Mumbai-30 July 2021:The Foreign Ship-owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA) and Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) have recently released a joint statement to clear the air on some media reports about there being an unofficial ‘ban’ by the Chinese Government on Indian seafarers entering and leaving China, and which has resulted in significant job losses to the Indians.
FOSMA and MASSA, two of the major shipping bodies of India that provide 75% of Indian manpower on foreign flagships, have stated that their members indicate neither any major shift away from Indian seafaring manpower nor any changes to what China had imposed in the SOP’s for Indian seafarers from the very start of this pandemic.
They further stated, “The past 3 months have been exceptionally challenging due to increased impact of COVID, in India and in other countries, which have together put crew reliefs (Indian, as well as others) in disarray in countries traditionally suited for reliefs.
“However, the Indian Maritime Administration is fully seized of the matter and is in dialogue with the concerned states to find a suitable resolution to this stalemate.”
About FOSMA: Foreign Ship-owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA) was established in India in 1989, as a non-profit organization under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1958(now Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013).
It’s a body representative of the foreign owners and ship managers operating in India for the purpose of developing, promoting and protecting their business activities and the interest of foreign owners in India.
It encourages and promotes cordial relationships and unanimity among representatives of foreign owners and ship managers on all subjects involving their common good.
About MASSA: The Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) is a non-profit making body of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and their Agents, registered as a Section 25 company, under the Companies Act, 1956 and based in Mumbai. Members include companies which have a long association with Indian Manning and are identified as traditional employers of Indian Officers and Ratings.
MASSA is an independent organization that enjoys an excellent rapport and working relationship with the Government of India, Ministry of Shipping & Director General of Shipping, Indian Shipowners and allied shipping interests, the National Union of Seafarers of India, Forward Seamens Union of India, and the Maritime Union of India. MASSA is represented in various statutory bodies in the Shipping industry.
