India: Maritime course qualification extension, Minicoy

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published DGS Order No. 05 of 2024 relaxing the educational qualification criteria for admission to Pre-Sea Courses in Maritime Catering and issuance of Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) for individuals from Minicoy Island belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category.

This order was published on 6 March 2024.

DGS Order No. 05 of 2024 addresses the relaxation of educational qualification criteria for individuals from Minicoy Island, belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category, who are seeking admission to Pre-Sea Courses in Maritime Catering and issuance of Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC).

Previously, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) had received requests from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTL) to ease the educational requirements for these individuals. Initially, in DGS Order No. 01 of 2017, the minimum educational qualification was relaxed from "Xth Standard Passed" to "VIIIth Standard Passed" for a specified period. This relaxation aimed to facilitate the participation of natives from Minicoy Island in Pre-Sea Rating Courses and obtain CDCs.

Subsequently, DGS Order No. 11 of 2021 further extended and affirmed this relaxation for an additional three years. Now, with DGS Order No. 05 of 2024, this relaxation is extended for a further period of three years until May 8, 2026.

The issuance of this order falls within the powers conferred by Clause (1) Section 456 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, delegated to the Director General of Shipping by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India.

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