MARGAO
After Indian passport holders, Seafarers with Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) holders run the risk of landing in trouble if they obtain Portuguese passports, cards or nationality.
Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew), Captain (Dr) Daniel Joseph on Saturday was categorical in saying that CDC rules mandate surrender of Indian CDC to the concerned Shipping Master in the event the seafarer acquires nationality or passport of any other country.
In the event of seafarer acquiring Portuguese passport, the seafarer will have to get an associated CDC from the countries, preferably from Portugal and other countries.
Addressing a seafarer concert programme at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Saturday on the theme “Seafarers Connect: Hum Saath Saath Hain”, Capt Joseph further cautioned that verification of the CDC will be difficult if the same does not reflect in the Master Checker.
“There are difficulties when a seafarer changes his passport. CDC rules mandate surrender of the Indian CDC with the concerned shipping master after a seafarer acquires Portuguese passport’, he said.
He added: “I come from Puducherry where we are linked to France. As Goa was earlier under Portuguese rule, there is a provision for obtaining Portuguese passport. I am ok with it, as I support the will or wish of anyone to change over the nationality or obtain passport or OCI or any other card from Portugal. But, a seafarer with Indian CDC should understand that as you change your nationality or change your passport or card related to Portugal, be careful, there is a requirement as per the CDC rules that Indian CDC has to be surrendered”.
Sounding caution, Joseph said such seafarers should get the associated CDC, preferably from Portugal or any other countries. “You must be aware that your profile is all connected to the Master Checker, this should be reflected in the Master Checker. Your CDC has to be reflected in the Master Checker. If not reflected, verification of the CDC will be difficult, because Indian CDC authenticity will be easily verified”, he further cautioned.
The Deputy Director General of Shipping also touched upon a host of other issues, including attacks on merchant navy ships on certain routes related to Israel connect.
“Circulars have been issued to the shipping companies and the stakeholders to avoid certain routes if there is a risk of attack. They have been told to conduct a proper risk assessment and risks related to shipping to Israel connect”, Joseph added.
