On Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially ended the painstaking immigration sign-on/sign-off and Shore Leave Pass(SLP) procedures for crew and supernumerary seafarers on Indian flagged coastal vessels.

This is a move to solve the immigration procedural issues faced by Indian seafarers during coastal runs and their further extension every 10 days. The new changes will apply to vessels operating within port limits, including dredgers, barges, and research vessels.

Shore access for sailors will now be regulated by the Port Authorities, making it easier for crew members to focus on their duties onboard.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has been instructed to ensure that port authorities maintain accurate records of the crew working on Indian-flagged coastal vessels.

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