Oil spill showed the need to define roles of agencies in a crisis
Under the spotlight since the biggest oil spill in recent times, Director General of Shipping S B Agnihotris office is also working on modernisation of security features in sailors documents, apart from running a helpline for seafarers, he tells Smita Nair.
What is the status of the inquiry into the oil spill caused by the collision of MSC Chitra and M V Khalijia?
The probe is complete. We will submit the report to the Ministry of Shipping this week. The narrative goes into well over 1,000 pages. It includes the depositions of all involved, and a whole list of electronic data. The Ministry will direct us if the inquiry needs to be extended, or if we need to approach court.
What has changed since the spill?
We have reviewed and compiled the actions that followed. This forms part of a proposal sent to the Ministry to institutionalise disaster management in shipping. At the time of the Kosi floods, the Centre had activated its disaster management mode two weeks before the water reached the danger mark; every office was given a role. Similar mammoth levels of co-ordination were required in this situation. I told my officers, lets first call for a coordination meeting; we will see who is the authority later in the books. The Navy, the Coast Guard, the salvers, the Port authorities all came together and worked as one, with everyone being kept in the loop.
How are you reaching out to the sailor community?
We have started this month a counselling line for sailors. We called for records of sailors who went missing or committed suicide while on board in the last three years. The annual average is between 30 and 40, from a total sailor community of over a lakh. We realise there is a need to speak to them and understand their problems; besides, the sea can get gloomy. Our communication centre routes calls to us; experts from Mental Health Initiative-India will counsel them. We dont want to make stress statistics out of this; were sending mails silently, letting them know we are there for them.
How are you tackling the problem of fake identity documents?
One of the immediate solutions is additional security features such as numbered holograms and corrective colour stationery. A document automatically changes shade when someone tampers with it or tries to rewrite or erase data. We are starting this as a pilot project on ship licences from this month, before implementing it on CDCs (continuous discharge certificates) and other documents.
I worked as transport commissioner in Orissa, where I realised the best way to stop the racket is by computerisation and electronic integration. I am replicating that model here.
A sailor has to upgrade his records at at least seven nodal points. We are creating an environment where databases will be integrated. We have set ourselves a deadline of April 2011. Officers can verify documents by entering data into the system. This month we will meet the Mumbai Police for a system where fake documents will be cancelled the moment they are seized.
From November, under the International Guidelines for Seafarers, there will a new tool: a card with the seafarers photo and biometric data along with basic details.