Falcón state workers allege that for some it is impossible to update and renew their documents, given the possible restart of business with the ABC islands, because they do not have the economic resources to continue the procedures and that about 80% have expired papers
Given the possibility of restarting commercial and institutional activities between Venezuela and the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (ABC), the office of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA), located in La Vela, began last December the census aimed at seafarers in the area, with the intention of obtaining the database that allows knowing if the fishermen or sea workers are able to set sail for international waters.
The sailors, who have repeatedly demanded that the maritime border with the ABC Islands be reopened in order to support their families, have stated that the procedures have a cost in euros, according to the rate of the day of the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV), regarding the issuance, renewal, legalization and certification of documents. According to what they said, up to 600 euros are needed to renew all the documents on time, despite the 30% discount for seafarers in the port.
In order to navigate, interested parties must have at least one document called “Form Q” or Marine ID, which has a cost of 146 bolivars and a certificate of sufficiency (Modus) valued at 293.71 bolivars. However, the certification and renewal of other documents, required by the Venezuelan authorities, have a cost of 400 to 800 bolivars. Prices vary every week, depending on the fluctuation of the exchange rate.
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The fishermen allege that for some it is impossible to update and renew their documents, because they do not have the economic resources to continue the procedures and that about 80% have expired papers, in addition to the cost of a refresher course offered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which costs 623.38 bolivars and is an essential requirement.
According to the Crónicas del Caribe digital portal, INEA, it has registered some 160 sailors, who must update or renew the documentation that allows them to set sail in the event that commercial activities between Venezuela and the Dutch kingdom resume soon.
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