“The lack of clarity on the issue of bringing back the stranded seafarers is hurting the community deeply. Till March 18, when foreign flights were allowed to come to India, the government had given two options to passengers arriving in India; to get quarantined in a hotel earmarked for the purpose, the cost of which will be borne by them, or to get quarantined in the hospital which was free of cost. Similar options can be worked out for seafarers. But the problem is that the delay in releasing SOP is worsening the situation for our people,” says Captain Shiv Halbe, CEO, Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA). They say when the government in this time of emergency has accorded the status of essential services to transport workers like truck drivers, cleaners, railway staff and other, those working on ships should also be given priority.