Maritime Union of India (MUI) urged the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India to take note of “Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change” while preparing the ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’.
i.The Neptune declaration initiated by Global Maritime Forum focuses on Recognition of seafarers as key workers by Governments of all countries in line with UN General Assembly resolution adopted on December 1, 2020.
- MUI has urged the Ministry of Shipping to permanently accord the status of ‘Key Workers’ to Indian seafarers.
- The status will enable the Indian seafarers to play an important role in the Global Supply Chain in the Future.
- It will also ensure the implementation of high-quality crew change protocols & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) supported by Indian Government.
- The declaration will ensure mental & physical well-being of the sea-farers during emergencies and crises like pandemic, war.
ii.Neptune Declaration:
Due to COVID-19 many seafarers across the world have been stranded working aboard ships beyond expiry of their contracts.
i.In order to address this situation, the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change urges 4 main actions. They are
- Recognize seafarers as key & ensure them priority access to COVID-19 vaccines
- Establish & Implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practices
- Increase Collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
- Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers
ii.Maritime industry plays a major role in ensuring global flow of goods as they carry 90% of global trade.
iii.Around 450 Companies & Organizations across the world have signed the Declaration.
Recent Related News:
i.September 28, 2020, Maritime Union of India (MUI) has collaborated with the United Nations to assist seafarers who are stranded on ships due to COVID-19 Pandemic.
About Maritime Union of India (MUI):
General Secretary – Amar Singh Thakur
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
