Dated:May 3, 2002

 In continuation of the revised guidelines on the Registration and Employment of Seafarers in India, issued vide DGS order No.1, of 2001 dated 27.3.2001, Crew Branch Circular No.3 of 2001 dated 12.9.2001, and in amplification of para 7(f) of the DGS order No.1 of 2001, it is clarified that any ship owner, who maintains company roster can fill up a vacancy or build on their roster by absorbing any eligible seaman on merit from the open market or seamen belonging to General Roster of any of the Seamen's Employment Office(SEOs), irrespective of any endorsement made in their registration Book issued by Director, Seamen's Employment Offices.

2. Further, it is clarified that vide para 7(b) of DGS Order 1 of 2001, the shipping companies have been given freedom to open Company Roster without approaching Director, Seamen's Employment Office's. There shall be no restriction, whatsoever, on employment of seamen in the company roster. Seamen belonging to General Roster and Company rosters of Shipping companies which have either closed down or have rationalized manpower may also be employed, subject to their eligibility.

3. This issues with the approval of the Director General of Shipping and ex-officio additional Secretary to the government of India.

Sd/-
(M.S.Vinod Kumar)
Asstt. Director General of Shipping