Date : 26th May, 2005

SUBJECT : Radio Personnel on board merchant ships
 

1. In accordance with the provision of the Merchant Shipping (Distress Safety and Radio Communication) Rules 1995, every ship shall be manned by radio personnel holding a valid certificate of proficiency granted under Radio Regulation by the Central Government or any other authority appointed by Notification in the official Gazette.  Such holder can operate a radio installation on board Indian ships.

2.   Consequent to the adoption of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in the year 1998, every ship where the GMDSS requirement are met must have 2 officers having GMDSS (GOC) alongwith valid necessary STCW Endorsement, alternatively one dedicated Radio Officer with valid certificate  

3. Where certified persons are not engaged exclusively as Radio Operators such as Deck Officers, one of these shall be nominated by the Master to carry out the duties of maintenance and operation of the GMDSS equipments on board the vessel.
    

4. Ships, small crafts operating in or around coastal waters including operation within harbor limits and having Radio equipments are also required to comply with the provision as aforesaid, in para (1).  The Indian Telegraphy Act of 1978 as amended makes it mandatory that any person operating any wireless appliance (VHF, MF/HF, SSB, SAT C, etc.) on board a maritime mobile unit, must have a certificate granted by the Ministry of Communication for the purpose, therefore it is imperative that ships, tugs, barges, etc. which have wireless communication appliances must have certified personnel to operate the same.
    

5. It has come to the notice of the Directorate that the provisions under Para (1) and Para (4) are not being met by some ships, particularly smaller crafts operating within the port limits and near coastal waters.  In view of the requirements under the Acts and rules, the shipowners/ shipmanagers are instructed to comply with the same with immediate effect.
    

6. The inspecting authorities/surveyors from Mercantile Marine Department/recognized organizations shall ensure that the provisions of “Certificate Officers” as appropriate are being met during the time of survey for “Radio Safety Equipment (RSE)” certificate. It also should be ensured by the surveyor that the vessel has a valid “Maritime Mobile Station License”, Radio Logs and publication, etc. during the time of stated survey.  If the same are not complied with, the Certificate/records should not be issued and the matter should be brought to the attention of the Nautical Advisor to the Govt. of India immediately.
    

7. While complying with the above directives, necessary guidelines issued by the Directorate from time to time on the subject may be referred to and the instructions be complied with immediate effect.

Sd/-
(Capt. V. Baijal)
Dy. Nautical Adviser to the Govt. of India-cum-
Sr. Dy. Director General (Technical)