The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on February 03, 2025, notified regarding the age restriction for the engagement of Seafarers for service on ships.
The following has been stated namely: -
• It states that seafarers above 65 years of age may not be employed to serve on Cargo/Passenger vessels registered under the MS Act or certified as RSV/ICV where lifeboats are not mandated as part of life-saving appliances under the applicable rules.
• It states that seafarers above 70 shall undergo stringent pre-joining medicals, with company approval from the nearest MMD, which will decide on the same day based on STCW Table B/1-9, forwarding monthly reports to the Directorate.
• It further states that DGS-approved medical practitioners must thoroughly examine seafarers above 65 as per standards, and submit reports to the nearest MMD for verification, and any lapse will result in permanent withdrawal of DGS approval.
[Notification no. - 25-1 7/2024-NT-DGS]
