The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has allowed the re-opening of Maritime Training Institutes that were closed in March due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On October 22, DG Shipping issued a circular confirming the re-opening of MTIs under controlled conditions along with the SOP for Pre-Sea and Post-Sea.
The amendment in Para B 4 {c} (i) states that the MTIs conducting Pre-Sea courses with 100% capacity, whereas, according to Para C 1 for Post-Sea Institutes, MTIs are permitted to conduct practical with 50% of the batch. Further, MTIs approved for Simulator Courses are allowed to take 100% of candidates of the approved batch strength. The MTIs must ensure that all the candidates are vaccinated with both doses.
Para B 4 {c} (iii) states that for Pre-Sea courses, MTIs must ensure that all the candidates should take the COVID-19, RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to joining and the candidate stays in quarantine for a minimum period of 7 days. However, the candidates who have taken both the doses of vaccination and possess the final certificate of the same and have completed 14 days since the second dose of vaccination need not require any quarantine need if they carry a negative RT-PCR test report. Also, the MTI must ensure that candidates under quarantine do not mix with the candidates who have come out of quarantine.
Para C {1} (d) indicating the Post-Sea Institutes, states that the practical part of any course which requires the student to enter inside the water is permitted as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, GOI dated 30.01.2021.
The amendment in Para C {3} (k) states that the Swimming pool (whenever applicable) shall be opened. The practical part of any course which requires the student to enter inside the water is permitted as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, GOI dated 30.01.2021.
Also, the amendment in Para 4 of DGS order No. 28 of 2020 recognizes the GOI has now permitted use of swimming pools those part of all STCW courses, which require a candidate to enter inside water are permitted with effect from 26.10.2021, and after satisfactory completion Three-Tier Mechanism of learning which comprises of E-Leaning, Virtual Classes/Live Video Sessions Practical at MTIs and Exit exam, a candidate shall be issued course completion certificate valid for five years. The certificates with five years’ validity will be issued to the candidates enrolled in the batches commencing from 26.10.2021 onwards. The MTIs are instructed accordingly.
For further details visit: Re-Opening of Maritime Training Institutes.pdf
