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The International Day of the Seafarer was celebrated at Hotel Shivalikview, Chandigarh, on Sunday. Chandigarh Mayor Asha Kumari Jamwal was the chief guest.
The International Maritime Organisation had, in 2010, decided to observe June 25 as the International Day of the Seafarer to drive home the point that almost everything in our lives is directly or indirectly affected by sea transport.
The first International Day of the Seafarer was celebrated in 2011.
“Seafarers have often been overlooked not only by international organisatons but also by their countries. If one goes beyond their smart uniforms and fancy travel schedules, one will be able to see the tough lifestyles they lead and hardships they endure at sea to make sure that people continue to enjoy their lives on shore,” said Capt Bhagat Singh, president, Merchant Navy Officers’ Association (MNOA), Chandigarh.
The MNOA supported by shipping companies Three Bees and Caraval had organised the Sunday event.
Amar Singh Thakur, general secretary, Maritime Union of India (MUI), talked about matters related to seafarers and their families – whether at sea or at home and matters related to claims and compensation.
Capt KS Rai, managing director, 3Bees Group, said the Centre should open an office of the Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD) in Chandigarh, as 60 to 70 per cent of Indian seafarers are from northern India.
“If an MMD office opens in Chandigarh, seafarers from here won’t have to go to the offices in coastal areas for matters related to examination and certification,” he said.
The MNOA and the MUI supports 3 Bees in this endeavour.
With an MMD office in Chandigarh, seafarers hope that more training institutes will be opened in Chandigarh to bridge the gap in the international maritime sector.
In a message, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said it was a matter of pride that more than 10,000 seafarers are from the Tricity.
Other dignitaries present were Capt Vikram Manhas, Senior Nautical Adviser to the MMD; Capt JS Gill, former Director General, Shipping; Rakesh Mittal, Vice-President, MNOA; and Hemang Palan, CEO, Marex. —TNS
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