Seamen association petitions govt over creating seafarers' cell

PANAJI: The Goan Seamen Association of India submitted a memorandum to chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the Secretariat, Porvorim, on Tuesday, over their long pending demand for a seafares’ cell to help them and their families.
They said the cell will help seafarers and their families get necessary information from shipping companies, and also in case of deaths, accidents, job loss or rehiring, to gather information about shipping companies, a proper maritime lawyer to assist the seafarers and to coordinate with port state control (PSC), flag state authorities, international transport workers federation, and various unions for the well being of seafarers.
Member of Parliament Narendra Sawaikar was also present. The proposed seafarers’ cell will also create a link between the government and the seafarer community where seafarers/families can obtain necessary information and help whenever a “situation” arises.