Date:10/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/10/stories/2007011011521800.htm

Business

Indian flag vessels can employ foreign seafarers

Special Correspondent

To improve skills of Indian crew

NEW DELHI: In a major step to address the acute shortage of seafarers in domestic vessels, the Central Government on Tuesday allowed employment of two foreigners on board besides invoking Sec. 88BB of the Merchant Shipping Act that makes it mandatory for seafarers to spend at least three years in Indian flag vessels.

Shipping Minister T. R. Baalu issued the directive in this regard after a meeting with shipping industry captains, representatives of Directorate-General of Shipping and nautical advisers here.

The directive says that domestic flag vessels can employ two foreigners on board Indian flag vessels/ships except masters.

In fact, the domestic shipping lines have been asking the Government for a long time to allow them to employ foreigners on board in view of the acute shortage of trained seafarers. The decision is expected to improve the skills of Indian seafarers.

By invoking Sec. 88BB of the Merchant Shipping Act, the Government is ensuring that domestic seafarers would mandatorily spend three years in Indian flag vessels after completion of their Certificate of Competence.