The Hindu Business Line : Manning agents under the scanner

In the light of increasing incidents of casualties among Indian seafarers on board foreign flag vessels, the Government and the Directorate General of Shipping are planning to crack the whip on `fly-by-night' and unregistered manning agents that provide the employment by charging hefty commissions. The incidents of casualties come in the wake of an increase in flow of Indian seafarers to foreign flag vessels. The Government has decided to promulgate Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2005. These rules make it mandatory for all manning agents to operate under licence and regulation, so as to be able to effectively implement the mechanisms of protection provided by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, for Indian seafarers. The DG-Shipping, on its part, has advised Indian seafarers to gain employment on board Indian and foreign flag vessels only through the manning agents registered with the DG-Shipping. The list of registered manning agents is available on the Web site of the Directorate. It is seeking to bring to the notice of seafarers that Section 97 of the MS Act specifically prohibits manning agencies and others finding employment for seamen by demanding any commission or fees.