Safety at sea needs better scrutiny

 I write in full support of a recent letter of concern by Mape Marec about PNG’s maritime safety issues.

Our seafarers are becoming victims of the tougher safety regulations imposed by the IMO-ISM and implemented by NMSA in this country. 

This silent group of professional men and woman are feeling the pinch. They are being punished for doing the right thing. 

Can the government protect the code of ethic of the seafarers and the silent professionals from the manipulation by shipping companies?

One of such case and the worst maritime disaster ever recorded in PNG was the Rabaul Queen disaster.

 Another recent case was that of the Mv Manmantinut, which ran aground in Pomio with passengers onboard. She was also forced to sail with one engine. 

Our captains and chief engineers are imprisoned because they are forced by the company to do something they know is wrong. 

If they uphold the safety code against the company’s decision, then their termination is eminent. 

What will the NMSA do about that? Nothing!

The people who are affected most are their families. 

On another note, the influx of Asians into the maritime sector is a concern. 

Some of them are genuine professionals while most of them are buying certificates or borrowing from relatives dead or handicapped to find employment here. 

The Government can learn from Australia on how they are protecting their seafarers. 

Solwaraman

Lae