Government to issue life-time licenses to Indian ships

Government to issue life-time licenses to Indian ships

The move is expected to save time and effort for Indian vessels engaged in coastal trading

The Dollar Business Bureau |@TheDollarBiz

The government will issue life-time licenses to Indian Ships and any other ship charted by an Indian citizen or an Indian company. Previously, the licenses for ships had to be renewed every year. The government has also allowed all the five Registrars of Ships at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa and Cochin to issue life-time licenses for Indian ships under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The government says that the move is an effort to decentralise and liberalise the licensing process for Indian ships and is likely to help to the Indian and other vessels engaged in coastal trading as it will save time and effort. Registration allows ships to fly the Indian flag, and also gives protection to the members of the crew in case of casualties involving injuries or loss of life to claim compensation under the provisions of the Indian Acts in Indian courts.    
The Dollar Business Bureau - Jul 22, 2014 12:00 IST