Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Elected representatives of the United Bargemen’s Association today have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Secretary for not taking any positive steps to resolve the problems of the Barge Crew working in the state of Goa.
“For last one month we have made several representations but no action was taken and hence we have resolved to submit the Memorandum to Captain of Port on 21/01/2021.After going through the contents of the said Memorandum instead of discussing the problems he use derogatory words to the undersigned and asked to leave his chamber with derogatory and dictatorship language Being an authority and head of the department, the affected persons have to meet him and to get redressed their problems,” said UBA President Puti Gaonkar
He said,”This attitude of the Captain of Port Mr. James Branganza is against the public functioning in office where he has to deal with the public to redress their grievances. And he cannot continue on such public post We therefore request you to kindly initiate the action him,”
UBA has placed some of the basic problems faced by the Barge crew and other workers working on various vessels in the memorandum submitted to CS.
1 Immediate action against the vessel owners for operating the barges without employing person with certificate of competency of First class Masters and Drivers on board
2. Conducting the exams for Master and Drivers competency certificate
3. Immediate action against the vessel owners who are operating the vessels without appointing the required crews on their vessel
4. Immediate action against the vessel owners who are operating the vessels without valid survey certificates.
5. Adopting proper procedure and strict checking at the time of survey, whether the vessel owner has appointed person having valid certificate of masters & Drivers and Barges/ vessel is having all safety equipment such as fire fighting appliances, proper lighting, life rafts etc
Meanwhile, UBA has requested to kindly direct the concerned authorities to take immediate step to inspect the barges and other vessels which are operated without following the provision of Inland Vessel Act 1917.