Vacancies for the week June, 25 2007

Hind Offshore
Class I & II Marine Engineer
Accommodation Barge/Rig Drillship
Masters/ Safety Officers
Radio Off/ Electrical Eng
email: anthony@hindoffshore.com

Star Maritime Services
Aframax Crude Oil Carriers: Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers: Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd EngElectrical Off
Product/ Oil Carriers: Master/ Chief Off/ 2nd Off
Tel: +91-022- 67254402
email: fpmd@waei-smd.com

Naavex Marine Services
AHTS/ Wireline /Well Head/ OSV’s: Masters/ Chief Offs/ Deck Offs/ Chief Engs/ 2nd Engs/ Electrician, Seaman & Oiler
Tel: +91-022-26736611/ 55
email:mumbai@naavexmarine.com

Noha Marine Services
Master/ Chief Officer/ Chief Engineer/ 2nd Engineer/3rd Officer/ Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-65167065/ 63


Nortrans Maritime Services
VLCC’s: Master/ Chief Off/ Chief Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers: Masters/ Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ 4th Eng
Crew Boat: Master/ Chief Eng
Drill Ships: Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng ADPO/ Bosun/ AB/ OS/ Welder/ Ch. Mechanic/ Mechanic/ Radio Operator/ Ch. Electrician/ Electrician/ Medic/ Roustabout/ Derrickman/ Floorman/ Driller/ Asst. Driller/ Storekeeper/ Materialsman/ Crane Operator
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49
Fax: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
LPG Vessel: Master/ Chief Off/ 2nd Off /3rd Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers: Master/ Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng/ 4th Eng /Electrical Off
VLCCs: Master/ Chief Off/Chief Eng/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113
email: fleet@greatship.com

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Bulk Carriers: Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng
Tankers: Chief Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000
email: contact@fivestar.com


Geepee Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd
Handy Size & Bulk Carriers: Master/ Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng (6 mths contract)
2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ 3rd Eng/ 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22873574/ 77/ 87
email: gpship@vsnl.com

Bibby International Services
Gas/ Chemical ,Oil& Product Tankers: All Officers Ranks
DPI&II/ DSV, PSV,AHT/Oil Rigs : All Deck & Engine Officers
Cruise Line: 2/E,3/E,4/E & ETO
Tel: +91-022-26732628
email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Tanker Pacific Management (India) Pvt. Ltd
Masters/ Chief Eng/ Chief Offs/ 1st Asst. Engs/3rd Off/ 3rd Asst. Engs/ Engs with Steam Ship Exp, Jr. Engs
Tel: +91-022- 26515995/ 26415757
email: mumbai@tpmi.co.in

Zodiac Maritime Agencies (London)
Cape Size Bulk Carriers: Master/ Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Off/ 1st Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Off/ Electrical Off
Chemical Tankers & Gas Carrier: Master. Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Off/ 1st Eng/ 2nd Eng/3rd Off
Tel: +91-022-26515995/ 6415757
email: tpmi@vsnl.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Cape Size Bulk Carriers: Master/2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ Chief Eng/2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28
email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd (Hongkong)
VLCC, ULCC/ Aframax: Master, C/O, 2/O,3/O
Suezmax, OBO & Product Tanker: C/E, 2/E & E/E
Cape Size Bulk Carrier: Master, C/O, 2/O,3/O, C/E, 2/E & 3/E
Dry Cargo: Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E,E/E
PCC: Master, 3/O, C/E, 2/E
Chemical Tanker: 2/O/ 3/O
Reefer: 3/O, C/E, 2/E, R/E/E
LPG Carrier(VLGC): 2/O, 4/E, E/E & GAS ENG
General Cargo: Junior Electrician
Tel: +91-022-40432346
email: wsmhkfp@wallem.com

Fleet Management Ltd
Bulk Carrier/ Reefers/ Cellular Cointainer/ RORO Ship/ Chemical/ Gas/Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng/ 4ht Eng/ Electrical Off/ Gas Eng/ Reefer Eng/ Chief Cook/ Pumpman/ Fitters
Tel: +91-022-67926100
email: FLEET-IN-BOM-MANNING@fleetship.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Panama Flag/ Cargo Container Vessel: C/O, 2/O Engineer Offs Holding MEO CL II, MEO CL IV with experience
Chemical Tankers: Master, C/E, C/O & 2/E, Junior Off & Electrical Off
Oil & Petro Chem Vessel: C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O, Pumpman/ Chief Cook & Fitter
Tel: +91-022-22620094
email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
2nd Off/ 2nd Eng (Urgent)
Master/ Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ Chief Eng/ 3rd Eng/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Safe & Sure Marine Services
Mini Bulk Carriers/ Offshore Supply Vessel: Master (FG/ NCV), C/E (MOT Class I/II), 2nd Mate NWKO(FG/NCV), MEO CLASS IV, NCV CLASS IV (Part A), Electrical Off, Radio Off
Tel: +91-9967188886
email: Info@safeandsuremarine.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)
Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ Ad. Chief Off /3rd Eng/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294
email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers: Master/ Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers: Master/ C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers: Master/ C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251
email: mumbai@crewships.com & eperis@crewships.com

Chellaram Shipping (Hongkong)
Chief Eng/ Chief Off/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng/ Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-22070035/ 66357345
email: recruit@chellship.co.in

Vigil Marine Services
VLCC’s: Master/ Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ Electrical Off/Junior Eng
Naval Architects
VLCC/ Tankers (U.A.E): Marine Superintendents
Shore Job in Mumbai: 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng
Golden Crown Shipping: C/O, 3/O, 3/E
Tel +91-022-6630 3909/ 10
email: gupta@vigilmarine.com
trinidad@vigilmarine.com

World Tankers Management Pte Ltd
Oil Tankers: Chief Eng/ Chief Eng/ 3rd Off
Tel: +91-022-22842860
email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Orient Ship Management Pvt Ltd
Panamax Bulk Carriers: Master/ Chief Off/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ 2nd Eng/ 3rd Eng/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Off
Aframax Tankers: C/E & 2nd Eng
Plateform Supply Vessel: Chief Eng/ Electrical Off
Tel: +91 – 9322287363
email: orient@bom4.vsnl.net.in & osm@mtnl.net.in

Orient Express Ship Management
LNG Vessel: Chief Engineers
Container Vessels: Masters/ Chief Off/ Chief Eng/ 2nd Eng/ 2nd Off/ 3rd Off/ 4th Eng/ Electrical Offs
Tel: +91-022-67536200
email: cv@oesm.co.in

ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CDC

What is a C.D.C and how do I get it ?

“C.D.C” means a Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-Seafarer’s Identity Document. Any person who fulfills all the eligibility conditions as specified in rules 4 and 5 of these rules, for the issue of a CDC, may apply to the shipping master at Nau Bhavan, 10, R.K. Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai-400001 or The shipping master, Shipping Office, Marine House, Hastings, Calcutta - 700 022 or shipping master, Mercantile Marine Department, Anchorgate Building, 2nd floor, P.B.No.5004, Rajaji Salai, chennai-600001, by registered post. Every application shall be accompanied by two copies of the applicant’s recent photograph, copies of relevant certificates or documents duly attested by a Gazetted Officer as proof of eligibility, and a signed declaration to the effect that the applicant has not previously been issued a CDC and has not submitted an application for CDC to any other shipping master, alongwith a fee of five hundred rupees (non refundable).

Eligibility conditions for applicant seaman other than Certificated Officers -

The applicant should be a citizen of India, and his age should be as follows

For Deck ,Engine and Catering (Saloon) rating trainees - between 18 and 25 years of age

For Utility Hand - Between 18 and 40 years

For Petty Officers (Carpenter, Chief Steward, Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Pump man, Refrigeration Mechanic, Computer Operator, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Automobile Engineering, Pipe Fitter, Motor Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, General Mechanic, Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic( Tool Engineering), Welder, Electric Arc Welder, Turner, Boiler Attendant, Electronic Mechanic) - Between 18 and 40 years of age

For ex-Naval ratings - Upto 45 years of age

For non-certificated Officers such as Purser/Ship’s clerk, Electrical officer and Electronic Officer - Between 18 and 40 years.

The crucial date for determining the age-limit shall be the closing date for receipt of application. Normally, the date of birth as mentioned in the School Leaving certificate shall be accepted as proof of evidence of date of birth of an applicant. In respect of ex-Naval applicants, the date of birth indicated in Form No. Indian Navy 271 shall only be the proper documentary proof to this effect.

Educational Qualifications :

For Deck, Engine, and Catering(Saloon) Trainees - Xth standard passed


For Utility Hands - VIII standard passed

For Petty Officer - Xth Std. passed with respective trade certificate from ITI (National Trade Certificate)(NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or Diploma Certificates approved by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The minimum duration of the courses from any one of the above institutes shall be two years.

For Purser/Ship’s clerk - A graduate with knowledge of accountancy and computer operation.

For Electrical and Electronic Officer - A Diploma or Degree in respective Branch from a Government recognized Polytechnic or recognized University

Note – CDC in the category of Utility Hand shall be issued only if candidate is sponsored by a shipping company.

For Medical fitness, the applicants should possess a certificate in the prescribed form issued in Annexures “E” and “F” of the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, to the effect that he is medically fit to be employed on board ships.

An applicant for issue of CDC as Deck, Engine and Catering (Saloon) Trainee shall have successfully completed the pre-sea training for ratings from an approved training institute as prescribed under sub-clause (b) of clause (ii) of sub-rule (2) of rule 28 of the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer’s) Rules, 1998.

An applicant for issue of CDC shall have undergone the basic familiarization training and instructions as prescribed under sub-rule (1) of rule 33 of the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training ,Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer’s ) Rules, 1998

Eligibility for Certificated Officers

A citizen of India who is in possession of a valid certificate of competency or who has been declared successful in the final examination of the three years B.Sc. (Nautical Science) course approved by the Director General of Shipping or who has been declared passed or exempted in Marine Engineer Officer Class-II Part A Examination , is eligible for issue of a C.D.C .

The Trainee Marine Engineer, Trainee Radio Officers and Deck Cadets, who have completed the prescribed pre-sea training and are eligible to proceed to sea shall also be eligible to apply for issue of CDCs .

Navigational Watch-keeping Officer (NCV), Marine Officer Class-IV and ex-Indian Naval Officer in possession of a Watch-keeping Certificate, who have completed written examination and are required to undergo on board training for appearing oral examination shall also be eligible to request for issue of CDCs specifying the incumbent’s rank or category.

A citizen of India who is in possession of a valid Certificate of competency issued by any foreign nation, is eligible to request for issue of a CDC.
All the applicants mentioned in sub rules (1) and (2) above shall have undergone the basic familiarization training and instructions as prescribed under sub-rule (2) of rule 33 of the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer’s) Rules, 1998.

Issue of C.D.Cs - (1) The Shipping Master shall, after the descriptive particulars of the applicant have been entered in and the photograph affixed to the C.D.C., affix his signature and official seal on the photograph and issue the same to the applicant , who fulfills all the conditions laid down in rules 4 and 5.
A C.D.C. issued under these rules shall be in Form-1 and shall be serially numbered.

Register of C.D.C.s

The Shipping Master shall maintain a register of C.D.Cs issued to seamen from his port, in Form-2, which shall contain all the particulars recorded in the C.D.C.

All subsequent entries in the C.D.Cs issued from the port shall also be recorded in the said Register

Period of Validity
A C.D.C. granted under these rules shall be valid for a period of ten years and may be renewed on expiry or within 6 months prior to date of expiry, on a request from the holder, for a further period up to ten years at a time if the holder is a serving Seamen and his C.D.C. has not been cancelled, withdrawn or suspended under these rules.

If the period of validity of CDC of a Seamen expires during the voyage, it shall continue to be valid till the end of the voyage.

A recent photograph taken within the last three months should be affixed to the CDC at the time of renewal while retaining the old photograph.

ISSUE OF CDC TO SERVING NAVAL OFFICERSThe Naval Headquarters, New Delhi vide their letter No. NA/1387/DG Shipping dated 10 Jul 03 has intimated Director General of Shipping that there is no objection to the issue of CDCs to serving naval personnel.

ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT INDOS

What is INDOs ?

It is a computerized national database for quick reference by statutory authorities such as Flag State, Port State, Immigration & Employers etc. to prevent fraudulent issue of certificates. The database will include address, photographs, signature & telephone etc. The INDOs No. consist of eight alphanumeric character. Henceforth, no seafarer with out INDOs No. will admitted to any course other than three month pre-sea training course

Who must have INDOs NO. ?
All Indian and Foreign Nationals holding COC granted by Government of India or Indian CDC or who have done modular courses approved by DG Shipping. Courses not approved by Government of India except GMDSS will not be included in the INDOs data.

Which authority deals with INDOs ?
The officer in-charge, INDOs, LBS College, Hay Bunder, Mumbai - 400 033.
Tele : 91-22-3719977, Fax : 91-22-3739784, Email : mariner@bom2.vsnl.net.in

What is the fees for getting the INDOs NO. ?

For fresh entrance the profession :-
Rs. 100/- (US $ 5 for foreign nationals) for the first entry made through approved pre-sea training institutions that conduct induction course of three months duration or more.

Rs. 100/- for every subsequent input updating the course undergone by the seafarer. Such input and payment would be provided to INDOs by the institution conducting each course.

For persons already in the profession :-
Rs. 500/- (US $ 25 for foreign nationals) when they fill up the form for first time.

Rs. 100/- for every subsequent input updating the course undergone by the seafarer. Such input and payment would be provided to INDOs by the institutions conducting each course.

For enquiries from employers.
Rs. 500/- per printout of details of a seafarer. Such printouts would be on special paper with Govt. emblem printed on the background.

What is the advantage of INDOs NO. ?
The advantage to sea farer will be that he would not need to carry original document while training ashore. for eg. presently, a second mate has to undergo seven modular couress and one competency course for which he has to carry all his original documents. Once he has the INDOs certificate, he would not have to produce original document for admission to course anywhere in India. Further, in case of loss of original documents, INDOs will help in getting re-issue of duplicate certificates. Not withstanding INDOs, seafarers will still need to carry original document while serving onboard ship.

How do I get INDOs NO. ?
For those entering the profession
INDOs numbers would be allotted by LBS College when a person joins a pre-sea training institute that conducts approved pre-sea training courses of three months duration or more.

Details of any modular course certificates obtained by the seafarer would be accepted only directly from approved training institutions by way of monthly statements.

Details of documents, issued by Government authorities, such as Certificates of Competency, Letter of Authority for issue of a Certificate of Competency (Commonly referred to as 'Blue Chit') endorsement for serving on special ship types. CDCs, etc., issued in due course would be directly communicated to the INDOs centre for updating the data. Such details would not be accepted from the seafarer.

For those already in the profession
Photocopies of certificates produced by those already in the profession would be accepted and entered into INDOs.

Such certificates would be verified subsequently from records furnished to INDOs by the training institutions and authorities such as Chief Examiners (Certificates of Competency), Mercantile Marine Departments (Letter of Authority for issue of COS and endorsements for special ship types), Shipping Masters (CDCs), etc.

HOW TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY

Courses:

Career in Merchant Navy can be pursued either as an officer or a rating in mainly two specialized fields, i.e. Marine Engineering and Nautical (deck). To become a seafarer, following streams of entries (Pre-Sea courses) are available to Indian citizens in the Government as well as in private training institutions (recognized and approved by Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping)

Officers

i. 3 year degree course in Nautical Science for (10+2) students.
ii. 4 year degree course in Marine Engineering for (10+2) students.
iii. 2 year course for Diploma Holders.
iv. 1 year course for Graduate Mechanical Engineers.
v. 3 month course for Deck Cadets for (10+2) students.

Rating (Entry standard Xth)

i. 4 month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose (GP) rating.
ii. 3 month Pre-Sea Course for Deck rating.
iii. 3 month Pre-Sea Course for Engine rating.
iv. 4 month Pre-Sea Course for Saloon rating.

In addition, a candidate can join as utility hand or Petty Officers (Fitters) after completing 4 Basic Courses, i.e. FPFF, EFA, PSSR and PST.

Govt training Institutes : There are four Government Training Institutes providing Pre-Sea and Post-Sea training of international standard :

i. Training Ship Chanakya, Navi Mumbai.
ii. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata.
iii. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai.
iv. Lal Bahadur Shastri College of advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai.

T.S. Chanakya, Navi Mumbai
This is a shore based academy, which carries the reputation and tradition of T.S. Dufferin and T.S. Rajendra. The Institute is of international repute and the alumni of the institute are well known worldwide. The admission to this Institute for three year degree course is done through Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) conducted by IIT. The candidate should not be more than 20 years of age, on 1st October and should have cleared screening test of IIT, to apply for this course. After qualifying the screening test of the IIT, the boy who is keen to pursue the career in Merchant Navy, as a Deck Officer, has to fill up an application form which is available at Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, and at the selected branches of Syndicate Bank all over India. The advertisement for this, is published in leading news papers of the country in the month of July and December every year, giving procedure for admission. After completing a 3-year course at T.S. Chanakya, a student is awarded Degree in Nautical Science by Mumbai University and is required to go on board ship for one year sea training. The cost of the training in T.S. Chanakya is about Rs. 30,000. per year including tuition fees, hostel and messing. Personal expenses are to be borne by the student. T S. Chanakya also conducts 3 month Pre-Sea Deck Cadets Course. The candidates should be less than 20 years of age on the commencement of the course and should have minimum 60% of marks in P.C.M. at 10+2 level or 55% marks in the B. Sc. and should be below 22 years of age or should have passed BE/B.Tech. from a college recognized by AICTE and is below 24 years of age. The advertisement for this course is published 2 months before the commencement of the course in Employment News and other leading news papers. After completion of the course, the candidate is to obtain requisite sea time of 2 to 3 years before appearing for 2nd Mate competency exam. During their sea attachment, these candidates, usually, are paid nominal pocket allowances by the shipping companies, in addition to free messing and accommodation on the ship. For further details, contact Capt. Superintendent, T.S. Chanakya at the following address : Capt.Superintendent, Training Ship Chanakya, Karave, Navi Mumbai., Tel. 022- 770 3876.

Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata.
This Institute was established in 1949 to impart training to marine engineering cadets and is presently situated at Kolkata. The Institute conducts 4 year degree course in Marine Engineering recognized by AICTE and affiliated to University of Jadhavpur. The admission to this course is also done through Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) of IIT and the eligibility for this course is same as of Training Ship Chanakya and the admission to this Institute is also conducted along with the selection to the T.S. Chanakya on the basis of the merit list provided by JEE, IIT. The admission procedure and the fees for this course is also in line of T.S. Chanakya as mentioned above. For any further query, the Director, MERI, Kolkata, may be contacted at the following address : Marine Engineering & Research Institute, P-19, New Taratalla Road, Kolkata – 700 088, Tel. 033- 401 4673

Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai.
This Institute is situated at Mumbai at Haybundar and provides 1 year Pre-Sea Training to graduate Mechanical Engineers to enable them to go on ships as Junior Engineers. To be eligibile for this course, the candidate should have passed engineering degree in mechanical or in Naval Architecture from the AICTE recognized Institute. The selection is done on the basis of merit and the advertisement for this course is published in Employment News and other leading news papers in the month of November every year. The fees for this course is around Rs. 1,40,000/- including messing, uniform and accommodation. The address is : Marine Engineering & Research Institute, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai – 400 033, Tel. 022- 3723577,E-mail - meribom@vsnl.com

Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai
Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research is a premier post-sea Maritime Education and Training Institute offering a comprehensive range of courses for Merchant Navy Officers. The college was established by the Ministry of Transport, Government of India, in 1948.

In addition to Government Training Institutes, there are number of private training institutes which are conducting pre-sea courses for Nautical as well as Engineering candidates both for 10+2 students and engineering candidates. These institutes follow their own selection procedure, which is published regularly in the news papers. For further details, these institutes may be contacted. The institutes provide training to the students and are recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. But on completion of the training, the students have to appear for the competency examination, which enable them to be employed on board Merchant Ships. It is necessary for all candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency from Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, the certificates are recognized and respected by all the countries. The examinations for these certificates are conducted by the D.G. Shipping through Mercantile Marine Departments. The 1st exam for 2nd Mate (Deck) and MEO IV (Engineering) is to be given by the candidates after successfully completing the Pre-Sea Training in the above institutes and required sea time on ships. After acquiring the Certificate of Competency, the officer is eligible to be appointed as 3rd Officer / 5th Engineer on board Merchant Ship and draw a handsome salary. For subsequent promotion, he has to render further sea service and pass higher examinations and post-sea courses at LBS College (Govt. of India) or in other private training institutes.In addition to the above entries for officers, the candidate can join Merchant Navy as rating on board ship. The minimum qualification for rating is 10th standard with Maths and Science and the age limit is less than 24 ½ years at the commencement of the course. After completing the course, the trainees are required to go on ship minimum for 6 months to earn their watchkeeping certificate. After obtaining the Watch Keeping Certificate, they can sail on ships as rating for Deck/Engine Room/Saloon/Petty Officers and are paid handsome salary.

Career in Merchant Navy

Since time immemorial, ships at sea have beckoned the brave and adventurous. The attraction of riches in this profession has been subject of many a folklore. Even today, the situation remains more or less the same, except that today the ships are far more safer than they were in the times of Vasco-da-Gamma and Columbus. Today, there is hardly any career which can fetch such high salaries at such a young age that the Merchant Navy offers. Unfortunately, the knowledge on the subject of "What is Merchant Navy & How do i join it ?" still remains the privilege of very few people who already have relatives and friends in this industry. With this in background, in this section we wish to tell you all about career in Merchant Navy. The ships today are highly sophisticated and technology intensive. Safety and efficiency of the ship are crucial and depends upon the professional ability, competence and dedication to duty, of a seafarer, on board ship. Naturally, a seafarer is expected to be highly professional for the safe and efficient operation of the ship. The training in India is of exceptionally high standards and the Indian seafarers are one of the most sought after commodity in the shipping industry worldwide. Needless to say that an Indian seafarer demands and does gets highly paid.

WHAT ARE THE PAY AND PERKS ?
The pay and perks depend upon the type of the ship, experience and competency of an individual. At the starting level, a rating may get 700 - 1000 US $. Among officers a 3rd Officer/4th Engineer gets about 1500 - 2000 US $, 2nd Officer / 3rd Engineer - 2200 - 2500 US $, Chief Officer/2nd Engineer - 3000 - 3500 US $ and a Chief Engineer / Master - 4000 - 5000 US $. An individual can attain the rank of 3rd officer at the age of approx. 23 yrs and Master by the age of about 35 yrs.

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS JOBS?
(a) Deck Officer - The officers from this branch primarily look after the ships navigation, loading/unloading of cargo and the general maintenance and administration of the ship. The officer joins in the rank of 3rd officer and is subsequently promoted to the rank of 2nd officer, Chief Officer and finally the Master of the ship. Off course, the promotions are subject to the individual passing his competency exams and his performance onboard the ship. In addition to navigation duties, normally a 3rd officer looks after the life saving appliances, 2nd officer the passage planning and the navigation equipment, the Chief Officer looks after the cargo work and the Master is the overall in-charge of the ship.

(b) Engineering Officer - These are the officer who are qualified in Marine Engineering. They join as 4th Engineer and step by step, get promoted to 3rd, 2nd and Chief Engineer, subject to their passing the competency exams and performance onboard the ship. The Engineering department in addition to looking after the main engines, are also responsible for associated equipment like power generation equipment, cargo pumps and air - conditioning etc. The4the Engineer is responsible for operation and maintenance of engine room auxiliaries. The 3rd engineer for fuel, water and the boiler room equipment. The 2nd engineer for lubricating the system, engine room auxiliaries, and electric equipment. In addition, there is an electrical officer, who is responsible for the electrical equipment.

(c) Radio Officers - The Radio Officers looks after all the electronic communication and the related records. In addition, he also looks after electronic navigation aids such as radar, depth measuring devices, long range navigation equipment and global positioning system etc. However, this category of personnel has been almost phased out and their duties passed over to other deck officers. To be qualified as Radio Officer an individual need to do a two week GMDSS course.

(e) Purser - He is an officer who looks after all the administrative work related to pay and perks of personnel onboard. However, this category of personnel has also been almost phased out and their duties passed over to other deck officers.

(f) Ratings - There are three kinds of ratings - deck, engine room and catering. Deck rating is responsible for cargo handling, mooring/ unmooring and general maintenance of the ship. Similarly the engine room ratings assist the engineering officers in maintenance and operation of engines and associated equipment. The catering crew consists of Steward / Cooks and as the name suggests, they look after the catering and the house keeping of officers cabin.

Another milestone anniversary....

Five years ago this week the first issue of Shipping Today was mailed to 500 subscribers. This week over 20,000 seafarers will read this 261st issue of Shipping Today—and by their request some 20,000 of their friends and colleagues as well.

When we started, five years ago, here's what we wrote: "The shipping in India is making waves and more horizons by way of newer type of vessels, cargoes and more activities apart from conventional ships like offshore vessels, drill ships and manning sector etc, there is a need for exploring the Indian Maritime Industry and here we are coming with our first issue. We endeavor our best to cater to the industry the current happenings, activities and the future in store."

We still are committed in fulfilling what we promised, along with some we hadn't anticipated five years ago. Although five years is a relatively short period of time when you talk about “tradition,” we believe that's what we've established among our readers because so many of you have told us we're the only information source you turn to first. And for that, we're very thankful and appreciative.

We had grand ideas when we started Shipping Today, wanting it to become the first place you turn to in order to stay up to date with the latest in the seafaring news, training updates, job opportunities, technology, and advertising. And, if what you tell us is true, we are succeeding in that endeavor.

Shipping Today has served as the information source and guide for seafarers across India and abroad since its inception in June 2002. Shipping Today offers the deepest coverage and analysis available on the Shipping Industry, most pertinent to the sailing community.

Recently we launched the e-paper edition of Shipping Today, a complete replica of a print magazine in the digital format and we stood be the World’s first Shipping magazine to bring out its e-paper edition in the history of maritime journalism. Our readers can now get their favorite magazine right onto their desktops, free of charge and that too even before the print edition is released in the market. Patrons can log on to www.eshippingtoday.com and register free, to receive eShipping Today in their mail box week by week.

In the past years, even our site www.shippingtoday.net, web traffic has increased by more than 200 percent. And we'll have even more relevant, interactive features coming soon.

Since we began, our subscriber list has grown year by year, the number of advertisers has also increased significantly, and our page count has grown steadily. What all this means is that we're able to bring you more news and advertising that matters to you and what you've been asking to see.

Through all these years Shipping Today has been the beneficiary of contributions and support given by countless individuals, as well as many organizations and institutions. Among the persons/entities that deserve our thanks are the following:
Our readers, we say thank you for your support. Whether you've been with us for all 5 years or if this is your maiden perusal, we appreciate your patronage. Let us hear from you.

Our regular correspondents and free-lancers, whose stories and photographs enrich our magazine each and every week. We count on them more than they will ever know.

Our colleagues, past and present, for their cooperation and understanding through these years.

And a big thank you to our advertisers, without whom Shipping Today, would have been a bunch of journalists, without a publication.

And as we begin this 5th anniversary celebration, we look fondly on the past five years, but more than that, we look forward to the future. We are grateful for all the support for the past five years, and we plan to serve your needs for the next 50.

Happy Reading

Vikram Kharvi
Editor,
info@shippingtoday.net