Administration may ease selection process of First Class Masters

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Dec 21: Facing shortage of First Class Masters, the Directorate of Shipping Services is planning to consider the examination conducted in other states for the crucial post, for promotion of Second Class Masters on the pattern adopted by other States of the country.
The move comes in the wake of the abrupt discontinuation of the conduct of the examination by the Mercantile Marine Department, Kolkata for the last few years, according to information.
The Shipping Department of the UT Administration is facing acute shortage of First Class Masters after the MMD Kolkata discontinued the examinations without furnishing any reasons forcing the DSS to appoint retire First Class Master for different vessels. However, the practice had created resentment among several Second Class Masters as they are deprived of promotions to First Class Masters.
As per the norms of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, second class masters who clear the examination from MMD, Kolkata are only eligible to get promoted to First Class Master. But in view of the current circumstances, the administration has propagated a draft IV rule for which the final rule is likely to be notified soon.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Deputy Director, DSS, Mr R Veeraiah informed that in the draft IV rule the department has recommended the administration to consider the examination conducted in other states. The recommendation is presently being examined by the administration. Once the administration approves the IV rule and notifies it, the shortage of First Class Masters in the Shipping Department will be overcome,” said Mr Veeraiah.