Subject:    Certification of ratings forming part of a navigational / engineering watch.

 

1. Reference is invited to NT/ENG CIRCULAR NO. 05 dated 20^th March 2007.

2. Representations were received from the Seafarers Unions regarding the difficulties being faced by the ratings while applying for certification as Rating forming part of navigational / engineering watch in such of the cases where Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum Seafarers' Identity Documents (CDC's) have been granted based on compassionate grounds/service experience, under DG Shipping circular, etc. from time to time. The stipulation regarding educational qualification (i.e. Matriculation/ Xth Standard) for issue of watch keeping certificate has come in the way of such candidates who have been accorded CDC's on grounds cited above, notwithstanding the fact that they are certified to have had the requisite watch keeping experience by their employer in the requisite format prescribed by the Directorate. Likewise there were also representations that watch keeping certificate were being denied on the grounds that watch keeping experience was not consistent  with the pre-sea qualifications of ratings with reference to deck or engine department.

3. Following a detailed discussion with the representatives of the industry associations (INSA, MASSA, FOSMA), Unions and others, it was noted that there was no basic objection for issue of certificates to such candidates on the strength of the experience qualification duly certified by the employers in the forms prescribed and being consistent with the STCW Rules/META Manual, etc. Bearing in mind the views of the industry, following instructions are issued to all Mercantile Marine Departments for compliance while assessing the documents for issuance of certification as Rating forming part of navigational / engineering watch.

4. Issuance of watch keeping certificates shall continue as per the guidelines stipulated in NT/ENG CIRCULAR NO. 05 dated 20^th March 2007, with exceptions as follows:

4.1 Requirement of educational qualification (i.e. Matriculation / 10^th Standard) need not be insisted upon for the ratings who apply with valid Indian CDC and documents as prescribed certifying required experience qualifications for grant of watch keeping certificate.  

4.2  A rating complying with the sea-service requirements (9 months) for certification as Rating forming part of navigational watch under Rule 20 (2) (ii) (a) of chapter II (Master and Deck department) of Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rules, 1998 will be eligible for assessment by Mercantile Marine Department for issuance of the above Certificate, notwithstanding the rating holding an Engine Room Rating CDC.  

4.3  Similarly, a rating complying with the sea-service requirements (9 months) for certification as Rating forming part of Engineering Watch under Rule 28 (2) (ii) (a) of chapter III (Engine department) of Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rules, 1998 will be eligible for assessment by Mercantile Marine Department for issuance of the above Certificate, notwithstanding the rating holding an Deck Rating CDC.  

4.4  This interchange of category is limited to Engine and Deck Department only. 

This issues with the approval of Director General of Shipping and ex-officio Additional Secretary to the Govt. of India.

                         Sd/-
               [Capt. J.S. Uppal]
Deputy. Nautical Adviser-cum-Sr. DDG (Tech)

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