Section 45. Certificates to be held by seafarers.

(1) Every Indian vessel shall have seafarers with manning scales, based on categories of vessel, areas and types of operations, as may be prescribed. (2) The seafarer shall hold certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency granted under section 46 appropriate to his rank in the vessel, or of such higher grade, as may be prescribed: Provided that an Indian national, including Overseas Citizen of India with such certificate or foreign certificate of competency recognised by the Director-General, may serve on Indian vessels subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed.