The Ministry of Home Affairs has eliminated the coastal sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass (SLP) procedures for crew members and supernumeraries on Indian flag vessels engaged in coastal trade, dredging, barges, and research operations within port limits. This decision, communicated in a memorandum on November 20, aims to streamline the process for crew members operating on local routes, which will now be managed by port authorities.
Previously, Indian seafarers faced significant challenges due to the stringent immigration requirements associated with the sign-on/sign-off and SLP processes. Crew members were required to be physically present at immigration offices for SLP issuance and extensions every 10 days, complicating their ability to fulfill their duties on board. The new directive responds to industry calls for more efficient procedures, alleviating the burden on seafarers.
In conjunction with scrapping these procedures, the Home Ministry has instructed the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to ensure that port authorities maintain accurate records of crew members and supernumeraries on these vessels. Additionally, the Bureau of Immigration will conduct periodic inspections and request crew lists from vessels operating within port limits, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
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