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Adoption and Enforcement of Seafarers Code of Conduct - Compliance and Enforcement Manual - Reg.
**DGS Order Summary: Seafarers' Code of Conduct - Compliance & Enforcement Manual**
*No important note or critical warning was provided in the document.*
Applicable to:
All stakeholders operating under DGS jurisdiction, including seafarers, RPSL companies, MTIs, ship owners, managers, and maritime service providers.
Effective Date:
01.01.2026
Superseded Circulars:
None explicitly stated.
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Enforcement Framework
The DGS has developed a comprehensive enforcement framework titled "Seafarers' Code of Conduct - Compliance & Enforcement Manual" to ensure consistent, transparent, and proportionate enforcement of maritime safety, seafarer welfare, and shipping conduct standards.
- Principles of enforcement and voluntary compliance: The Manual outlines principles for enforcement and encourages voluntary compliance.
- Procedures for detection, investigation, and deterrent actions: It provides procedures for detecting, investigating, and taking deterrent actions against violations.
- Penalties and sanctions: The Manual includes enforcement matrix, penalty tables, and sanctions for individuals and companies.
- Model documents: It provides formats for Initial Violation Process Form and Show Cause Notice.
- Guidance on mitigating circumstances and due process: The Manual offers guidance on treating mitigating circumstances, defences, and ensuring due process.
2. Implementation and Compliance
This Order comes into force on 01.01.2026. All concerned officers of the DGS, including MMDs, Government Shipping offices, and Seaman Employment Offices, are directed to implement the enforcement protocols contained in the Manual while adhering to the principles of natural justice, transparency, and proportionality.
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