T’puram: Crew change operations are set to resume at Vizhinjam International Seaport following Centre’s decision to simplify immigration procedures for seafarers, a move expected to open up a new business segment for the state’s first transhipment port and generate significant economic activity in the maritime sector. Directorate general of maritime administration, under the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, issued a circular after amendments were made by the ministry of home affairs. Sources said the crew change at Vizhinjam will restart by the end of this month. The revised provisions, which came into effect immediately, streamline immigration procedures relating to shore leave and crew change (sign-on/sign-off) at Indian ports. Vizhinjam steamer agents association welcomed Centre’s decision and said it would commence crew change operations within a month after receiving the standard operating procedure from the authorities. The circular allows crew change operations for vessels calling within port limits, including those at outer anchorages, port lighterage areas and single buoy moorings. Shipping agents can facilitate sign-on and sign-off after submitting a written request from the vessel’s master along with an undertaking ensuring the safe and secure repatriation of crew members. According to a senior govt official, this is good for generating revenue for both state and Union govts. “During the pandemic, Vizhinjam was the main hub for crew change. However, the operations stopped when the pandemic ended,” the official said. The decision is expected to provide a major advantage to Vizhinjam because of its strategic location, barely 10 nautical miles from the world’s busiest east-west international shipping lane. Shipping industry sources said international container vessels passing close to Kerala coast can anchor within port limits, complete crew changes without entering the berth and continue their voyage with minimal deviation, saving both time and operating costs. Steamer association secretary Jude Sajith D’Cruz said the association had been awaiting a clear regulatory framework to restart the service and expressed confidence that the revised guidelines would transform Vizhinjam into a preferred crew change destination. He said both Vizhinjam seaport and the adjoining Kerala Maritime Board port would be able to utilise the facility, thereby expanding maritime services available at Vizhinjam. The association had earlier approached the high court with a petition seeking the resumption of the crew change operations. However, the court dismissed the petition citing the previous home department order not allowing crew change at outer anchorage. Industry stakeholders said the resumption of crew change would trigger a range of allied business activities in the port city. Besides shipping agents, the operations are expected to benefit launch operators, transport providers, hotels, travel agencies, immigration facilitators, hospitals and other service providers catering to international seafarers. Kerala Steamer Agents Association, based in Kochi, has also planned to begin full-scale operations near Vizhinjam. Crew change was once considered a high-potential maritime business in India, but regulatory restrictions and procedural hurdles had limited its growth. Shipping industry representatives believe the latest reforms will make Indian ports more competitive while improving welfare measures for seafarers. The revised circular also clarifies that crew changes outside port limits will generally not be permitted except in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies and only with prior approval from the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Office. It also prescribes immigration procedures for coastal-run vessels and foreign crew members to ensure uniform implementation across ports.
