Answer
"The National Shipping Board is a permanent statutory body under Section 4 of the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Its primary function is to serve as the highest advisory body to the Ministry of Shipping on national maritime policy, the expansion of the Indian fleet, port infrastructure development, and the welfare of seafarers."
Function of the National Shipping Board:
The NSB is a permanent, statutory body established under Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Its primary functions include:
Advisory Body to the Government: The core function of the NSB is to advise the Central Government (specifically the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways) on all policy matters relating to Indian shipping, maritime development, and the expansion of the Indian merchant fleet.
Policy Formulation: It plays a central role in shaping a modern National Maritime Policy, recommending reforms regarding port infrastructure, taxation frameworks, and customs processes to improve the competitiveness of Indian ports.
Seafarer Welfare & Labour: It evaluates and advises the government on maritime labor conditions, training standards, and seafarer welfare, bridging the gap between shipowners, seafarers, and the administration.
Composition (For Oral Context): The board includes members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), representatives from the Central Government, and an equal number of representatives from Shipowners and Seamen/Maritime unions, ensuring all maritime stakeholders are fairly represented.
duty of shipping master??
The Government Shipping Offices (located in major ports like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai) are established under the Merchant Shipping Act, and are headed by the Shipping Master.
The Primary Duties of a Shipping Master
To deliver a precise, structured answer in your oral exam, divide their duties into these clear, functional blocks:
1. Crew Engagement and Discharge (Sign-on / Sign-off)
Supervising Articles of Agreement: To superintend and facilitate the engagement (sign-on) and discharge (sign-off) of masters, seafarers, and apprentices in the manner prescribed by law.
Ensuring Proper Crew Manning: To ensure that the ship does not sail without the required complement of certified officers and ratings, and verifying that crew agreements are legally compliant and understood by all parties.
Securing Onboard Attendance: To provide assistance and means for securing the presence of engaged seafarers onboard at the proper appointed times.
2. Issuance of Mandatory Statutory Seafarer Documents
Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC): Responsible for the official issuance, renewal, and maintenance of CDCs under the Merchant Shipping Rules.
Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID): Responsible for processing and issuing the biometric Seafarer's Identity Document in accordance with national and international (ILO) standards.
3. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Settlement of Wages and Grievances: Under the Merchant Shipping Act, if a dispute arises regarding wages, food, or treatment between the Master/Owner and the crew, and both parties agree in writing to submit to the Shipping Master, he/she acts as an arbitrator. Their final written award is conclusive and legally enforceable by a court of law.
4. Welfare and General Administration
Collection of Levies: Collection of the mandatory Seamen’s Welfare Levy fees from shipping companies to fund seafarer medical assistance and welfare schemes.
Port Clearances (Inward/Outward): Verifying crew documentation to clear ships entering or leaving port boundaries from a crew compliance standpoint.