Govt nod for India, Korea pact for seafarers certificate

Government today gave nod for a pact between India and Korea that would pave the way for recognition of each other's certificates on maritime education and training for seafarers.
The decision was taken by Union Cabinet at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It gave "approval for signing of an Undertaking between India and Korea on Mutual Recognition of Certificates. It is in pursuance of the Regulation 1/10 of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, as amended," Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.
Signing of the Undertaking will pave way for recognition of maritime education and training, certificates of competency, endorsements, training documentary evidence and medical fitness certificates for seafarers issued by the Government of the other country, it said.

It is done in accordance with the provisions of regulations and cooperation between the two countries in the training, certification and management of seafarers, it added.
India is in talks with South Korea, known for its maritime technology prowess, for long-term partnership to develop its rivers to drive economic growth.
Last week Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari has said, "We are in talks with a Korean government company to develop our rivers."
Earlier this year, Parliament enacted a legislation to convert 111 rivers across the country into National Waterways to boost movement of goods and passengers via rivers and reduce transportation cost substantially.