Indian industry pledges to solve shore leave problems for the seafarers

A voice of the Indian shipping industry and Mr Amar Singh Thakur former  General Secretary Maritime Union of Indiarecently met Mumbai Port Trust Chairman Mr Rajiv Jolata to discuss shore leave-related problems faced by Indian seafarers.
The Union’s senior functionaries, Mr Abhijit Sangle and Mr Sanjay Pawar too were present in the meeting between Mr Amar Singh Thakur and Mr Rajiv Jalota.

 India’s leading shipping association, The Maritime Association of Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) too has endeavored to address the shore leave problems faced by Indian seafarers in India through representations and deliberations with the Ministry of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India. MASSA Chairman Capt Girish Phadnis had a fruitful discussion pertaining to Indian seafarers’ shore leave problems with the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, Mr Shripad Naik during his recent visit to Mumbai.

MLC 2006 empowers every seafarer to get shore leave at the ports. The importance of shore leave hence cannot be undermined,” said Mr Amar Singh Thakur.
​​​​​​​Seafarers working without adequate shore leave are more vulnerable to mental exhaustion which gravely affects their work efficiency aboard the cargo ships. Confined spaces and the monotonous routine of seafarers aboard cargo vessels lead to acute boredom. Living constantly under such circumstances often results in stress, depression, and homesickness. The mental health of seafarers is thus boosted through the shore leaves.