M.S. Notice 17 of 2008

Sub: Replacement of Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-Seafarers Identity Document (CDC issued under M.S. (CDC) Rules, 1960.

1. Whereas, the Directorate is in receipt of representation on the subject of issuing "Replacement of CDCs" issued under CDC Rules 1960. Shipping Master is unable to replace such CDCs since the cut-off date set for replacing such CDCs, has expired on 31.12.2006.
2. Whereas, CDCs issued under 1960 Rules did not have any validity date indicated on them. However, the revised Rules promulgated in 1993 provided for validity period of 5 years, to be extended to 10 years. Therefore, Shipowner's association had represented that holders of CDCs issued under 1960 Rules, could be issued with new CDCs.
3. Whereas, the issue was examined in the Directorate and subsequently, M. S. Notice No. 23 of 2003 dated 25.8.2003 was issued This Notice sets out the guidelines for issuance of replacement CDC and provides for a cut-off date of 25.8.2003 for seafarers to apply for replacement CDC. The said cut-off date was extended on two occasion viz. vide M.S. Notice No. 9/2004 dated 25.8.2004 to 24.8.2005 and vide M.S. Notice No. 14/2005 dated 28.10.2005 to 31.12.2006.
4. However, this Directorate has been receiving representation from Seafarers, who had continued to sail with their old CDCs issued under M.S. (CDC) Rules, 1960 for issuance of new CDCs.
5. Now, therefore, noting that existing Seafarers need to be issued with new CDC so that they can continue their gainful employment at sea, the Competent Authority has extended the cut-off date for receiving applications for issuance of new CDCs to existing Seafarers who are in possession of CDCs issued under M.S. (CDC) Rules, 1960, to 31.03.2009, subject to adherence of following procedure by issuing authority (Shipping Master).
   1. Old entries viz., CDC number, name, identification mark, if any, signature, photograph and other personal details etc. are required to be verified and matched with existing available records with office of Shipping Master.
   2. A unique CDC number of the old CDC is retained for the 'replaced CDC'.
   3. As per prevailing procedures, the applications are received by Post and CDC is issued to that person, by Post only. The details of new/replaced CDC are recorded in the concerned CDC register.
   4. Noting that, it may be difficult to match the photograph and signatures which may have altered over time, receipt documents such as Certificate of Competency, Certificate of modular courses, or Passport may also be checked.
6. This issues with the approval of the Joint Secretary (Shipping) to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways.
7. Hindi version follows.

Sd/-

(Capt. H. Khatri)

Dy. Director General of Shipping