OBJECTIVES OF THE SEAFARER WELFARE UNIT• To provide assistance to seafarers and fishermen with problems pertaining to living and working conditions onboard ships.
• To ensure that the families of deceased fishermen receive support when the tragedy occurs at sea.
• Education about the dangers of substance abuse and prevention of HIV/Aids in the maritime industry and in fishing communities.
ROLE AND FUNCTIONS THE UNIT
Crew Queries which involve the following:
• Wage disputes
• Health and safety issues onboard the vessel
• Refusal by boat owners and fishing companies to release documents or certificates ( pre-sea safety, fire fighting, survival etc.) back to the crewmember
• Deduction of medical fees from crew members by boat owners
• Referral of other cases e.g. unfair dismissal, shareholding in the fishing company or with the boat owner, to relevant government departments ( Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries)
COUNSELLING
When a fisherman drowns at sea, counselling is offered to his next of kin.
• Liase with the boat owner or the fishing company to find out if any monies are due to the deceased fisherman so that it can be paid to the family
• Establish if insurance was taken out for the crew by the boat owner or the ship company
• Referral to other government departments if there are children who qualify for a Child support grant and also if the body of a drowned fisherman has not been recovered : Department of Social Development, Department of Justice
HIV/AIDS & SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS
Awareness presentations on prevention of HIV/Aids and dangers of Substance Abuse in fishing communities and in the maritime industry
SEAFARER WELFARE UNIT
Location : 2 Long Street
Contact Person : Nolundi Dubase
Tel : +27(0)21 421 6170
Fax : +27(0)21 419 0730
