The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has granted a three-month extension for crew certificates, providing crucial relief to seafarers currently stranded in the Gulf region. This decision aims to mitigate potential compliance and insurance issues that may arise from onboard incidents during this period. Officers and engineers must possess valid competency certificates from the DGS, while junior crew members need proficiency certificates, both of which are typically valid for five years and require renewal through training and examinations.
The DGS noted that due to the heightened security situation in West Asia and surrounding waters, many seafarers are facing challenges in renewing their statutory certificates due to operational and logistical difficulties. In light of the ongoing conflict in the region, the DGS has decided to temporarily extend the validity of certain certificates to facilitate seafarers currently on vessels.
Additionally, a three-month extension has been granted for safety and firefighting training certificates, echoing similar measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. Industry leaders have welcomed this initiative, highlighting the DGS’s commitment to working collaboratively with the shipping sector. Currently, 18 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Western Persian Gulf, employing 485 Indian seafarers, while over 950 Indian seafarers have been repatriated. The total number of Indian seafarers in the Gulf region is estimated to exceed 20,000, encompassing those on foreign ships and offshore vessels.
