MARGAO: Expressing deep concern over the prolonged delays in the verification process for Indian Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs), the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has called upon the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Goa Board to intervene urgently.
According to Frank Viegas, the President of GSAI, the slow processing of SSC verification has created a predicament for seafarers, hindering their career advancements and affecting the competitiveness of the Indian maritime industry on the global stage.
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The Indian CDC, a crucial document for seafarers, is issued by the Indian government to certify an individual’s eligibility to work on Indian or foreign-flagged vessels. Delays in the SSC verification process are primarily attributed to an overwhelming number of applications and a lack of streamlined procedures.
Seafarers have reported waiting periods of several months before their applications are processed.
Viegas emphasised the urgent need to streamline the CDC issuance process, stating that it not only benefits seafarers but also invigorates the Indian maritime industry, safeguarding its global competitiveness.
The GSAI highlighted the pressing issue concerning the verification process for obtaining Indian CDCs, where applicants face delays due to a lack of communication and an absence of online verification systems. The association urged the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools to implement online verification to expedite the process.
Without the CDC, seafarers are unable to embark on international voyages, resulting in income loss and career stagnation.
