The Indian CDC, a vital document for seafarers, is issued by the Indian government to certify an individual's eligibility to work on Indian or foreign-flagged vessels. It serves as an acknowledgment of a seafarer's competency to safeguard maritime interests and comply with international legal requirements. However, obtaining this crucial certification has become an uphill battle for seafarers due to the inefficiencies in the SSC verification process.
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. In many cases, applicants have been unable to commence their intended voyages or secure employment opportunities due to the prolonged administrative delays.
One of the major hindrances faced by aspiring seafarers is the prolonged waiting period for the issuance of CDCs. This delay often leads to missed opportunities for job placement, causing frustration among the seafaring community. Applicants have reported waiting for months, trying to get their CDCs processed, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and financial strain.
The problem concerning the process of obtaining Indian CDCs for seafarers is a pressing issue where the applicants are not intimated by the DG shipping that their SSC certificate is sent for verification and if the seafarers track it shows under verification on the DG system since there is the communication gap and Goa Board which doesn't have online verification system so it is been delayed until and unless one has to go and visit the Goa board to check so it requires immediate attention and action by the Goa Board secondary and higher secondary schools to make it online verification. The government, maritime authorities, industry players, and other relevant stakeholders should collaborate to overhaul the system, ensuring a smooth and efficient process that enables aspiring seafarers to pursue their careers without unnecessary delays or financial burdens. In doing so, can strengthen its maritime industry and contribute to the growth and development of the global seafaring community.
Furthermore, seafarers themselves are caught in a predicament created by the slow SSC verification process. The resulting financial strain is a heavy burden for many individuals seeking career advancements or employment opportunities. Without the CDC, seafarers are unable to embark on international voyages, resulting in loss of income and career stagnation.
Hence GSAI has appealed to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Goa Board for immediate intervention. Efforts to streamline the process and expedite CDC issuance will not only benefit the seafarers but also invigorate the Indian maritime industry, safeguarding its global competitiveness. A well-functioning CDC issuance process is crucial to facilitate the nation's seafarers' mobility, enabling them to contribute their skills and expertise to the global maritime sector.