Also in this Week’s edition:

1. Seafarers Beware: India's Shipping Ministry Issues Critical Warnings

2. This one thing you need as a seafarer

3. Book for your sea career

4. Maritime Contents for you

5. Job Listings for Seafarers (TME/OS/All crew & officers Job available)

Seafarers Beware: India's Shipping Ministry Issues Critical Warnings

The Ministry of Shipping in India has issued an urgent warning to seafarers about unscrupulous operators and recruiters who abandon mariners at overseas ports. According to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the issue of seafarer abandonment is on the rise. The ministry's guidance aims to help seafarers secure their rights if their employer stops paying their wages.

Steps to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Employers and Agencies:

Before accepting a position, new seafarers should thoroughly check the reputation of the employer or manning agency. The market is flooded with scam agents, and new joiners, often unfamiliar with the maritime industry, can easily fall prey to these fraudsters.

2. Review Employment Contracts:

Carefully review the terms of your employment contract to understand your rights and obligations.

3. Act Immediately on Wage Issues:

If you encounter problems with wage payments, notify Indian authorities right away. Begin the process to get the ship's P&I insurer to cover the shipowner's debts using their MLC financial security coverage.

4. Arrest and Sell the Ship:

If the owner or agent does not respond to inquiries about unpaid wages and abandons the vessel, seafarers should immediately take action to get the ship arrested and sold to cover the owner's debts. This should be done promptly, not as a last resort.

5. Seek Legal and Union Support:

If you are not paid for wages, food, accommodation, drinking water, fuel for survival, or medical care, approach your seafarers' trade union, Indian embassy, Indian consulate, or welfare organizations to arrange for a local lawyer to enforce your rights under maritime lien.

Avoid Fraudulent Maritime Schools

The notice also includes a list of legitimate maritime academies and advises new entrants to avoid uncertified and uncredentialed maritime schools, which may be fraudulent.

A Beneficial Step for Seafarers

"This notice is a beneficial step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of seafarers and ensuring the integrity of the maritime recruitment process. It will not only serve as a guide for current seafarers but will also be of great help to new seafarers looking to apply for recruitment in the maritime industry," said Frank Viegas, president of the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI).

Warning About Family Scams

Last month, the directorate issued another urgent warning about a scam targeting seafarers' families. Fraudsters contact the family via phone or email, claiming that the seafarer has been involved in illegal activity and demanding money for their "release." In reality, the seafarer is simply away at work, and the scammer absconds with the money.

Verify Caller Identities

The ministry urges seafarers and their families to verify the identity of any caller and not to transfer money without first validating the request.

"There have been incidents involving individuals falsely claiming to be associated with seafarers onboard vessels or pretending to be from law enforcement authorities such as Customs, State Police Departments, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Immigration Officials, and Government officials. These claims are generally false and designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting family members," warned Indian Deputy Director General of Shipping Capt. Daniel J Joseph.

Stay vigilant and informed to protect your rights and the well-being of your family.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

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Book for better sea career 

While the book is not specifically geared towards seafarers, it could still be an enjoyable read for those in the maritime industry who are looking for a lighthearted take on navigating difficult situations.

Many seafarers find that laughter and humor can be helpful in coping with stress and adversity onboard ship, and "Furiously Happy" offers a unique perspective on mental health that is both relatable to shippies and entertaining. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, provide some comfort and inspiration, and offer a fresh perspective on life's struggles, "Furiously Happy" may be a great choice.

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