The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has specified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sign in and sign off of seafarers on ships. MHA in its measure of graded relaxations allowed movement of Indian seafarers at Indian ports yesterday. The relaxation has been welcomed by Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant who said that the latest relaxations will allow Goan seafarers stranded on the high seas to return home. Speaking over the relaxations aimed to resolve seafarers issue Union Minister of AYUSH Shripad Naik, said the move will facilitate disembarking of seafarers stranded in Mumbai on the cruise ship Marella Discovery.<br />''<br />''As per the SOP, Indian seafarers on the vessel would have to undergo the COVID-19 test before returning to their home.<br />''<br />''The SOP states that after disembarkation and before reaching the testing facility within the port premises, the ship owners have to ensure that all safety precautions as per the protocol are observed. It also mentions that till the time test report is received, seafarer shall be kept in the quarantine facility by the Port State Health Authorities. In cases where seafarer is tested positive for COVID-19, procedures laid down by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should be followed. For the negative cases, local Authority in the area would be intimated about the clearance for sign-off. A detailed protocol in this regard would be prescribed by DG Shipping.<br />