Cabinet approves model MoU for recognition of Certificates of Competency of seafarers
23 Jan 2020
The union cabinet has given its approval for the Model Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for unilateral/bilateral recognition of certificates, and standards of training for Seafarers.
The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave its approval to the model MoU to be signed with foreign countries pursuant to Regulation 1/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978 as amended.
The MoUs are to be signed between the Directorate General of Shipping and its counterparts in foreign countries, with the approval of the minister-in-charge of shipping and the minister of external affairs.
The unilateral MoU would facilitate unilateral recognition by another country of the certificates issued by the Directorate General of Shipping to Indian seafarers, without seeking similar recognition by India of the certificates issued by that country.
Indian Seafarers, therefore, will be eligible to be placed on ships under the flag of that country for employment, thus leading to increased employment opportunities. The proposed bilateral MoU will enable India and another country with which such an MoU may be entered, to mutually recognise maritime education and training, certificates of competency, endorsements, documentary evidence of training and medical fitness certificates, issued to the seafarers who are citizens of respective countries in accordance with the provisions of regulation 1/10 of the STCW Convention.
The bilateral MoU would therefore, make the seafarers of both the countries eligible for employment on ships of either party based on the certificates so recognised. India being a seafarer supplying nation with large pool of trained seafarers will stand to be benefit.