By Martha Taumata Faavae
Local seafarers are in no rush to sign up for international work contracts largely over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Samoa Shipping Services, SSS, is struggling to fill 80 new job opportunities on selected sea routes around the world available to Samoan seafarers.
Just over a half or 46 have signed up contracts so far with all having prior working experience already.
The SSS General Manager, Lautimuia Mr. Uelese Vaai, said they have 80 selected seafarers the Prime Minister Tuilaepa tried to inspire to sign up with 36 still uncertain.
“ We invited them to hear out the Prime Minister but we were not trying to force them into making their own decisions,” Lautimuia said.
“We discussed these contract offers first with the seafarers and their parents and wives and then have them make the final decision to sign up.”
The offer for 80 seafarers is the most made to Samoa since the recruitment programme started and the SSS wants to make sure they meet it.
The worry is Samoa could miss out in the future if they are unable to fill in the numbers.
The interest in recruiting from Samoa is high because it is COVID-19 free and they have allayed the fears of the seafarers exposure to the virus while on travel to working locations.
More assurances are made about the safety of the working environment for the seafarers on their respective ships.
“Health risks on board in the interaction with passengers have been strongly minimised to attract travellers with the promise of health safety.
“Health security is high priority for the shipping companies because travellers are scared away at the hint of any risks on board so it will be costly.”
Lautimuia also added that the shipping companies have put in a lot of preparations into setting up a safe route for the seafarers to travel.
The aim is to ensure they all arrive safely without any health issues and ready to start work.
“Families of the seafarers are reluctant, however, to release them for fear of the pandemic, unlike pre-virus times when they would rush in to sign up.
“It is understandable for parents not wishing any harm to come to their loved ones and it is the reason why seafarers are asked to hear out what their families have to say.
“Government wants to be very sure that seafarers are not forced to sign up, it is the reason why they are encouraged to discuss with their families before making any final agreement.”
The head of SSS is anticipating another new offer of contracts to be made soon for local seafarers.
Lautimuia is also fully aware that the crew members who have signed up already are under heavy pressure to earn income for the care of their families.
Many are breadwinners for their families and have tried looking around for work but with very little success so it weighs on them.
The overall total of Samoan seafarers contracted to shipping companies around the world is 323.
