Section 45
Certificates to be held by seafarers.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
About this Act
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(1) Every Indian vessel shall have seafarers with manning scales, based on categories of vessel, areas and types of operations, as may be prescribed.
(2) The seafarer shall hold certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency granted under section 46 appropriate to his rank in the vessel, or of such higher grade, as may be prescribed:
Provided that an Indian national, including Overseas Citizen of India with such certificate or foreign certificate of competency recognised by the Director-General, may serve on Indian vessels subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed.
(2) The seafarer shall hold certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency granted under section 46 appropriate to his rank in the vessel, or of such higher grade, as may be prescribed:
Provided that an Indian national, including Overseas Citizen of India with such certificate or foreign certificate of competency recognised by the Director-General, may serve on Indian vessels subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed.