Indian shipping lines in need of seafarers

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Nov 2007

There is shortage of skilled staff in domestic shipping lines. As per estimates received from the Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), there is a shortfall of about 834 officers in Indian flag vessels, as of June, 2007. Government has taken note of the shortage of manpower and has taken various steps for increasing the availability of trained manpower, which include: Expanding the facilities for marine education & training by allowing private colleges to be opened. (i) Ensuring quality training at the maritime institutes as per international standards and introducing several new courses for pre and post sea training. (ii) Action has been initiated for facilitating induction of retired naval officers into the merchant navy. (iii) Introduction of tonnage tax obligation on shipping companies to give onboard training to cadets. (iv) Permitting two years age relaxation and fee concession to encourage girl candidates to join maritime sector. (v) The training and examination systems have been reviewed to minimize the avoidable delays for obtaining certificate of competency. (vi) This information was given by the Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T.R. Baalu in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.