MUMBAI, May 27: The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is setting up a centralised computer data base on domestic seafarers. The system will not only provide information about the genuineness of certificates issued to the seamen, but also come handy in detecting cases of any misuse of the continuous discharge certificates (CDCs).A CDC is a document akin to a passport without which a seafarer cannot work on the ship. "The software for the system has been developed by CMC," said DGS deputy director R Ravichandran, adding that trial runs for setting up the system had commenced.
The system, being set up at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, will give details on the competency certificates issued to seafarers. The certificate is awarded by the DGS office for every rank of seafarer including the second mate and captain.
The revalidation or renewal of these certificates, however, can also be done by the Mercantile Marine Departments (MMD).
According to Ravichandran, the additional feature of the data base will becareer profiles of the seafarer. "Profiles of seamen will be gathered from the shipping companies, and instances of misconduct by the seafarers will be recorded", he added.
The computer system will be operated and monitored by the Lal Bahadur Shashtri (LBS) College. The main server, to be installed at the college, will be connected to four nodes at DGS, Mumbai, MMD, Mumbai, MMD, Calcutta and MMD, Chennai.
The annual maintenance of the system will be around Rs 5 lakh. The data will pass through three stages of verification before being incorporated into the final system. The identification number awarded to each seamen will also be linked to his CDC so that any misuse or forgery by the seafarer is detected, he said.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
