says a local marine officer.
After the violation was highlighted by a prominent news channel, a mainland-based Marine Officer was relieved recently after serving two months on extension. But still one mainland-based Marine Officer is continued in the fore shore sector vessels after completion of tenure despite four local marine officers reporting to the Manning Agent, according to reports. “As per dispensation issued by the DG Shipping, Navigational Watch Keeping Officer (NCV) who has experience of one year or more is eligible to work as a Chief Officer in the same sister vessel. But despite several local officers submitting their wiliness, ABS Marine is not granting preference to locals and recruitment officers from mainland,” claim local marine officers.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Director of Shipping Services, Capt (IN) Rajinder Kumar denied violation of any provisions by theManning Agency. He, however, assured to look into the complaints, if any, filed against ABS Marine.