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'Piracy, biggest challenge for international shipping community'
- 2010-04-06
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Capt. M.M. Saggi, Nautical Advisor to the Government of India, has urged the international community to recognise piracy as the single largest challenge before Speaking at the 47 th National Maritime day celebrations here at the Merchant Navy Club, Mr Saggi said the Shipping Ministry has directed sailing and merchant vessels to avoid sailing to the south of Salalah and Maldives in the wake of Somali pirates capturing Indian sailors. A notification was issued instructing vessels to avoid sailing to the south and south west of Salalah, Maldives and the Gulf of Eden, he said.
Mr Saggi, who was the chief guest at the function, touched upon various issues and challenges before the Indian seafarers and explained in detail the series of initiatives from the Government of India to address them. The Government is also planning to introduce a course for seafarers to impart training to them on how to deal with piracy and the related issues, he said.
However, reassuring the audience and budding seafarers, Capt Saggi was categorical in reiterating that the Union Government and the International maritime community shall not leave any stone unturned to solve this menace. Mr Antony Prince, President and CEO of GRTC, Canada highlighted his association with Cochin Shipyard to build six modern ships for a Norwegian Shipping Company.
Dr Brijendra Saxeana, Principal, Tolani Maroitimer Institute, Pune, talked on the subject from the training institute's perspective while Mr S.M Rai, Vice-President, Mercator Shipping, Mumbai, touched upon the challenges as a shipowner.
Source: Hindu Business Line
