Shri Sanjay Bhatia releases AIMPA’s maiden Journal

Shri Sanjay Bhatia former Chairman of Mumbai Port and Indian Port Association (IPA) expressed pleasure while releasing the All India Marine Pilots Association’s (AIMPA) maiden Issue of “Marine Pilot’s Journal” and applauded the efforts in taking out this kind of Journal to help highlight issues of pilots. “This is a great initiative and it will go long way in improving the status of the Pilots” he added with enthusiasm.

Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar , President of AIMPA said “We are honoured that Shri Bhatia took time to read through the Journal and also discuss the Pilot’s issues.” Shri Bhatia also complimented Mumbai pilots for having done maximum pilotages in the times of COVID compared to other ports in India. He applauded marine pilots’ efforts and commitment to serve the country no matter what the situation. Shri Gajanan averred “We are sure the Marine pilots will have hearty day looking at their efforts being recognised.

”Pilots are well qualified and highly experienced to handle ships and engage in dare devil jobs in most dynamic situation 24×7. But, the Marine pilot community happens to be small and often neglected. This despite being important cog-in-the-wheel in cargo movement in ports and in turn in contributing to country’s economy.

This marine pilot’s Journal aims to give this small community of Marine Pilots an opportunity to come together and share their knowledge and experiences in the media.

It is not a news bulletin of pilots or ports, but a journal, which would bring about knowledge sharing among marine Pilots and also highlight their woes. It is a space where incidents and near misses can be discussed objectively.

The Journal will be published monthly with write ups that would include the contributions from pilots and all those who care about this community and want to share their knowledge.

When AIMPA is constantly taking up pilots’ safety and security issues, the journal would be another medium to put forth this information to general public as well. This effort will bring about an awareness and appreciation about the Marine Pilot’s work among general port communities.

AIMPA has sought help from Shri Amitabh Kumar, IAS, Director General shipping to take up issues of pilot ladder non compliances. Shri Kumar has readily taken proactive steps and asked that any Pilot Transfer Arrangement( PTA) related deciencies to be brought to the notice of jurisdictional MMD’s or the Port State Control (PSC) cell of the Directorate for taking necessary action.

This Journal aspires to be in the hands of law makers and make its presence felt in corridors of powers.

Capt. Gajanan said “We would request everyone to wholeheartedly support the unique efforts and contribute to the safety and security of the Pilots.”

All India Marine Pilots’ Association Magazine