Call for more recognition as seafarers face challenges on fishing vessels
The Institute of Maritime Officers Guild (Fiji) is calling on the public to acknowledge the calling and commitment of local seafarers.
The call for recognition comes as IMOG continues to receive reports from seafarers on challenges they face while onboard fishing vessels.
General secretary Lopeti Radravu said seafarers need to be mentally and psychologically fit when working in such environment as seafarers spend long months away from their families.
“The main challenges are within the fishing vessels. The rooms are tiny , beds are small and movement is congested. Even their working tools are highly risky, knives, gaff-rigged cutter, fishing rods and freezing rooms,” he said.
“There is lack of quality rest and fatigue when onboard ships especially on fishing vessels because their runs depend on their catch,” he said.
He adds as compared to passenger and cargo vessels, there are less challenges as they are programmed on schedules.
However, the working environment for seafarers had changed during the pandemic as majority of local seafarers had lost their job.
“It was a heavy blow in terms of family sustainability and welfare,” Mr Radravu said.
“Crew changes on commercial vessels sailing internationally cannot disembark for a little more than 24 months putting those onboard at risk of depression and injury.”
IMOG believes more needs to be done to recognize seafarers in Fiji as key workers as they help transport 90 percent of household living luxuries by sea.
“There are 300 islands in Fiji. Out of those islands, only 10 percent can be reached by aero plane. But the rest are accessible through sea by commercial ships, pleasure vessels and fiberglass boats,” he said.
As seafarers worldwide mark ‘The Day of the Seafarers’, Mr Radravu said the day gives local seafarers an opportunity to be recognized.
He said The Day of the Seafarers’ commemorates the work of fallen and retired seafarers.