Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Mar 05: The branch representative, NUSI, Mr. Dharvinder Ram today told Andaman Sheekha, English Daily that the NUSI has been assured by the Administration that there shall be no issue for any category of Crew concerning their employment and livelihood.
“As we are aware that the manner in which and the reasons involved for decommissioning of vessels MV Harshavardhan and MV Akbar in past, in similar manner and grounds vessels MV Nancowry and MV Nicobar are also under proposed decommission by the A & N Administration. The reason for decommission are also well known and major lapses have occurred on behalf of SCI LTD resulting in such action,” he said.
Mr. Dharvinder Ram said that the decommission of vessels MV Nancowry and MV Nicobar are awaited concerning the approval from all concerned and ministry of shipping.
“Till then it’s the responsibility of SCI Ltd to engage vessel on survey and renewal of requisite ship certificates. After the surveys are done the vessel shall be laid off as Hot layup or Cold Layup. It’s imperative to mention that unless the vessel is embarked in the scrap yard or shipyard for decommission, the safety of vessel, Seafarers and all compliments onboard and environment shall be the top most priority as per the regulations under law,” he added.
Mr. Ram pointed out that the DSS officials have been very closely visiting all aspects of decommission and Seafarers safety.
“There have been series of meetings with the officials of DSS with National Union of Seafarers of India and it has been assured to NUSI that post decommission of MV Nancowry in particular, there shall be no issue for any category of Crew concerning their employment and livelihood. The upcoming vessels MV Sindhu shall be utilised for effective connectivity in the interest of public service and shall also accommodate the employment and livelihood concerns,” he added.
NUSI has in past recommended for focusing into Cruise shipping.
Mr. Ram said that NUSI shall take up this matter with top most officials of GOI for augmentation of vessels MV Atal and MV Ashoka into fleet maintained by Administration and utilities the said vessels for cruise tourism.
“NUSI has also taken up matter of timely wage agreement for all Seafarers of the A & N Administration. NUSI has proposed to strengthen conducting of STCW Modular courses from DBRAIT and wherever required NUSI shall give support on no profit no loss mode from NUSI Maritime Academy Goa. Seafarers have to spend huge money of travel lodging and boarding for undergoing periodical training in DG approved institutions in Mainland. Having such courses done in DBRAIT shall reduce the time and expenses of Local Seafarers,” he added.
