Training Circular No.17 of 2006

Sub: Guidelines - LNG Cargo and Ballast Water Handling Simulator Courses (Operational Level)

Maritime Safety and efficiency is of utmost concern to the Directorate General of Shipping [DGS], the constituted authority of the Government of India for all maritime affairs.

During the course of inspection of various training matters, it was notices that some training institutes barely met the minimum standards set by the Directorate, while others provided training facilities that were world class. In order to bring about uniformity of training, amenities and equipments provided by all training institutes, guidelines were revised and new ones formulated. This was done by the DGS in consultation with the training institutes and employers [ship-owners and manning agencies]. Draft guidelines were displayed on the website of the DGS and comments invited from interested parties, regardless of the position or office held. Comments received were considered to the earliest possible.

The final guidelines for "LNG Cargo and Ballast Water Handling Simulator Course [Operational Level]' are finalized hereunder. In keeping with Government policy, the guidelines have been made in as transparent a manner as practicable.

For the purpose of the final approval of the course, inspection of the simulator and its configuration to enable conduct of the course in accordance with these guidelines, shall be carried out by a committee appointed by the Director General of Shipping.

It is expected that training institute would follow these guidelines in letter and spirit.

The above guidelines shall come into force w.e.f. 1.1.2007.

This issues with the approval of the Director General of Shipping and Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(PH. Krishnan)

Dy. Director General of Shipping