The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the Ministry of Shipping recently informed the Bombay High Court that there is no blanket restriction on Indian seafarers holding Certificates of Competency (CoC) from countries like Honduras and Panama. This clarification arose during hearings of petitions challenging a circular issued by the DGS on July 18, which seafarers claim is arbitrary and unconstitutional.
Petitioners, including Manish Sharma and Gaurav D.S. Porwal, argue that the circular effectively halts their careers by barring Indian seafarers with valid foreign-issued CoCs and Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs) from employment. They are seeking a court declaration that the circular is ultra vires of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and demand the restoration of recognition for all foreign-issued certificates obtained prior to the circular’s enactment.
In response, Manisha Jagtap, representing the DGS, clarified that the circular does not prohibit seafarers from sailing but mandates verification of certificates to ensure maritime safety and compliance. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 26, emphasizing that no permission from the DGS is required for signing on or off based on foreign-issued CoCs.
