**Executive Summary**
DGS Order No. 05 of 2021, dated January 25, 2021, amends DGS Order No. 39 of 2020 to further facilitate the sign-on and sign-off of foreign seafarers at Indian ports. The amendment allows sign-on/sign-off at outer anchorage with FRRO clearance, but this is a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once COVID-19 protocols are removed, standard visa manual procedures will apply.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Amendment Overview:**
* DGS Order No. 39 of 2020 is amended regarding the sign-on and sign-off of foreign crew at Indian ports.
* **Sign-on/Sign-off at Outer Anchorage:**
* Sign-on/Sign-off of foreign crew at outer anchorage is permitted without restrictions, provided prior clearance is obtained from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
* **Temporary COVID-19 Measure:**
* The above permission is a temporary measure applicable during the period when specific COVID-19 protocols are in effect.
* Upon removal of COVID-19 protocols, sign-on/sign-off procedures at outer anchorage revert to the provisions prescribed in sub-para (iii) of para 23.2 of the Visa Manual 2019.
**Impact Analysis**
**All stakeholders through DG Shipping Website**
* **Impact:** Need to be aware of updated rules for sign-on of foreign seafarers at Indian ports.
* **Action Required:** Take note of the updated guidelines and disseminate information to relevant parties and ensure compliance.
**Hindi Section, DGS, Mumbai**
* **Impact:** Required to translate document to Hindi.
* **Action Required:** Translate and share the document.
**Computer Section, DGS Mumbai**
* **Impact:** Required to place the information on DGS Shipping Website
* **Action Required:** Upload the notice to the DG Shipping Website for broader access.
Key Entities Referenced
DGS Order No. 39 of 2020: The original order that this document amends regarding sign-on/sign-off procedures for foreign seafarers.
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai: The issuing authority for the order, responsible for shipping regulations.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The parent ministry of the Directorate General of Shipping.
Indian ports: The geographical scope to which the SOP applies.
Visa Manual 2019: Referenced document providing provisions for sign-on/sign-off procedures.
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DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI
Date: 25.01.2021
DGS Orde.r No, 05 of 2021
Amendment to DGS order No. 39 of zo2o dated z1.1.1,.zozo
Subject:
1. The Directorate General of Shipping has issued instructions and Sop for sign-on of foreign
seafarers at Indian ports vide DGS order No.39 of 2020 (F.N0.23-7 LoltlLI2)20-CREW-DGS)
dated 21.1t.2020.
2. Whereas, due to continuing restrictions on crew change at different ports around the world it
has been decided to facilitate Sign-On and Sign-Off of foreign crew at Indian pofts. para 6 of
the DGS order No.39 of 2020 is hereby amended to read as follows:-
"6 Along with the sign-off of foreign crew, sign-on of foreign crew shall also be facilitated at
Indian ports subject to -
(a) sign-on / sign-off of foreign crew at outer anchorage shall be alowed without any
restriction only after obtaining prior clearance from FRRO concerned.
(b) This will be only a temporary measure during the period when specific protocols are in
place due to COVID 19 pandemic. Once COVID 19 pandemic protocols are removed, sign-
on/sign-off procedure at outer anchorage should revert to the provisions as prescribed in
sub-para (iii) of para 23.2 of the Visa Manual20!9.,,
3. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Home Affairs vide their letter
No.
250221 L7 12017-Imm(Part) dated L4.OL.ZOZL.
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[Amitabh Kri
Director General of Shipping &
Additional Secretary to the Government of India
To
1.
All stakeholders through DG Shipping Website
2.
Hindi Section, DGS, Mumbai
3.
Computer Section, DGS Mumbai, with a request to place the notice in DG Shipping Website
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