Govt to re-tender for portr in Great Nicobar Island

New Delhi, Mar 8 (UNI) The government has decided to re-tender for development of a trans-shipment port at South Bay in Great Nicobar Island in view of poor response to the Global Expression of Interest, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu said conducting feasibility studies for development of a trans-shipment port in Great Nicobar island had been included in the Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme.

''Global Expression of Interest was invited for the consultancy.

However, due to poor response, it has been decided to re-tender for the requirement,'' Mr Baalu said.

Replying to another query, the minister said the government had taken a decision to recoup the entire loss of Rs 92.78 crore of the Seamen's provident Fund to protect the interests of the seafarers.

To a question, he said the number of Indian seamen dead or missing while on duty onboard ships was 15 in 2005 and five in 2006.

''In many cases, preliminary inquiries have been completed. The recommendations of the inquiry officers have been generally accepted and implemented. In only one case of MV Faiz, a formal investigation by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Kolkata High Court has been ordered,'' he told the House.

With regard to measures being taken to provide protection to seafarers on board Indian or foreign flag ships, Mr Baalu said a psychometric test had been introduced at the entry level of officers in maritime training courses for determining their attitude and aptitude for the sea.

A new course module has been formulated to sensitise the trainees with regard to rights of seafarers as envisaged in the merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2005 in all pre-sea training institutes.

Further, the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai has issued an order regarding reporting of casualties within 24 hours and plan of action to deal with such casualties involving Indian seafarers on foreign flag ships.

UNI