The ITF Flag of Convenience Action week at Kochi Port concluded here with a call to strengthen solidarity between seafarers, dockers' unions and also various stakeholders, such as the Port State Control, Port Authorities, ship owners and crewing companies, against the menace of FOC vessels.

As advised by Asia/Pacific Regional Office, Delhi, the Cochin Port Staff Association organized various union activities to strengthen the ITF Flags of Convenience Campaign during the Staggered Week of Action at the Southern Ports of India and Sri Lanka.

In order to increase awareness among the public, a rally and valedictory function were held. The activists from National Union of Seafarers of India, Forward Seamen Union of India, Members of Maritime Union of India and Merchant Navy Welfare Officers Association participated in the rally.

Speaking on the occasion, Capt Paul N. Joseph, Deputy Conservator, Cochin Port Trust pointed out that that 60 per cent tonnage of the world are Flags of Convenience. All FOC are not wrong. Citing an example, he said the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Maersk maintain their vessels and the crew above ITF standards. The ITF should strive to make a genuine link with the Flag they fly and the Nationality of the Owner of the vessel or in other words UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) shall be honoured, he said.

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