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According to the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Kochi, the inspections on vessels carried out are in accordance with the Indian Merchant Shipping Act 1958 and Rules in conformity with the relevant international rules and regulations, the objective being to curb the operation of un-seaworthy vessels posing threat to the Indian ports and coastal waters.

Mr M. P. John, Principal Officer, MMD, Kochi, has clarified that any deficiencies/defects observed during the inspection are given in writing immediately to the master/owners of the vessels for rectification. The copies of such reports are also forwarded to the Director-General of Shipping, Mumbai, respective Classification Societies, Owners, Flag States, Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) and International Maritime Organization (IMO). The system is so transparent that the master, owners or affected parties are free to challenge the recommendations of MMD. Besides, there is a provision for compensation to the party incurring loss if the recommendation is found to be wrong.

He emphasises that there has not been any incident at Kochi where any recommendation raised by MMD on any ship, which was inspected, challenged by the affected parties; nor has there been any occasion for any recommendation going wrong. In August, MMD, inspected six ships under Port State Control and two were detained as they were found sub-standard and un-seaworthy.

The authorities issuing the certificates to the ships were advised to carryout detailed inspection of these ships. It is understood that their certifying authorities have found more and more serious deficiencies during their inspections, warranting the actions taken by MMD.

OUR BUREAU

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