'We help stranded ship crew out of humanity'

Abu Dhabi - Al Nuaimi noted that the ship owners know about the many organisations and agencies in the UAE.

The humanitarian approach of the UAE Government is the reason why so many abandoned ships make it to the UAE's territorial waters, said a minister.
Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, said the government offers support to sailors of abandoned ships despite it being the responsibility of the ship owners.
"It is not the responsibility of the government but we do it," said Al Nuaimi, who is also the chairman of the board of directors at Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime (FTA), during a media briefing in Abu Dhabi.
"It is humanitarian reason. The captain and crew (on an abandoned ship) find themselves at ease once they come closer to the UAE than being anywhere else in the world. They know we will not leave them alone. And we assist them. We can't bring them in but we have a team which goes to the ship and provide assistance."
Al Nuaimi noted that the ship owners know about the many organisations and agencies in the UAE, which all guarantees assistance in case of abandonment. "We have successfully dealt with many cases in assisting abandoned ships," he added.
Offenders are listed, circulated
Al Nuaimi said the FTA prepares a list of repeated offenders and share it with the International Maritime Organisation, which in turn circulate it among its members.
When asked if the government can stop ships which repeatedly violate rules from entering the UAE territorial waters, the minister said: "The option is there but I don't know if we will do that. We are more humane." He added: "For any vessel carrying the UAE flag, we will definitely chase it anywhere in the world. But for ships carrying other flags, those countries should be responsible."

Insurance for all sailors

The Federal Transport Authority has recently signed an agreement with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) at the International Maritime Organisation headquarters in London.
"We provide assistance to the ITF in their mission. Now, we have made things little bit easier for us by making insurance mandatory for all seafarers," Al Nuaimi said. As preventive measures, the FTA has restricted a 'certain age' of oil vessels entering into the UAE waters. "This will help to reduce abandonment of old ships."
The agreement is part of the FTA's efforts to preserve the rights of seafarers to work in a safe environment and enjoy decent living conditions. The insurance cover helps seafarers in case of abandonment.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com