The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has initiated a verification process aimed at scrutinizing foreign-issued certificates held by Indian seafarers. This move comes in response to concerns over fraudulent credentials and the need to protect genuine employment opportunities within the maritime industry. Data from registered recruitment agencies indicates that approximately 3,800 Indian seafarers possess certificates from maritime authorities without a mutual recognition agreement with India. Notably, around 2,000 of these certificates are at the officer level, with about 80% issued by Honduras.
On July 18, the DGS issued a directive that prohibits Indian shipowners from hiring seafarers with certain Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) from specified Central American countries, including Honduras and Panama. This decision has prompted opposition from seafarer unions and has led to a writ petition filed in the Bombay High Court, highlighting the tensions between regulatory measures and the rights of seafarers.
To facilitate the verification process, the DGS has requested that affected seafarers submit their complete training and certification records. If these documents are verified as authentic and align with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), those seafarers will be permitted to join vessels right away. However, if the certificates are found to be fraudulent, the DGS will refer the matter to the relevant maritime administration for the cancellation of the CoCs and CoPs.
The intent behind the July directive was to mitigate irregularities in the recruitment process and to protect Indian seafarers from exploitation or abandonment by unapproved entities that have reportedly issued counterfeit CoCs. Investigations uncovered instances where these fraudulent certificates enabled lower-ranked seafarers to misrepresent their qualifications, claiming positions as captains or chief officers falsely.
The verification initiative is perceived as a balancing act by the DGS. Its goal is to uphold international maritime standards while also addressing the legitimate concerns raised by affected Indian seafarers regarding their employment opportunities. By ensuring that only those with valid and recognized certifications can work on vessels, the DGS aims to maintain the integrity of the maritime profession and safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers. This comprehensive approach seeks not only to enhance regulatory compliance but also to foster a more secure and trustworthy environment for seafarers navigating the complexities of employment in the maritime sector.
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