Indian Ship Registry Tightens Rules on Older Seafarers After Fatal Shipwreck

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Mfame Editor
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10

  • Indian Ship Registry issues new safety guidelines after a vessel sank, resulting in three deaths.
  • Stricter medical checks mandated for seafarers above 65 years, especially on vessels without lifeboats.
  • Ship owners must comply immediately, ensuring older seafarers are physically capable of emergency response.

Following a fatal maritime incident off the Indian coast, the Indian Ship Registry has issued new guidelines focusing on the physical capabilities of older seafarers, particularly those serving on vessels equipped only with life rafts. The incident, involving a 74-year-old ship Master who struggled to evacuate, has raised concerns over whether senior seafarers can efficiently handle emergencies, report SAFETY4SEA.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Incident

The Master delayed sending a distress signal and hesitated to abandon the vessel, which contributed to the loss of three lives.

The ship was equipped only with inflatable life rafts, which require jumping into water before boarding, making it difficult for elderly crew members to evacuate swiftly.

Crew interviews suggest the Master’s age played a role in his reluctance to give the abandon-ship order and his physical struggle to board the life raft.

New Rules for Older Seafarers

To enhance safety and ensure fitness for emergency response, the following regulations now apply:

  1. Seafarers above 65 years must undergo strict pre-joining medical evaluations, with validity limited to their contract period.
  2. For employment on vessels without lifeboats, companies must obtain prior approval from the nearest MMD.
  3. Seafarers above 70 years face even stricter medical scrutiny and require MMD approval for any vessel assignment.
  4. Shipowners, operators, and RPSL agencies must ensure compliance immediately.

Medical Examination and Compliance Measures

DGS-approved doctors must thoroughly examine seafarers above 65 years and submit reports to the MMD.

Any lapse in medical evaluations will result in permanent revocation of a doctor’s approval by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

MMDs must submit monthly reports on applications, approvals, and rejections.

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Source: SAFETY4SEA