To date, about 68 of the 120 countries are closed for crew changes at their ports.
A 41-year-old Pondicherry sailor was on duty when he lost his wife in April. He only managed to disconnect from his ship last week and is now awaiting the results of his COVID-19 test in Mumbai. Almost two months after the death of his wife, he could mourn the loss with his family when he obtained the test results and he could finally go home to meet his two daughters. The sailor did not want to be named.
A young 21-year-old cadet – just sailing for the second contract of his career – was devastated when he learned of his father’s death. At a time when he was supposed to be at home in Tamil Nadu, foreclosure across countries meant sailing four months longer than what the contract said.
“I had to make sure the young cadet stayed with me in my room after hearing the news of his father’s death. He was deeply touched. His sister is pregnant and his brother has special needs. We saw a lot of things about the sea with our years of experience, but it was very difficult to explain (in such a situation) to a young man who was starting his career. We all stopped talking about our families before him, just to be able to support “Officer Joyson J told GalacticGaming.
Mr. Joyson and the young cadet, who did not wish to be identified, returned to their families in Tamil Nadu last week. However, according to industry estimates, 20,000 Indian seafarers are still waiting to return home, sailing beyond their contract.
It is estimated that thousands of other Indian seafarers are waiting to join their jobs on board ships. The wait is endless and without wages for many, according to industry estimates.
To date, about 68 of the 120 countries are closed for crew changes at their ports.
“Two Indian seafarers lost their lives this month while sailing due to mental stress. If seafarers are essential workers, they should be treated as” essential “. Worldwide, seafarers are Most companies treat them as non grata people. We work in inhumane conditions. Only 30 percent of crew changes work worldwide, “National Shipping Board captain Sanjay Prashar told GalacticGaming.
The Council is the highest consultative body in India on matters related to maritime transport and infrastructure.
“World leaders must discuss seafarers. They cannot just discuss ships and supply chains. There is someone who moves this supply chain and that person,” invisible “, should be made visible,” a added Captain Prashar.
About 90% of world trade is carried out by the international shipping industry. The International Chamber of Shipping’s website says: “Without shipping, the import / export of affordable food and products would not be possible – half the world would starve and the other half would freeze.”
Globally, approximately 1.6 million seafarers are involved in the process, many of them overworked in high-risk environments, in distress and unable to return to their families.
India accounts for around 12% of the world‘s total seafarers.
During the closure period, 11,842 Indian seafarers signed or signed agreements with ships from Indian ports – in unprecedented circumstances. Mumbai, followed by Kochi, are the ports with the greatest number.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) for charter flights has resulted in the signing and repatriation of 10,824 seafarers to India since May 19, said a press release from the Director General of Maritime Transport.
Nineteen Indian ports have been authorized to allow crew change, an important process that helps ships operate smoothly. The Cochin Port Trust helped around 2,000 sailors get home and join the ships as well.
“We understand the difficulties of seafarers. The Director General of Transport and the Ministry of the Interior has set up an SOP for the port to facilitate the movement of seafarers, with all the precautions. So far, we have not We have turned down no request to us. The Kerala government has extended all support for screening, testing and quarantine facilities, “said Dr M Beena, president of Cochin Port Trust
The challenge is the endless global uncertainties due to COVID-19, considered a new standard.
“The biggest problem is safety. Our job is to keep ships and seafarers safe. Human performance depends on the environment. There has to be an environment where good decisions can be made and those decisions have consequences high risk, “said the captain. Rajesh Unni, CEO of Synergy Marine Group, told GalacticGaming.
“With endless COVID uncertainties, it is up to countries and companies to guarantee safe lanes in ports and fixed times for flights. And we have successfully demonstrated this in some ports. It is now up to supplier countries – that provide sailors – to step it up. “, added Captain Unni.
The Synergy Marine Group, in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, operates a helpline – iCALL – in 10 languages for distressed maritime personnel and their families. Their data shows that distress calls increased by 50% during the lockout period.
Sujith Thirunilath Sidharthan, 34, has finally managed to reach Mumbai – after having sailed for months beyond his contract period on the ship – and is in quarantine, despite the death of his father almost a month ago in Kochi, Kerala.
“If going back to your own country is a struggle, finding your family is another. I am in quarantine in Mumbai, despite the death of my father last month in Kochi. We are not allowed to quarantine in our country that means, I will be quarantined twice, for about 21 days in total, “said Mr. Sidharthan.
