Section 46. Certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency.

(1) An officer notified by the Central Government as the issuing authority shall, subject to the provisions of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention, grant a certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency for different grades of seafarers with such requirements and procedures as may be prescribed. (2) No certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency shall be granted under sub-section (1), unless the seafarer fulfils the requirements in respect of service, age limit, medical fitness, approved training courses including onboard training, qualifications and examination in accordance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), the issuing authority notified under sub-section (1) may grant such other certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency with such requirements and procedures as may be prescribed. (4) The form, fee, period of validity and the manner of keeping record of a certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency shall be such as may be prescribed.