Subject:  Role and functions of Regional Officer (Sails) for regulation of Sailing Vessels - Instructions/Guidelines of Identity Cards - reg.

      Kind reference is invited to circular issued vide letter No. CS-10 (1)/98 dt. 20.01.2005 and Record Note of discussion of the meeting held on 07.02.2008 with the representatives of  Sailing Vessel Industry under the Chairmanship of Director General of Shipping wherein various issues concerning Safety, security and welfare of crew on sailing vessels were discussed.
2.   During the aforesaid meeting decisions were taken in the context of Seamne's Identity Card, insurance of crew members, medical examination of crew members and change of crew procedures.  Accordingly, the following  may be noted for compliance by respective enforcing offices.
(a)    Seamen's Identity Cards
       The possession of valid passport would be mandatory required for issuance of Seamen's Identity Card.  Accordingly, all applications for Seamen's Identity Cards to be issued w.e.f. 01.01.2009 would require the applicant to be in possession of a valid passport.  Similarly, all existing crew/tindel of sailing vessels would require to be possession of a valid passport while joining Indian sailing vessel on or after 01.01.2009.
(b)    Insurance
       Sailing Vessel owners whose vessels are trading in and out of Somalian and neighboring ports, to compulsorily insyre crew members for an amount of Rs. 2 lkahs each to be paid to the next of their kin in the case of their death or permanent disability while in service on the ship.
(c)    Medical Examination
       All sailing vessel owners are ro ensure that personnel serving on board their vessel are medically fit prior to joining the vessel.
 (d)   Change of crew procedure
      The concerned R. O.(Sails) to visit the vessel, where pratical, for effecting change in the crew statement, for expeditious facilitation.
 
       Sd/-
(Capt. H. Khatri)
Dy. Director General of Shipping