The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has issued a directive prohibiting foreign entities, including governments, maritime institutions, and agencies, from providing any form of maritime training within India’s borders without prior written approval. This includes in-person, online, and distance learning programs that potentially lead to seafarer competency certification under the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. Non-compliance with this order can result in severe penalties, including blacklisting of Indian institutions, agents, or seafarers involved, as well as escalation to enforcement authorities under pertinent maritime laws.
The emphasis of this directive is on preserving the integrity and credibility of India’s maritime training framework, ensuring that all training meets stringent national and international standards mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The STCW Convention requires that issuance of certificates follow rigorous criteria concerning service experience, health standards, age, professional training, and examination protocols. Unauthorized programs, especially those lacking DGS approval, will not be recognized, effectively nullifying their certifications.
Indian institutions currently offering STCW courses on behalf of foreign administrations are required to halt these operations immediately and submit comprehensive details to the DGS for evaluation. Regulatory bodies encourage ship owners, managers, approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs), and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies to steer clear of unapproved foreign providers and to report any suspicious engagements.
Moreover, if foreign administrations wish to conduct training in India, they must submit a formal proposal for approval to ensure regulatory compliance. The DGS is adamant that this directive aims to protect Indian seafarers from subpar training that could jeopardize their careers and compromise maritime safety.
The circular comes amid a backdrop of contention within the seafaring community. A previous circular issued on July 18 had mandated that Indian mariners holding certificates from non-recognized foreign maritime authorities would not be permitted to sail on foreign-flagged vessels. This led to significant backlash from the seafaring community, raising concerns over job losses and financial insecurity for thousands of seafarers. Consequently, some seafarers have filed petitions in the Bombay High Court challenging the legality of this directive.
On the same day, hundreds of seafarers protested outside the DGS office under the banner of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI). The union expressed concerns that the July circular would create further hurdles for Indian seafarers, including increased compliance burdens and financial instability, affecting their prospects in a global maritime industry that is already challenging.
This situation underscores the vital need for adherence to established maritime training standards, while navigating the complexities and implications such regulatory measures have on the workforce and industry dynamics in the maritime sector.
Source link
