Govt introduces new maritime rules to ensure global maritime safety

On 29-10-2024, the Ministry of Communications notifies the Telecommunications (Commercial Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency to Operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) Rules, 2024 to ensure maritime safety and effective communication in the situation of distress. The provisions came into force on 30-10-2024.

Key Points:

1. Any person who intends to operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (‘GMDSS’) will have to obtain the GMDSS certificate.

2. Central Government can grant the GMDSS certificate on completion of the under mentioned requirements:

   • Is a citizen of India;

   • Is above the age of 18 as on the date of examination;

   • GMDSS General Operator Certificate:

     ✓ Person has passed All India Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination or equivalent examination conducted by a recognized Board/ University in India with Mathematics and Physics as subjects;

     ✓ Has undergone practical training on Global Maritime Distress and Safety System equipment in any Government approved institute, for a minimum period of 96 hours.

   • GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate:

     ✓ Person has passed Secondary School Certificate Examination, or an equivalent examination conducted by a recognized Board in India or holds a valid certificate issued by statutory bodies of maritime or fisheries departments of the Central Government/ State Government;

     ✓ Has undergone practical training on Global Maritime Distress and Safety System equipment in any Government approved institute, for a minimum period of 40 hours.

   • Has a certificate of Competency or its equivalent issued/ recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping;

   • Has a valid certificate of proficiency or its equivalent issued by the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination Wing.

   • Exception: Government can permit a non-citizen to undertake the examination and administrative clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs.

3. Application for grant of GMDSS General Operator Certificate:

   • Any person who satisfies the eligibility criteria can make an application on the portal with fees of Rs. 1000.

   • The examination will consist of 2 parts:

     ✓ Part I- written test for 60 marks (Passing marks- 36);

     ✓ Part II- practical and oral examination for 100 marks (Passing marks- 70).

4. Application for grant of GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate:

   • Any person who satisfies the eligibility criteria can make an application on the portal with fees of Rs. 1000.

   • The examination will consist of 2 parts:

     ✓ Part I- written test;

     ✓ Part II- practical and oral examination;

     Each test will be 50 marks and the applicant is required to obtain a total combined score of 50 marks in both examinations.

5. Grant and Validity of GMDSS Certificate:

   • A provisional certificate will be granted with a validity of 6 months within which he has to apply for GMDSS Certificate of the relevant category;

   • Delay in applying for GMDSS certificate beyond the period of 6 months and upto 2 can be done only after making a payment of late fees of Rs. 1000 in addition to the fees payable.

   • GMDSS Certificate will not be granted upon the lapse of 2 years from the date of issue of provisional certificate;

   • Validity of the GMDSS Certificate will commence from the date of issue of provisional certificate.

6. Suspension and Cancellation of GMDSS Certificate can be done by the Government if it thinks that the GMDSS Certificate holder has:

   • failed to comply with the provisions of the International Telecommunication Convention or the Radio Regulations;

   • willfully furnished incorrect or false information.