Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : ‘Day of the Seafarer-2021’ was celebrated virtually on June 25, 2021, in the presence of a huge number of Maritime personalities, Seafarers and families in India and abroad by remembering the great contribution by the seafarers to the civil society and thanking them for their contribution to the world economy and appreciating the risks and personal costs they bear while on their jobs.
Minister of State (I/C) for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya offered his greetings to seafarers in a video message. The Minister assured that Advanced Seafarer Wellness Centers will be provided at all the ports. He mentioned that Government has planned in Maritime Vision 2030 for raising the number of Seafarers from 2,40,000 to above 5 lakh in the next ten years.
Mandaviya also wished that the share of the Women seafarers shall be increased and the Maritime Training Institutes in India shall be prepared to impart the best training to the seafarers considering the new challenges in the shipping sector. He also mentioned that Government has created a fund for the welfare of the seafarers.
‘M T Swarna Krishan’ being the 1st Indian Flag Vessel of Shipping Corporation of India with all Women Officers onboard was awarded at the function and the crew members shared their experience of the voyage on this historic vessel in India. The meritorious seafarers were awarded for their excellent academic achievements in the year 2020. The seafarers and their family members presented lovely cultural performances, according to a PIB release.
Chief Guest of the function Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, greeted all the seafarers and their families on the day and appreciated the tremendous contribution made by maritime community in keeping the global supply chain intact during the challenging times.
Addressing the gathering, Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping, informed the steps taken by the Government for the benefits of seafarers and their families. He informed that dual degree courses in nautical and engineering disciplines with emphasis on the new technology will be introduced from next academic year to make the seafarers ready to accept new challenges to bridge the gap in traditional and modern technology in the shipping sector and keep their employability intact. He said that there is a need of increased participation of the women in maritime sector for enhancing the productivity, efficiency and discipline.
A video message of Kitack Lim, Secretary General, International Maritime Organization (IMO), was played wherein he expressed that Seafarers continue to deliver for all of us and now, let’s ensure that we deliver for them. Atul Ubale, Chairman, National Maritime Day Celebrations (Organising) Committee, welcomed all dignitaries and explained background of celebration of this Day.