In a significant move to combat fraudulent competency and proficiency certificates among Indian seafarers, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) announced a ban on certificates issued by maritime administrations of non-recognized countries. Effective from July 18, the directive mandates that only seafarers with valid Certificates of Competency (CoC) recognized by India or through mutual agreements in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) can serve on foreign-flagged vessels. This measure is particularly aimed at improving maritime safety and maintaining high training standards.
India has established bilateral agreements for mutual recognition of CoCs with several countries, including Malaysia, UAE, South Korea, Sweden, and the UK. Additionally, Indian seafarers who possess CoCs or Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) obtained from countries like Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland may be accepted, provided their training was conducted in government-approved institutes. The DGS has also begun verifying the authenticity of certificates through its online portal.
The DGS circular is expected to significantly impact the employment sector for seafarers, potentially eliminating many jobs while curtailing illegal practices. However, industry representatives caution that while the initiative is essential to improve standards, it may inadvertently harm seafarers who hold valid certificates from recognized countries. The directive emphasizes the need for strict verification by ship owners and recruitment agencies to ensure all maritime training certificates are issued by approved institutions.
Experts argue that this circular, while well-intentioned, might not be enforceable against foreign administrations. For example, if seafarers obtain certificates from “whitelisted” countries, the DGS may not have jurisdiction over foreign-flagged vessels. The ongoing global shortage of qualified officers could exacerbate the situation, as foreign maritime administrations might retaliate against Indian seafarers by banning their certificates.
While some view the DGS’s decision as a necessary step toward weeding out unscrupulous agents and ensuring quality standards, others express concern over its execution. Critics argue that without adequate measures to recognize CoCs from whitelisted administrations, the initiative could adversely affect the livelihoods of countless Indian seafarers. Ultimately, the DGS aims to enhance safety standards and uphold the integrity of Indian maritime training, but the balance between cracking down on fraudulent practices and ensuring employment opportunities for legitimate seafarers remains a pressing challenge.
The DGS’s intentions align with international regulations, emphasizing that all maritime personnel must hold valid and verified certificates to safeguard lives at sea and protect the marine environment. Therefore, this initiative underscores the importance of maintaining high training and certification standards within the global maritime industry, reflecting India’s commitment to advancing its maritime workforce’s competency and credibility.
