The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on February 17, 2025, issued draft Issues faced by Shipping / RPS Companies while extending the contractual Article of Agreement (AoA).
The following has been stated: -
•The Merchant Shipping (Recruitment & Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2016 require RPS companies to inform seafarers about their rights and obligations under employment agreements. The Master of an Indian ship must execute a crew agreement for all seafarers.
•Challenges were raised about extending the Articles of Agreement (AoA), which has led to increased administrative burden. As per the new directive, contracts can be extended for up to 11 months without terminating the existing AoA, provided an extended letter is maintained on board.
For comments: All the stakeholders are requested to send them on or before February 26, 2025.
The detailed circular is given in the document below.
[Circular No. 23-POL/3/2024-CREW-DGS (C. No. 30774)]
