Regulations Ensures Objectives Are Met

Padmesh Prabhune

Photo of Mr Jagannathan

Shyam Jagannathan IAS, DG Shipping, highlighted the significance of regulations at the ATPI-Marex Global Summit – ‘Preparing for 2050’
Speaking at the event, Jagannathan said, “Regulations will always remain in maritime industry, be it 2050 or beyond, for they are much needed for smooth working. Regulations in essence ensure that business activities meet their objectives.”
Citing examples on the importance of values, he said, “We all have grown since childhood amidst regulations: at home our parents set discipline, followed by teachers at school, and later professional standards shape our life with rules and regulations.”
“However it is human nature that no one likes regulators, and they are like the books everyone wants censored out of our lives.” he added.
Confining himself to elaborating the role of DG shipping, he mentioned further that the Directorate deals with implementation of shipping policy and legislation so as to ensure the safety of life and ships at sea, prevention of marine pollution, promotion of maritime education and training, in co-ordination with the International Maritime Organisation, regulation of employment and welfare of seamen, development of coastal shipping, augmentation of shipping tonnage, examination and certification of Merchant Navy Officers, and Supervision and Control of the allied departments and officers under its administrative jurisdiction.
Mr Jagannathan also touched upon the Maritime India vision 2030 and the Amrit Kal in Shipping. Taking a mild dig at the industry he quipped, “Regulating is an onerous task and though we agree in principle, the question remains do we have the same principles.”
He maintained that regulation is much needed for avoiding incidents as the stakes are very high, as it involves safety of seafarers and vessels equally. “Incorporating technological advances along with amendments in the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 is the need of the hour.” he added
The elements of future maritime regulation chart would include transparency, non ambiguity, quick turnaround time, stricter ‘no go’ adherence, incentivizing, focused on all inclusive growth, standardized & universal, data driven, progressive to ensure meeting the India Maritime Vision 2030.
– Marex Media