Team Herald
MARGAO: Goan Seamen Association of India President Franklin D’Costa has appealed to the Goan seafarers not to fall prey to fly by night operators who may approach them to solve their problems.
D’Costa assured that the INDOS numbers of Goan seafarers would be reactivated shortly if they follow the proper procedure.
D’Costa, pointed out that 12 Goan seafarers met him recently as their INDOS numbers have been de-activated because the Director General Shipping suspected them of having submitted STCW certificates issued by MTI without attending the actual course and pointed out that all over India 3,762 seafarers have their INDOS numbers deactivated following an investigation by DG shipping.
Pointing out that DG Shipping has formed a special forensic team to investigate all these cases, he appealed to Goan seafarers to follow the proper procedure patiently and get their INDOS numbers reactivated.
He said seafarers will have to submit proof of having attended the course and if the seafarer has obtained the certificate illegally an honest confession will result in suspension of only one year while providing an opportunity to undergo the course afresh with a legitimate MTI.
