“As the sea condition during south-west monsoon season (May to October) normally remains rough, hence sign-on/sign off of crew at Paradip single point moorings (SPM’s) and anchorages will be completely avoided during the above period,” according to a 9 April 2021 circular issued by the Paradip Port Authority.
“Only in dire exigencies particularly medical emergencies, disembarkation from ships at single point moorings and anchorages will be allowed on a case-to-case basis in the presence of a qualified doctor,” the circular added.
“Shipping companies and seafarers have been facing the brunt of this decision by Paradip Port Authority,” a senior executive with a Mumbai-based shipping company said.
“Big crude oil tankers berth at the single point moorings in Paradip Port. The tankers are on the Persian Gulf to Paradip run. Where will the Indian seafarers sign off? There is no such ban on crew change at other Indian ports where SPM operations take place,” he stated.
“Shipping companies and seafarers are ready to indemnify the port authority against any mishaps. Then what is the issue? This is clear non facilitation by Paradip Port Authority. It also violates the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) rules on signing off of crew on medical, compassionate and completion of article cases,” he added.
Captain Alekha Charan Sahoo, Deputy Conservator, Paradip Port Authority, said that compared to other Indian ports, the weather at Paradip is “very rough” during the monsoon season because the port lies at a latitude of 20 degrees plus.
“So, any low pressure forming at Andaman, by the time it crosses 15-degree latitude or so, starts to form a depression and results in a cyclone or super cyclone when it reaches Paradip. Every year we are facing at least two cyclones between May and October. The circular was issued to restrict regular crew sign off and boarding during the rough weather unless it is an emergency like medical emergency,” Sahoo explained, noting that the port witnessed two casualties in rough weather during the 2019 monsoon season.
Referring to grievances from shipping companies against the ban on crew change at Paradip Port for six months during the monsoon season and whether he was willing to withdraw the circular, Sahoo said: “I’ll be the happiest person to withdraw this to help the crew provided somebody tells me or orders me. Because this restriction has been in place since 2013 and I cannot do it myself. If something goes wrong, then you know what, that is the issue”.
“The restriction has been placed solely for the safety of the crew and not for any other reason. If we allow crew change, then we can use our tugs for crew change operations and earn some money in the process,” he said, adding that in emergency cases the port authority is permitting crew change after taking an undertaking so that the port is not blamed for any untoward incidents.
The shipping industry is not convinced by the argument put forth by Captain Sahoo to justify the restriction on crew change at Paradip Port for six months.
“During these months of dictated ‘no crew change’ at Paradip Port, are any other activities requiring people to board and deboard a ship allowed,” asked another shipping industry official.
“If yes, are all those who board or disembark from a ship (excluding pilots), trained seamen. Answers to the above questions would give a direction to prove inherent arbitrariness to challenge the decision,” he said.
To be sure, the circular issued by the port authority says that “boarding and disembarking of vetting inspectors, surveyors attending to statutory surveys and superintendents, may also be avoided”.
“However, in case of unavoidable circumstances, they may be allowed to board and disembark when the vessel is underway”, the circular added.
The Mumbai-based shipping company official mentioned earlier said that “at least seafarers (referring to Captain Sahoo) should understand the issues of seafarers rather than saying if crew are unable to be relieved it is not their problem, it is the ship owner’s problem”. “Generally, at all other Indian ports, the deputy conservator and the harbour master always cooperate in the interest of seafarers. Paradip port is an exception,” he remarked.
