Transition for Indian Navy Personnel to Merchant Navy

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, issued DGS Order No. 17 of 2022 on June 20, 2022. This order established 16 transition schemes to facilitate a smoother transition for retiring Indian Navy personnel into the Merchant Navy.

Here's a breakdown of the key features of DGS Order No. 17 of 2022:

Objective:

• Bridge the gap between the skills and experience of Indian Navy personnel and the requirements for working on merchant ships.
• Leverage the valuable training and experience of retiring Navy personnel to address the growing demand for qualified officers in the Merchant Navy.

Key Features:

1. Recognition of Navy Training and Experience:

   • The order acknowledges the high standards of training and experience acquired by Indian Navy personnel.
   • It allows for the acceptance of Navy-provided training certificates, reducing the need for additional courses in the Merchant Navy.
   • Sea service experience gained on Indian Naval ships or cargo ships is recognized based on a certificate issued by the Indian Navy.

2. Transition Schemes:

   • The order outlines 16 distinct transition schemes tailored to different officer ranks and specializations within the Navy.
   • These schemes specify the specific training courses and assessments required for each rank to obtain the necessary Merchant Navy Certificates of Competency (CoC).
   • The training requirements consider the overlapping skillsets between Navy roles and Merchant Navy positions.

3. Streamlined Certification Process:

   • DGS Order No. 17 of 2022 aims to expedite the certification process for transitioning Navy personnel.
   • It allows for recognition of relevant Navy training modules that fulfill specific competency requirements for Merchant Navy CoCs.
   • This reduces the number of additional training courses needed and expedites the overall transition process.

4. Focus on Safety and Competency:

   • While streamlining the process, the order prioritizes safety and ensures transitioning personnel meet all competency standards mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention.
   • This ensures Merchant Navy vessels continue to operate at the highest safety standards.

5. Benefits for the Merchant Navy:

   • The order allows the Merchant Navy to tap into a pool of highly skilled and experienced personnel from the Indian Navy.
   • This can help address the shortage of qualified officers in the Merchant Navy, especially for senior positions.
   • The influx of experienced personnel can contribute to improved safety and efficiency in the Indian maritime industry.

Additional Considerations:

• The specific details of each transition scheme, including required training courses and assessments, are outlined in the DGS order document.
• The order likely references specific Indian Navy training modules and Merchant Navy CoCs. Consulting the full order or contacting the DGS for further details is recommended.
• While the order streamlines the process, there may still be additional training and assessments required depending on the transitioning personnel's rank and specialization.