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Prayer Requests:
For Capt. George P. McShea, Jr, AOS-USA President who has had some health issues lately. He appreciates your prayers that the doctors will locate the source of issues, and receive full healing.
For all seafarers who are just starting their careers, especially those who are struggling to find work in the current economic climate.
Prayer of St. Basil of
Caesarea (ca. 330-379)
Steer the ship of my life, Lord, to your quiet harbor, where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict. Show me the course I should take. Renew in me the gift of discernment, so that I can see the right direction in which I should go. And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course, even when the sea is rough and the waves are high, knowing that through enduring hardship and danger in your name we shall find comfort and peace.
A Seafarers' Prayer
O God, I ask you to take me into your care and protection along with all those who sail ships. Make me alert and wise in my duties. Make me faithful in the time of routine, and prompt to decide and courageous to act in any time of crisis. Protect me in the dangers and perils of the sea; and even in the storm, grant that there may be peace and calm within my heart. When I am far from home and far from loved ones and far from the country that I know, help me to be quite sure that, wherever I am, I can never drift beyond your love and care. Take care of my loved ones in the days and weeks and months when I am separated from them, sometimes with half the world between them and me. Keep me true to them and keep them true to me, and every time that we have to part, bring us together in safety and in loyalty again. This I ask for your love's sake. -Amen-
AOS PRAYER
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy upon all Seafarers.
(1 Our Father)
(Hail Mary)
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us.
St. Peter, pray for us.
St. Andrew, pray for us.
Lord save us,
or we perish.
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AOS/USCCB Website:
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. (Psalm 107:23-24)
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Special Easter Message for Ukrainian Seafarers from Bishop Stasiuk - Patriarchal Commission for Seafarers (Ukraine)
Dear brother and sisters,
The majority of Ukrainian seafarers celebrate Easter by the Julian calendar. This year it will be May1.
I attached greetings from Bishop Peter Stasiuk, Head of the Patriarchal Commission For Seafarers (Ukraine)
Joyful Easter Holiday!
Best regards,
Fr.Olexandr Smerechynskyy
AoS Odessa Ukraine
Христос Воскрес!
Remember always to welcome a Stranger, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13.2)
Dear Seafarers
The purpose of the Apostleship of the Sea is to care for the Spiritual, Social, and Material welfare of all Seafarers without distinction of colour, race, or creed. This is our mission statement. For that reason I am sending this message to all seafarers in this special jubilee year of Mercy.That means that the whole year is "a special time for us, a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective."
We are invited to think deeply about the many facets of mercy. Specifically Mercy is "the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever."
What are some of the practical things that seafarers might do in this year of mercy? We should open our hearts to mercy. One should be merciful to others.
The famous Corporal Works of Mercy might be considered. They are: - Feed the hungry
- Give drink to the thirsty
- Dress the naked
- House the pilgrims
- Visit the sick
- Visit the imprisoned
- Bury the dead.
How is it possible to translate these works so that they relate to the life of the seafarer? Can we share food and drink with companions who feel the loneliness of life at sea? What should we do for the companion who has squandered his money? What should we do for those who are missing their family? Or who have been at sea for such a long time that they feel depressed?
There are also Spiritual Works of Mercy: - Advise those in doubt
- teach the ignorant
- admonish the sinners
- console the afflicted
- forgive offenses
- be patient with annoying people
- Pray to God for both the living and the dead.
We reach out to others by knowing how to listen, advise, and teach others out of our own experience. Our credibility as a Christian is on the line when we attempt to welcome the marginalized and those who are wounded by moral failures.
May the strength of the Resurrected Jesus, through the presence of the Holy Spirit be with all of you and your families!
Yours in Christ
Bishop Peter Stasiuk Apostleship of the Sea
Не забувайте гостинности, бо нею деякі, не знаючи, прийняли ангелів. Послання до євреїв, 13:2 Дорогі мореплавці!Ціллю Морського апостоляту є піклуватися щодо духовного, соціального та матеріального добробуту всіх мореплавців незалежно від кольору шкіри, раси чи віросповідання. В цьому полягає наша місія. Саме тому я посилаю це послання до всіх мореплавців у цей особливий ювілейний рік Божого милосердя. Це значить, що цілий рік є «особливим часом для нас, часом коли свідчення вірних могло би зрости та зміцнити, ставши ще більш промовляючим». Нас запрошено глибше замислитися про різні складові милосердя. Безпосередньо, милосердя є «мостом, що єднає Бога та людину, відкриваючи наші серця надії бути любленими вічно». Якими є деякі практичні речі, що можуть бути зробленими мореплавцями у рік милосердя? Ми маємо відкрити наші серця милості. Людина має бути милосердною до інших. Маємо згадати знамениті сім справ милосердя для тіла: - Нагодувати голодного;
- Напувати спраглого;
- Вдягнути того, хто не має одягу;
- Прийняти подорожуючого;
- Відвідати хворого;
- Відвідати ув'язненого;
- Поховати померлого.
Яким чином достосувати ці справи до життя мореплавця? Чи можемо ми ділитися їжею та напоями з супутниками, які відчувають самотність у морському житті? Що ми можемо зробити для супутника, який розтратив свої гроші? Що можемо зробити для тих, хто скучив за родиною? Або хто провів так багато часу на морі, що відчуває депресію? Так само існують милосердні справи для душі: - Розрадити того, хто є в сумнівах;
- Навчити ненавченого;
- Навернути грішників;
- Втішити засмученого;
- Прощати образи;
- Терпеливо ставитися до того, хто дошкуляє;
- Молитися Богу як за живих, так і за померлих.
Ми виходимо до інших, знаючи як слухати, давати поради та навчати інших з власного досвіду. Правдивість нашого християнства перевіряється тоді, коли ми намагаємося привітати маргіналізованих та тих, хто є зраненими моральними недоліками. Нехай сила воскреслого Ісуса через присутність Святого Духа перебуває з вами та вашими родинами! Ваш у Христі, Єпископ Петро Стасюк Морський Апостолят Всегда помните о гостеприимстве, ибо поступая так, некоторые оказали гостеприимство ангелам, сами того не ведая.(Евреям 13.2) Цель Морского Апостолята является забота о духовном, социальном и материальном благополучии всех моряков без различия цвета кожи, расы или вероисповедания. В этом заключается наша миссия. Именно поэтому я посылаю это послание ко всем мореплавателям в этот особый юбилейный год Божьего милосердия. Это означает, что весь год "особое время для нас, время, когда свидетельство веры может стать сильнее и эффективнее."
Нас пригласили глубже задуматься о различных составляющих милосердия. Непосредственно милосердие является «мостом, который соединяет Бога и человека, открывая наши сердца надежде быть любимыми вечно».
Каковы некоторые практические вещи, которые могут быть сделаны мореплавателями в год милосердия? Мы должны открыть наши сердца милости. Человек должен быть милосердной к другим.
Необходимо вспомнить знаменитые семь дел милосердия для тела: * Накормить голодного; * Напоить жаждущего; * Надеть того, кто не имеет одежды; * Принять путешествующего; * Посетить больного; * Посетить заключенного; * Похоронить умершего. Каким образом приспособить эти дела к жизни мореплавателя? Можем ли мы делиться едой и напитками со спутниками, которые испытывают одиночество в морском жизни? Что мы можем сделать для спутника, который растратил свои деньги? Что можем сделать для тех, кто соскучился по семье? Или кто провел так много времени в море, что испытывает депрессию?
Так же существуют милосердные дела для души: * Утешить того, кто в сомнениях; * Научить необученного; * Наставлять грешников; * Утешить расстроенного; * Прощать обиды; * Терпеливо относиться к тому, кто донимает; * Молиться Богу как за живых, так и за умерших. Мы обращаемся к другим, зная, как слушать, советовать и учить других из нашего собственного опыта. Правдивость нашего христианства проверяется тогда, когда мы пытаемся приветствовать отвергнутых и тех, кто изранен нравственными недостатками. Пусть сила Воскресшего Иисуса, через присутствие Святого Духа будет со всеми вами и вашими семьями! Ваш во Христе, Епископ Петр Стасюк
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Fr. Paul Mason
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Pope Appoints Cruise Ship Chaplain as Bishop
Courtesy: AOS - Great Britain
26 April 2016
A priest who provided pastoral support to cruise ship crews has been made an Auxiliary Bishop by Pope Francis.
Fr Paul Mason, a former cruise chaplain with seafarers' charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), was appointed Auxiliary Bishop to the Catholic Diocese of Southwark on April 23.
The 53 year-old who was born in North Shields will be ordained in Saint George's Cathedral, Southwark, London on May 31. He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark, and has been the Episcopal Vicar for Kent for the past 2 years.
During his time as an AoS cruise chaplain Fr Mason provided support to seafarers on board P&O's Adonia, Aurora and Oceana as well as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth.
Despite being among the thousands of passengers and crew members on cruises, Fr Mason was easy enough to spot in his clerical dress.
He soon became the go-to person for crew and passengers who needed a listening ear and a confidante with whom they could share their worries and problems.
Never mind that Fr Mason was classified as an 'entertainer' for purposes of the contract with the shipping company:
"This didn't worry me. They could have called me the chief bottle-washer so long as I was given the opportunity to provide this ministry and sacramental support to seafarers."
He added, "It became clear to me early on that Apostleship of the Sea is quite right prioritising crews' welfare. While of course being present for passengers is important, the overwhelming need is for the crew, who spend months at sea with limited contact with family and loved ones, and go for months at a time without the sacraments."
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El Faro Data Recorder Can't Be Recovered Yet
Courtesy: Workboat.Com
By: Ashley Herriman
27 April 2016
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| | Wreckage Map courtesy of NTSB. |
A day after the El Faro's voyage data recorder was found, the National Transportation Safety Board said the device can't be recovered during the current mission.
The team of investigators and scientists aboard the research vessel Atlantis have determined that given the VDR's proximity to the mast and other obstructions, recovery can't be accomplished with the equipment currently available.
Video and photographic images suggest that the VDR is still attached to a steel beam connected to the El Faro's mast structure.
"Now that we have been able to see just how the VDR is oriented relative to the mast structure, it's clear that we're going to need specialized deep-water salvage recovery equipment in order to bring it up," said Brian Curtis, acting director of the NTSB Office of Marine Safety. "Extracting a recorder capsule attached to a four-ton mast under 15,000 feet of water presents formidable challenges, but we're going to do everything that is technically feasible to get that recorder into our lab."
Although a firm timetable for the recovery effort has not been set, the NTSB said they hoped to complete the mission within the next several months. The current mission will continue to gather imagery of the El Faro's hull and debris field. It it scheduled to conclude on April 30, with the Atlantis due back at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on May 5.
TOTE Maritime's 790' ro/ro containership El Faro sank Oct. 1 during Hurricane Joaquin while en route from Jacksonville, Fla., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing all 33 crew members aboard.
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Missing Boaters Rescued from Oil Platforms in Galveston Bay
Courtesy: Workboat.Com
By: Ashley Herriman
4/28/2016
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two missing men off of oil platforms in Galveston Bay on Wednesday.
Michael Watkins and Raymond Jacik went fishing Monday morning, and were reported missing when they did not return. Coast Guard air and boat crews, local law enforcement, and state parks and wildlife officials searched for the men, finding their boat upside down and partially submerged on Tuesday.
The search continued Wednesday morning, and a Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew spotted one of the men waving a t-shirt on an unmanned well-head platform just after 10:30 a.m. The other man was found a short time later on a nearby platform, the Coast Guard said.
The men told their rescuers that the boat had begun taking on water Monday, and they had trouble with their bilge pump. A wave then capsized their boat, sending them into the water without life jackets. They were able to cling to their cooler, floating with the current and sharing a sandwich and some water, before being separated.
The men found their way to separate oil platforms, clinging to those until they were rescued on Wednesday morning and taken to area hospitals.
"After last night, I had a long talk with God," Jacik told local NBC affiliate KPRC. "You get out there, the middle of the night, holding onto a pipe that feels like it's full of nails, or razor blades, and don't know how long you're going to be bear-hugging that thing."
Watkins released a statement to the media: "I am thankful to be back on solid ground and with my family. I am forever thankful for the Coast Guard, EMS and Bay Area Regional for their role in my rescue and recovery. I request privacy for my family and I during this time."
"Especially as the boating season starts, it's important to remember you may not have time to put on your life jacket in an emergency," said Capt. Brian Penoyer, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston. "We were all very lucky this accident happened where it did and they could climb up on a nearby platform. Check that your life jackets are serviceable, and wear them - it could mean the difference in surviving."
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Military Sealift Command:
Rebuilding the US Merchant Marine is a Critical Challenge
Courtesy: SLDInfo.com
By: Robbin Laird
4/8/2016
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operate from ships supplied at sea by the Military Sealift Command (MSC).
This Command is the crucial logistical lynch pin of the sea services, without which the United States would not have an effective maritime combat force.
But the decline of the U.S. merchant marine and the dwindling pool of mariners is a threat to the viability of supporting the Navy and Marines.
And the problem is getting worse. The demand on Military Sealift Command ships is increasing as the Navy moves towards a new concept of operations whereby their ships are operating farther apart both for global coverage and to assure the security of the fleet against 21st century threats.
A good example of this shift is what the Navy and Marine Corps refer to as the Amphibious Ready Group-Marine Expeditionary force. Historically, this force has operated by means of a "three-ship package" deployed within 200 miles of each other. But with the use of the Osprey, which has significantly greater range and speed than helicopters, these ships are now operating thousands of miles from one another on many deployments. It does not take a genius to understand that resupplying ships that are so far apart increases demand on the logistical merchant fleet.
With the approaching retirement of the current generation of mariners, experience gaps are a growing vulnerability. The significant decline in the size of the U.S.-flag merchant marine fleet engaged in international trade - at less than 80 ships currently - and the decline of trained mariners poses a significant strategic challenge for the United States, one that is rarely, if ever, discussed among policymakers.
The Merchant Sealift Command is receiving new ships, such as 12 Dry Cargo & Ammunition ships (T-AKE); 10 Expeditionary Fast Transports (T-EPF), previously known as the Joint High-Speed Vessels (JHSV); two Expeditionary Transfer Docks (T-ESD); and the Expeditionary Mobile Base (T-ESB).
The U.S. shipbuilding industry has a good track record of building ships for the merchant fleet. The latest of these ships are high-tech enterprises, designed to provide flexible, blue-water support in any ocean of the world to the fleet with significant cargo space, including ammunition support and modern logistical IT systems that can easily locate cargo anywhere on board.
However, recapitalization remains a work in progress.
There is growing pressure to develop a new tanker fleet, since the Merchant Sealift Command still operates largely on single-hull tankers. There are also funding issues associated with building supply ships to support a global carrier force.
In an interview conducted with my colleagues Ed Timperlake and Murielle Delaporte at the Merchant Sealift Command headquarters recently in Norfolk, Virginia, MSC Commander Admiral Thomas Shannon, said that "one thing I wake every morning thinking is if the President declares the need for the country to go to war, how will the logistical side of the military meet the challenge?
A major structural challenge we face is the decline of the U.S. merchant marine."
A growing challenge is recruiting mariners from the U.S. merchant marine, Shannon added. "The Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program are important, but not enough.
We need things like more cargo preference to ensure that we have adequate U.S. merchant shipping."
Admiral Shannon has a strong naval background.
He served in various parts of the U.S. Navy surface fleet as a consumer of merchant support, but in his words, "I always wanted to be on the other end of the probe taking oil." As a former carrier strike group commander, he has brought to the job a deep knowledge of the needs of the customer, notably at a time of global-stretch for the Navy and Marine Corps teams. Here is how Shannon answered questions about the state of the U.S. merchant fleet:
Q: Some people consider cargo preference to be corporate welfare.
Shannon: I consider cargo preference an investment in our national security because if you put some cargo on the table, the U.S. flag will see an opportunity and they will acquire or build U.S.-flag ships. They will flag them in the United States if there's some cargo there for them to haul.
Q: From the Merchant Sealift Command perspective, could you look at cargo preference as a proactive incentive that supports the logistical side of sea service operations?
Shannon: That is a fair way to put it. With such an approach, we can build capacity in the merchant marine and, in turn, expand the base of mariners available to us in time of need. Those mariners are critical to us because when you look at today's MSC report, we have 61 ships in a reduced operating status. Forty-six of those are over at the Maritime Administration and 15 of them are with Military Sealift Command. They're mostly large roll-on/roll-off vessels and dry-cargo vessels; and they're strategically dispersed around the country with 10 to12 mariners on each ship.
When the president rings the bell, we go to the union halls and we man the ships up to whatever their manning requirement is. It's typically about another 20 persons per vessel. So right there, 60 times 20, we need 1,200 mariners to fall in from somewhere, and where they're going to fall in from is the U.S.-flagged merchant fleet.
The capacity of a robust U.S.-flag merchant marine and its manpower is the engine that enables us to carry our country to war when ordered.
Q: Are you reaching a critical threshold on shortfall?
Shannon: We are getting awfully close. Three decades ago, when I came into the U.S. Navy, we had around 400 ships in the merchant marine. Today that number is down to 77 in the international trade. Just a few months ago, that number was around 80. That is a drop from the beginning of 2015.
We are getting close to that magic number where we clearly will not have enough U.S.-flagged merchant ships to generate the mariners, which MSC will need to operate, notably when we mobilize. And it is not just a question of mariners. It is about the shipbuilding base and ship repair facilities being available in the United States.
And when one folds in anticipated war damage in conflict, the question of repair capabilities is clearly of central significance.
Q: When considering global conflict, the challenge will be to protect the convoys and to ensure continuous flow of support as well. What are your concerns with regard to this challenge?
Shannon: Let us take the case of our support to Iraqi Freedom. On a single day in 2003, 167 ships were under the cognizance of Military Sealift Command. They were moving cargo to support the operation in the Middle East. Because the sea was uncontested, this was relatively a walk in the park. Fast-forward to today's Pacific, where there clearly are powers capable of contesting us at sea.
How then do we do the logistical support necessary for the operation of the sea services operating forward in a contested environment? The situation will become even more difficult as the older generation of mariners retires.
The Merchant Sealift Command is receiving new ships, such as 12 Dry Cargo & Ammunition ships (T-AKE); 10 Expeditionary Fast Transports (T-EPF), previously known as the Joint High-Speed Vessels (JHSV); two Expeditionary Transfer Docks (T-ESD); and the Expeditionary Mobile Base (T-ESB).
In another interview with the Skipper of the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) during the same visit to the Merchant Sealift Command, the challenges were further highlighted.
Master Mariner Jim Dolan has been in the service for 35 years, the last 15 aboard tankers. He has been a Master Mariner for around 25 years. He says that his peer group with 35 years of experience is now retiring, leaving a "shortage in the pool of skilled mariners." There is a new generation of captains onboard the fleet, he says. They are "good captains, but without our experience. You cannot put a price on experience."
In short, the key role of the Military Sealift Command is met by having a supply of experienced mariners and of a robust number of U.S. merchant ships to generate enough qualified mariners.
With the continuing rapid decline of the U.S. merchant fleet and of the shipbuilding base in the United States, core military capabilities are being challenged.
There really is no alternative: the logistics fleet needs substantially more funding to aid the civilian marine industry and to generate the requisite pool of talented civilian mariners that the U.S. government depends on.
Without the logistics base necessary for globally distributed operations, it will be necessary to cut back the tasks and operational reach of the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The expenditures required for land wars has challenged the future of the sea services, notably with regard to its logistical support structure.
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 Providing Support for Women at Sea
Courtesy: WISTA UK
29 April 2016
Some relatively simple and low-cost interventions could improve the health and welfare of women seafarers, the WISTA UK AGM was told in London.
Caitlin Vaughan, Project Manager, ISWAN - the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network - told members that a survey of 600 female seafarers revealed that the main areas of concern were: back pain, mental health, nutrition and gynaecological complaints.
Simple interventions to improve the welfare and morale of female seafarers include the introduction of sanitary waste disposal of for all female crew on all ships. Ms Vaughan also called for the improved availability of female specific products such as sanitary products in port shops and welfare centres worldwide.
She spoke after WISTA UK members heard how membership had increased from 134 in 2014 to 144 in 2015, and how a chapter in Southampton had been set up, serving the burgeoning Solent maritime hub. In 2016 WISTA UK will be working to establish chapters in Liverpool and Glasgow.
Sue Terpilowski OBE, of Image Line, was confirmed as President for the remainder of her two-year term and Rachel Lawton FCA, of Mazars LLP, and Bridget Hogan of The Nautical Institute, were re-elected Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
Ms Terpilowski said: "I am proud of our successes over the past year. Not only have we increased membership, and added depth with the Southampton chapter, we also held a series of social events and technical talks.
"Our conference during International Shipping Week attracted nearly 300 delegates from 13 countries and it seems the appetite is for more such events in the future."
Julie Lithgow, chief executive of the International Chartered Shipbrokers was WISTA UK's Woman of the Year in 2015 and members are now choosing their candidate for 2016.
Ms Vaughan addressing the AGM, explained that the yearlong health investigation grew out of a concern that medical handbooks and other literature aimed at women seafarers were outdated and failed to consider female-specific health and welfare issues. "If we want to recruit and retain women seafarers then their specific health and welfare needs must be addressed," she said. There is evidence to show that retention of seafarers is not gender related and ship operators are neglecting a source of potential labour.
Women continue to face discrimination at sea with some countries even banning women from enrolling on nautical courses and some employers reluctant to take on women cadets or qualified seafarers.
Women are often paid less than men doing the same work and some employers are reluctant to promote women to more senior ranks, Ms Vaughan continued. Women may be denied the facilities or equipment available to men on board and can face bullying, sexual harassment or violence at sea.
A study by the UK and Dutch based Nautilus union found that 66% of' their female members work on ships for more than six years and 19% for over 15 years.
"Given that dissatisfaction with prolonged separation from home and family has been reported as one of the most common reasons for male seafarers abandoning a career at sea, the issue of retention applies to both male and female seafarers and should be addressed by the industry," she continued. "Having women as part of the crew can help reduce the sense of isolation felt by many seafarers and so support overall retention."
Of the 600 female seafarers surveyed, 73% were under the age of 40; 41% were aged 19-30; 32% aged 31-40 with 18% aged 41-50; 8% aged 51-60 years; only two respondents were over 60. Most worked on cruise vessels or ferries; others on cargo vessels or tankers and some on fleet auxiliary vessels. But other ships included yachts; military vessels; education or training vessels and tugs.
Countries of those surveyed included Philippines and other Asian countries, Europe and North America. Although the ILO says only 7% of officers are female, nearly half of those in this latest survey were officers.
Issues common to men and women seafarers topped the survey: joint and back pain closely followed by stress, depression or anxiety.
"The cause of health problems such as back pain and stress need to be studied and solutions proposed. The lack of confidence in the medically trained staff on board needs to be investigated, together with sexual harassment, Ms Vaughan said "We hope the industry will take up this challenge to make life better for all those onboard and benefit from the skills and dedication of female seafarers."
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Important Message for Indian Seafarers from the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India:
Unregistered Indian Manning Agents
Courtesy: Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India
22 April 2016
Dear Seafarer,
Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India has noted with concern, the rise in
number of complaints received from seafarers who are cheated/ fleeced by unauthorised
recruitment and placement agents under pretext of offering them placement on board foreign
flag ships. Common problems reported by the seafarers are;
1. In an event of seafarers meeting with an accident, injury, stranding or any other mishap ,
the unauthorized agencies do not provide any kind of assistance for repatriation/medical
aid/compensation etc.
2. Such unauthorised agencies do not provide assistance or make intervention in disputes
regarding wages/compensation, arising between the seafarers and the foreign flag
ship owners.
3. In case of demise of the seafarer, unauthorised agencies avoid taking up responsibility of
bringing mortal remains or arranging compensation.
In all the above mentioned complaints, it becomes difficult for DGS, Gol to directly take up
the matter with the foreign flag ships, as they do not come under its jurisdictional control.
It is therefore, requested that placement through unauthorised agencies may strictly be
avoided, as it may lead to complications/problems for the seafarers. It may be noted that sea
service through an unregistered agency cannot be uploaded in the e-governance system of
DGS and therefore will not be considered by the DGS for examination/certification. It is
therefore advised that the seafarers may get their placement on foreign flag ships only
through registered placement and service agencies. List of such approved agencies is
available in the website www.dgshipping.gov.in. Before considering any offer of appointment
from placement agencies, you must check the website of DGS and ascertain whether such
agency is registered or not.
There could also be a case of some fraud agency impersonating as a Registered RPSL.
As a measure of precaution, before considering an offer of appointment from any registered
RPSL, you may also contact the said RPSL on telephone or by an e-mail and ascertain its
genuineness. The contact details of all such registered RPSL are also displayed
in the website for information.
The registered RPSL are required to upload the details of your sea service in the
e-governance system of the DGS. Such uploaded details are visible to the seafarer in the
master checker of the seafarers profile in the e- Governance system.You are advised to
regularly visit the master checker and check wheather the RPS has correctly uploaded
the dates of your sign on/ sign off in the system in the same month to ensure that
your sea-service records are up-to-date.
Wishing you all the best with your career.
With Best Regards,
Dr. Amol B. Kirtane
Deputy Director General of Shipping
Directorate General of Shipping
sys-egovernance@dgshipping.org
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Join AOS-USA in saying the AOS Prayer each day!
Please take the time to say this pray with us each day:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy upon all Seafarers
(1 Our Father)
(Hail Mary)
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us.
St. Peter, pray for us.
St. Andrew, pray for us.
Lord save us, or we perish!
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Important Upcoming Events for
AOS-USA Members
National Day of Prayer & Remembrance for Mariners celebrated at USCCB May 20, 2016
1:00 PM
National Day of Prayer & Remembrance for Mariners celebrated at National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: May 21, 2016
12:10 PM
Official Date of National Maritime Day & National Day of Prayer & Remembrance for Mariners
May 22, 2016
National Celebration of National Maritime Day
May 23, 2016
10:00 AM - Noon
US Department of Transportation
Washington, DC
Sea Sunday
July 10, 2016
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