The Goa Maritime Officers Association has urged the government to establish a Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) office in Vasco. They emphasize the necessity for local certification and examination services, as seafarers currently must travel outside Goa to access these facilities.
During a meeting with Ports Minister Digambar Kamat at the Goa assembly complex, the association presented a memorandum outlining their demands for improved maritime infrastructure and services for the seafaring community. At present, MMD offices are predominantly situated in major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, creating logistical challenges for local seafarers.
Additionally, the delegation proposed the creation of a Goa Maritime Bhavan and a Maritime Convention Centre in Salcete taluka, South Goa, aimed at establishing a central hub for maritime activities. Minister Kamat acknowledged the association’s concerns and expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the maritime sector in the state.
The association’s initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of local resources and infrastructure for supporting the maritime industry in Goa, ultimately benefiting the seafaring community.
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