GBOA raises strong objection to operation of Maharashtra barges in state inland waters

Vasco: Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA) has raised a strong objection to the Maharashtra-registered barges being operated in the inland waters of Goa.

As per the letter submitted to the directorate of mines and geology by Ravi Naidu, a member of GBOA, two Maharashtra-registered barges are operating in the inland waters of Goa and the vessels do not have permission from the government of Goa.

The barges which are in operation in inland waters are not fitted with GPS as per the rules in force and are not registered with the department of mines and geology, mentions the letter.

“While the government of Goa is regulating the movement of iron ore exports from Goa, those barge owners are operating the barges illegally. They have not taken any local crew, and the crew members onboard are without endorsement certificates. If these barges are allowed to operate, they will pose a threat to the iron ore movement by Goan barges in the Goan rivers,” mentions the letter.

Copies of the letter, objecting to the engagement of outstation barges, have also been submitted to Chief Secretary, Port Secretary and Minister of Ports.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the former president of GBOA Atul Jadhav said that the members of the association are up in arms against the operation of two outstation barges in the inland waters of Goa.

“Anybody cannot operate barges in the inland waters of Goa. The design of the barges needs to be submitted to the Captain of Ports as it is not known whether these barges are suitable for Goan waters,” informed Jadhav.

“The barges have to do the load line assignment, and subsequently they need to be issued endorsement certificate. The outstation barges need to engage local crew as the crew from the other states might not be aware of Goan inland water channels, leading to accidents,” he said.

He further stated that there are lots of Goan barges lying idle due to the mining crisis.