World Maritime Day will be celebrated on Thursday, September 25 and United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon in his message has called for effective implementation of International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) conventions as it is the theme for 2014.
But for Indian seafarers, this day is really a good reason to celebrate about as the Government of India has exempted seafarers on Indian flagged ships from paying 30% of their salary as income tax.
In his address, the UN secretary-general said, "At a time when the world is beset by conflict and crisis, it is easy to forget that day in and day out the international shipping industry works quietly and efficiently to keep the wheels of global trade in motion and ensure the timely delivery of the goods and commodities on which we all rely."
Abdulgani Y Serang, general secretary-cum-treasurer, National Union of Seafarers of India, said: "The most important IMO instrument is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). It will secure the working conditions, safety, terms and conditions of employment of the seafarers. Government of India has worked over it, many countries have ratified it. The Director General of Shipping (DGS) has been supportive towards the MLC."
In all there are 36 IMO instruments and India is party to 18 of them. The latest relief is exemption in income tax for Indian seafarers on Indian flagged ships. Till date, they had to pay 30% of their salary as income tax. But the Ministry of Shipping has exempted this 30% around a week ago. However, a notification on the same is awaited.
Talking about World Maritime Day and IMO convention, Gautam Chatterjee, DGS, said, "World Maritime Day will be celebrated on Thursday and the IMO conventions are important for India as they are a relevant topic. India will come up with discussions in order to be part of the implementers of the IMO conventions."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}