DGS Order No. 3 of 2008
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NO:8-NT(2)/2007 |
Dated: 8th May, 2008 |
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Sub:
Reduced
Deck Manning for foreign going Bulk Carriers, less than | |
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1. This Directorate had issued revised guidelines under section 76 of MS Act, 1958 for safe manning of Indian ships vide letter No. MSL-1(2)/95-I dated 30th April, 2003. These guidelines essentially deal with the subject of safe manning of ships engaged in trading in the Indian coastal waters as well as internationally. 2. This Directorate has received numerous requests for reduction in prescribed manning of Foreign Going carriers engaged in trading internationally in foreign waters, to overcome the present acute shortage of certified Watch-keeping Deck Officers. The subject has been deliberated in length in the Directorate. Having noted the relevant provisions of watch keeping as stipulated in the STCW Convention and M.S. (STCW) Rules, 1998, and studied the pattern of dispensation given in the last 1 year and also the performance of vessels given dispensation from time to time for operating one officer short, it has been decided to give a general dispensation for a period of 6 months with effect from the date of issue of this order to all vessels, engaged in carriage of dry cargo in bulk (BULK CARRIERS) 30000 GRT and less to be manned at the minimum in the Deck Department with the following Deck Officers: MASTER (FG) 1 MATE (FG) 1 OFFICER in charge of navigational watch 1 3. It may be noted that no case of dispensation on such vessels from this minimum need will be entertained, either in number or in qualification. 4. The rate of accidents/deficiencies and general efficiency of adherence to nautical and safety certification requirements will be studied during this period to decide if the dispensation should be extended and made into a national regulation and revised Safe Manning Documents should issue, or should be withdrawn. 5. The onus of responsibility for compliance with all statutory requirements including safety and security requirements together with ensuring the requirements of rest hours for the officers and crew, especially the watch keepers, would be on the company which has the operating control of the vessel as defined in the relevant provisions of the ISM Code. 6. Vessels as above may keep a copy of this Dispensation and follow the revised Safe Manning Norms till the expiry of the period of dispensation.
This issues with the approval of Director General of Shipping & ex.
Officio Addl. Secretary to Govt. of India. |
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