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No. 83 / December 2020
The Journal Of
The Company of Master Mariners of India
Let’s Move to
A Brighter
Tomorrow - 2021
Command 83
No. 83 / December 2020
CONTENTS
1. Committee Details 3
2. From The Editor Desk 6
3. From Master's Desk 7
4. Co-opted Wardens 2020 8
5. Obituary of Capt. Tommy Rozario 9
6. Maximizing Effectiveness & Engagement amid Pandemic 10
7. The Shipping Industry had to navigate choppy waters in 2020 11
8. The Link Between Ship and Shore 12
9. Recent Landmark Measures In Income-tax Administration – At a Glance 13
10. Dr. Malini Shankar, inaugurates CMMI's “Workshop for Mentees” 16
11. CMMI's Master - Class on 'Managerial Leadership’ 18
12. Inauguration of ISCO - 2020 by Shri Karan Paul
Chairman Apeejay Shipping Limited 20
13. CMMI Webinar - Maritime Governance At Singapore 21
14. CMMI launches Mentoring Scheme 24
15. Masking a Truth 25
16. A Journey Beyond The Sea here land greets The Sailors 26
17. CMMI launches Extra Master's on-line classes Part-B 28
Published by:
The Company of Master Mariners of India
K. Raheja Prime, 5th Floor, Sag Baug Road, Marol Industrial Estate, Off Andheri Kurla Road, Marol, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400059
Tel: +91 86550 52666 / 86550 53666 | Website : www.cmmi.co.in | Office Email: office@cmmi.co.in
Produced by:
10, Hammersmith Industrial Premises, S. T. Road, Mahim West, Mumbai - 400016.
Tel: +91 24444248 / 9322240647 |
Website : https://bhandarkarpublications.com | Office Email: news@bhandarkarpub.com
The Company of Master Mariner of India, its office bearers and the Editor are in no way responsible for the opinions expressed in
the various papers, articles, discussions or letters. Such responsibility rests with the authors themselves.
1
Command 83
The Company of Master Mariners of India
K Raheja Prime, 5th Floor, Sag
Website : www.cmmi.co.in Baug Road, Marol Industrial
Estate, Andheri East, Mumbai,
Office E-mail: office@cmmi.co.in Maharashtra 400059
List of elected Office bearers & wardens for the
term 2019-2021 w.e.f 6th September 2019 is as under:
Capt. B. K. Jha Capt. K. V. Pradhan Capt. M. P. Bhasin Capt. T. A. Almeida
Master Deputy Master Secretary General Treasurer
Name Designation Name Designation
Capt. B. K. Jha..........Master Capt. V. K. Bhandarkar....Warden
Capt. K. V. Pradhan ......Deputy Master Dr. (Capt.) S. Bhardwaj....Warden
Capt. M. P. Bhasin........Secretary General Capt. M. K. Patankar......Warden
Capt. T. A. Almeida.......Treasurer Capt. Kamal Chadha......Warden
Capt. H. J. Treasuryvala....Warden Capt. Rajesh Tandon......Warden
Capt. V. N. Aindley.......Warden Capt. C. L. Dubey........Warden
Capt. N. A. Hiranandani ...Warden Capt. K. N. Deboo .......Warden
Capt. M. V. Naik .........Warden Capt. S. V. Subhedar......Warden
Capt. S. M. Halbe........Warden Capt. Radhika Menon.....Warden
Capt. Philip Mathews.....Warden Capt. Prabhat Nigam.....Warden
Capt. Harjit Singh........Warden Capt. Nazir Upadhye......Warden
Capt. Girish Phadnis......Warden Capt. Sanjay Prashar......Warden
2
Command 83
COMMITTEE DETAILS
Various committees of CMMI
Training committee. Business / Project Development / R & D Lifetime Achievement Award and
Capt. B. K. Jha - Chairman committee. Sailing Master Exemplary Action
Capt. C.L.Dubey Capt. B. K. Jha - Chairman Award Committee
Capt. M. V. Naik Capt. S. M. Halbe Capt. V. N. Aindley - Chairman
Capt. K. N. Deboo Capt. Philip Mathews Capt. M. P. Bhasin
Capt. Y. Sharma Capt. Harjit Singh Capt. S. M. Halbe
Capt. M. C.Yadav Capt. Girish Phadnis Capt. Philip Mathews
Capt. S. Bhardwaj Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar Capt. Milind Patankar
Capt. G. K. George Capt. Prabhat Nigam. Capt. H. J. Treasuryvala
Capt. Prabhat Nigam Capt. Sanjay Prashar Grievance Redressal Committee
Capt. Pankaj Sarin Capt. Harish Khatri Capt. C. L. Dubey- Chairman
Capt. D. N. Goswami Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar Capt. Phillip Mathew
Seminar/ Events committee Capt. Pawan Gupta Capt. Nazir Upadhye
Capt . S.M. Halbe – Chairman Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Capt. Radhika Menon
Capt. K.V Pradhan committee. Election Committee
Capt. T Almeida Capt. Nand A. Hiranandani – Chairman Capt. M. P. Bhasin - Chairman
Capt. Nazir. Upadhye Capt. V. N. Aindley Capt. V. N. Aindley
Capt.V K Bhandarkar Capt. S. M. Halbe Capt. K. D. Bahl
Capt . Kamal Chadha Capt. Mohan Naik Capt. M. V. Naik
Capt. S. Nangia Capt. Rajesh Tandon Capt. V. K. Bhandarkar
Capt .Albe Zacharia Membership Committee Capt. Nazir Upadhye
Annual Dinner committee Capt. K. V. Pradhan - Chairman Capt. Gyanendra Singh
Capt. K.V Pradhan-Chairman. Capt. Harjit Singh Social / Media Policy Committee
Capt. M.P Bhasin. Capt. Suneha Gadpande Capt. B. K. Jha - Chairman
Capt. T Almeida All Chapter Chairman Capt. Philip Mathew
Capt. Prabhat Nigam Compliance/Legal Advisory Committee Capt. M.P. Bhasin
Capt. Nazir Upadhye Capt. M. V. Naik - Chairman Capt. Sanjay Prashar
Capt . Albe Zacharia Capt.V.N.Aindley Capt. Kamal Chadha
Capt. K. D. Bahl Library Committee
Capt. Milind Patankar Capt. K.D. Bahl – Chairman
Capt. Pankaj Kapoor Capt. S.Y. Limaye
Capt. Ashok Raghavan
CMMI representation on various Technical Committees / organizations
Technical committee of IRS “Vetting Team” for review of books and
Capt. Prabhat Nigam publications
Formal Investigation - Grounding of Capt. S. Y. Limaye
MV Vishwa Amber - Court case Capt. Ashok Raghavan
No.4399/s/2000-Marine Inquiry Capt. K. D. Bahl
Capt. Kapil Dev Bahl
Screening Committee for Elevation of a Member
Capt. V. N. Aindley to "Fellow''
Other Committees Boards Capt. N. A. Hiranandani - Chairman
Maritime Museum Dufferin (MMD) Trust Capt. M. P. Bhasin - Secretary General
Committee Capt. C. L. Dubey - Warden
Capt. B. K. Jha - Trustee / Signatory Capt. S. Bhardawaj - Warden
Adhoc Advisory Capt. Prashant Rangnekar - Fellow
Capt. N. A. Hiranandani Capt. Pankaj Sarin - Fellow
Capt. V. N. Aindley
Capt. S. M. Halbe
Command Editorial Board Change in nominations to the BES Trust
Capt. Tescelin Almeida- Chairman Nominees of CMMI as Trustees on Board
Capt. Kamal Chadha Capt. B. K. Jha (Master)
Capt. V. K. Bhandarkar Capt. K. V. Pradhan (Deputy Master)
Capt. Girish Phadnis Capt. M. P. Bhasin (Secretary General)
Capt. Kaustav Dutta Capt. Pankaj Sarin (Chapter Chairman -Delhi)
Capt. Ajay Gangadharan
Capt. Rajesh Nambiar
3
The Company of Master Mariners of India
K Raheja Prime, 5th Floor, Sag Baug Road, Marol Industrial Estate,
Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
Website : www.cmmi.co.in | Office E-mail: office@cmmi.co.in
Master : Capt. B. K. Jha 98676 12783 master@cmmi.co.in
Deputy Master : Capt. K. V. Pradhan 98676 70456 dymaster@cmmi.co.in
Secretary General : Capt. M. P. Bhasin 98100 77466 secretary@cmmi.co.in
Treasurer : Capt. T. A. Almeida 98334 56910 treasurer@commi.co.in
CHAPTERS
BENGALARU E-mail: kakinada@cmmi.co.in
CAPT. K. A PONNAPPA, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 94485 82215, KOLKATA
E- Mail : bangaluru@cmmi.co.in CAPT. KAUSTUV DUTTA, CHAIRMAN
Tel.: 033-2498 7805 , 98300 33075
BHUBANESWAR E-mail : kolkata@cmmi.co.in,
CAPT. DILIP KUMAR DUTTA, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 94370 17646, MANGALURU
E- Mail : bhubaneswar@cmmi.co.in CAPT. RALPH D'SOUZA, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 90088 92711
CHANDIGARH E-mail : mangalore@cmmi.co.in
CAPT. MOHAN SINGH JUDGE, CHAIRMAN
Tel : +91-9814014772 NAVI MUMBAI
E-mail : cmmi.chandigarh@gmail.com CAPT. RAHUL BHARGAVA, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 022-2756 6133, 98703 26926
CHENNAI E-mail : navimumbai@cmmi.co.in
CAPT. ANIL KUMAR MIDHA, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 98842 92222. PATNA
E-mail : chennai@cmmi.co.in CAPT. SANJEEV KUMAR, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 9934316823, 09934316823, 09431036823
DEHRADUN E-mail : patna@cmmi.co.in,
CAPT. SANDEEP SOOD, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 0135-2763 390 / 875514 3535 PUNE
E-mail : dehradun@cmmi.co.in CAPT. SHRIRANG S. GOKHALE, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 84229 05381, 95949 63127
DELHI E-mail : pune@cmmi.co.in
CAPT. PANKAJ SARIN, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 011-4315 8585, 096505 97706 VISHAKHAPATNAM
E-mail - delhi@cmmi.co.in CAPT. PTITAM MOHANTY, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 0891-2500967, 098495 62404
GOA E-mail : Visakhapatnam@cmmi.co.in
CAPT. EDVIGES G VIEGAS, CHAIRMAN
Tel.: 94220 59665 DUBAI
E-mail: goa@cmmi.co.in CAPT. SAROB BHATHENA, CHAIRMAN
Tel : 0971556446931
KOCHI E-mail : cmmi2018me08uae2018@gmail.com
CAPT. G. K. GEORGE, CHAIRMAN
Tel : +91-484-3353070 / 4039683, 94470 11029 SINGAPORE
E-mail : kochi@cmmi.co.in CAPT. HARI SUBRAMANIAM, CHAIRMAN
Tel.: +65 6593 0437, +65 6593 0420, M +65 9320 8728
KAKINADA E-mail : hari.subramaniam@shipownersclub.com
CAPT. KANDULA S.SASTHA, CHAIRMAN
Tel: 90000 00479
4
A professional body of Master Mariners and Nautical Offices, certified under ISO
9001-2015.
Has membership base of over 3500 members; growing.
Has 15 Chapter (branches) Nationwide and 2 overseas Chapter at Dubai
and Singapore.
Huge 'think-tank' with abilities to provide legal assistance, evaluate and
resolve any marine issue.
Has representation on various governmental and technical
committees.
Assists the administration in formulating policies.
Promotes all round development of marine professionals by
imparting and enhancing high level of technical knowledge
Represents India at the IMO.
Conducts technical seminars.
Holds periodical lecture meetings/webinars on
various subjects & speakers from PAN India &
overseas.
Conducts coaching for oral/competency examinations
for aspiring deck officers.
Holds 'MASTERCLASS' sessions once every two months,
covering a wide spectrum of marine subjects, conducted by
top class professionals from the Industry.
Publishes an informative journal "COMMAND" Semi Annually.
Conduct on-line classes for EXTRA MASTER's
Publishes TAR books for B.Sc Nautical Science cadets.
Holds annual get-togethers bringing the entire Marine Industry together.
Is the co-founder and truestee of the "Board of Examination for Seafarers"
trust, conducting Examinations for seafarers and publish related learning
material on behalf of the administration.
Maintains a library with a collection of wide range of nautical publications.
K. Raheja Prime, 5th Floor, Sag Baug Road, Marol Industrial Estate, Off Andheri Kurla Road, Marol, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400059
Tel: +91 86550 52666 / 86550 53666 | Website : www.cmmi.co.in | Office Email: office@cmmi.co.in
5
7
From The Editor Desk
Capt. Tescelin Almeida
Dear Readers,
The year 2020 is coming to an end and I take this opportunity to wish you all a
Merry Christmas and A Bright and Prosperous New Year 2021.
It's been a difficult year with Covid-19 and it's 2020 vision clouding the horizons
for most of the year. Every shipping company has been struggling to get their crew
rotated, managers attending ships, carrying out surveys and dealing with the
constant hurdles being faced by the industry, yet most of us have come out
resilient. We seafarers however will sail over the horizon with an opportunistic
vision for 2021.
Shipping Industry has survived and as a matter of fact has not done too badly,
considering the social distancing rules, work-from-home restrictions, and various
other barriers.
Thanks to the hard work and resilience of the men of steel that sail our ships and
the dedication of those that run the offices ashore.
In this issue I have added both, verse and musings of our very own seafarers with a
air for the pen.
I thank the chapter chairmen for sending in articles and write-ups of the
happening across the country.
Our theme for the issue indicates hope and dreams while sailing into the future.
There's always a new horizon for every seafarer, there's always a silver lining
beyond every storm, there is always success where there is passion.
Let us move ahead with Hope that the New Year brings all that we deserve and
more.
All the very best
6
From Master’s Desk
Capt. B. K. Jha
MASTER
New Year 2021 is almost knocking on the door - and the world is ready to
welcome it with open arms.
All across the world, people are looking forward to welcoming 2021 and
bidding goodbye to the challenging year that was 2020.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to look forward to new
beginnings and this time, more than ever, the hope is that 2021 will
bring health and prosperity to all. The countdown to end this roller
coaster of a year has already begun, and now is the time to remember
friends and acquaintances with a thoughtful Happy New Year greeting.
I hope that 2021 multiplies your joys and divides your sorrows. Happy
New Year 2021!
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Command 83 83
Command
Co-opted Wardens 2020
1. Capt. Anil Kumar Midha Chapter
Chairman - Chennai
2. Capt. Rahul Bhargava
Chapter Chairman - Navi Mumbai
3. Capt. Kaustuv Dutta
Chapter Chairman – Kolkata
4. Capt. Georgie K. George
Chapter Chairman - Kochi
5. Capt. Pankaj Sarin
Chapter Chairman - Delhi
6. Capt. Suneha Gadpande
Sailing Master
8
Command 83
Obituary
Capt. Tommy Rozario (1918 – 2020)
The Grand Mariner has sailed on his last voyage. This time not on a company contract, but a
personal one to meet family and dear friends beyond the sea. Some of them have been
impatiently awaiting his arrival for more than decades.
Capt. Thomas Eric Mervin Rozario - the senior-most Master Mariner in India, known to most as
Capt. Tommy passed away peacefully while on his evening walk on 3rd October 2020, deantly
thumbing his nose at two global pandemics. Born during the Spanish Flu of 1918, it was more than
a century later that he nally decided to call it quits during covid19, impatient at not being able to go
to the Race Course or have a good whiskey at the Club Bar.
He was a man who lived a life full of adventure. It seemed as though nothing could get him down.
No English Captain early in his career could get him down, nor the Japanese Submarine that
torpedoed his ship during the Second World war, nor the pirates who boarded his ship and
threatened to kill all, nor the authorities who held him hostage on the ship in Nigeria, for more than
a year, without any way to get word to his wife or his young daughter. He overcame all adversities
with a air that was uniquely his.
He was someone to whom money mattered little. He was generous to a fault, and though many
took advantage of this, he merely shrugged his shoulders, not willing to speak ill even of those who
wronged him.
I would say Rest in Peace, but knowing him, he is probably living it up at the nearest available
watering hole in heaven, with a bunch of old friends and family.
We tearfully wish you a Bon Voyage
9Maximizing Effectiveness &
Engagement amid Pandemic
Dr. (Capt.) Suresh Bhardwaj
Covid 19 effect will be felt by every company differently, but interrelated to the matrix of the outcomes of the
the fact remains that the corporate landscape has changed organization. Focus has to be on action and understanding
vastly. The Covid led disruptions is nothing short of a the immediate needs of the organization, use technology to
tsunami – a devastating catastrophe. Volatility has become monitor the pulse of changing environment and help
the state of dynamic instability that creates a risk of rapid empower current and future talent. Addressing and
change in opportunity for value-creation with the ambiguity bolstering the immediate needs for technology and
of navigating in fog. Any lack of compelling vision, a basic connectivity and looking at new ways of interaction within
structured approach and road-map, and failure to address the matrix of the organization will be the way to go.
the unthinkable, will be nothing but wilful blindness. We We need to convert crisis into opportunity. Risk oversight,
cannot fail to adapt and cope with unprecedented social and vision, mission, objectives, managing risk, risk appetite,
economical upheavals. Major disruptions create new culture, ERM, Cyber security all these become important in
normal, and organizations need to see disruptions as their own way. The strategy has to be dynamic, digitally
opportunities and set-backs as mere temporary. Strong, driven, with long-term view, life cycle planning and
passionate and compassionate culture will help in this sustainability; keeping pace with technology that is creative,
shifting work landscape. Putting people before prots will innovative and compliance oriented. Diversity and
give dividend in the end. Public perception in what inclusiveness, both are required with human resources.
difference the company made to the society will count. While diversity is about counting the numbers,
This will require an agile and resonant leadership with a inclusiveness is about making the numbers count. Critical
multiple stakeholder and customer centric dynamic strategy. issues have to betaken head-on and right amount of tension
Covid 19 pandemic has been an unprecedented human needs to be maintained to not allow slipping into comfort
tragedy, one of the worst health and nancial emergency zones. If we are too rigid we cannot be shifting gears fast
with far reaching repercussions. It has put breaks on the enough. We require a very supple change, with emphasis
economic growth with RBI predicting a minus (-) 4.5% on transparency and disclosure. There is need to listen to
growth this nancial year.This will certainly put India dreams diverse perspectives to help drive innovation while fostering
of 5 trillion usd economy by 2024 a few years forward. The an inclusive environment.
Pandemic has been unrelenting and threat to our health We will hence need to spot the key strategy drivers through
and the economy are real. Covid 19 has become the 'known the challenge of digitalization and technology, and execute
– unknown'. And it is not going away any time soon. effective hedging strategy with risk appetite. The emphasis
We will need a digital recovery through upscaling with safe, has to change from monitoring and compliance to creativity
contact-less engagement, strike an emotional connect - and innovation.
with our teams, with our circumstances and with technology Navigating in this way through the new normal will lead to
on an ongoing basis to build a social capital and a culture of improved market position and brand value. The success of
excellence. There is a need to understand and action team- this strategy will essentially determine the strategy of return
work, effective communication and resilience to adapt with to work in the future of work. We need to maintain a
an open and exible learning mind-set. We need to pause, progressive and forward-looking agenda and stay focused
assess, anticipate and then act, displaying courage, on the long term. History demonstrates that the most
consideration, calculation and decisiveness. signicant shifts in sector's competitive ranking occur
While agility, innovation and collaboration point the way during moments of crisis and uncertainty, with winners
forward, the data-rich cloud technology platforms provide differentiated by their ability to play both offence and
the extra edge. There is no window-dressing which will help defence and seizing the opportunity to better address
us. Working remotely has become a new normal. Though stakeholder needs.
remote-working has not been a panacea but old days are It is important to maintain momentum throughout the recovery
not likely to come back again. We will need to retain some period, like we are in right now. We should be committed to
positives of remote working and video conferencing and achieving worthwhile and transformational outcomes in all our
speedily focus on recovery of our business. Future of respective capacities. The next few months are important for
organization is intrinsically tied to future of work and work this and we must use this time optimally.
place. Future of work is not only a management issue, it is
10The shipping industry had
to navigate choppy waters in 2020
Capt. Rahul Bhargava, COO, Essar Shipping Ltd.
The shipping industry had to navigate choppy waters in because it wasn't consuming as much as it used to amid
2020. Like every other realm of business, or indeed life, it the shutdown. On the ip side, as the world's factory, with
too had to bear the toll exacted by the economy-sapping manufacturing idled, the country wasn't producing any
effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. more either, which meant it wasn't importing the raw
materials that it used to, nor was it shipping out the
Shipping is a vital cog that keeps the wheels of economic
nished goods it used to. Freight rates and charter rates
growth turning. From the transport of raw materials and
plummeted as a result. Supply chains are in disarray.
sources of energy to the export and import of nished
Large crude tankers and bulkers, VLCCs and Capesize
goods, the world turns on trade. It's inevitable, then, that
have been among the categories that have been most
the ripples of any economic slowdown would be felt by
badly hit.
the shipping sector. The United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in a report Improving outlook
published in November, estimated that global maritime
Still, things are getting better. There is light at the end of
trade would plunge by 4.1 per cent this year.
the tunnel. The outlook is, if not bright, certainly not as
Global slump grim as it had looked back in February. The world is
learning to live with the virus. Countries keep locking
As bruising as it is, that's not surprising given economic
down and unlocking their economies but their impacts
activity didn't just slow down but in fact ground to a
are relatively short term.
complete halt. It was an unprecedented scenario,
something that we as businesses, as governments, as The Chinese economic engine is back ring on all
individuals, had never experienced before. It was cylinders again and, a bright spot for large oil tankers, the
something that at the time we couldn't possibly have fall in crude oil prices will spur demand. Nevertheless, oil
foreseen. Its impact reverberated around the world, so demand will still be drastically lower in 2020 than it was
much so that the uncertainties that loomed in the early the year before. No matter, that should still serve large oil
days of the pandemic, the uncertainties that still cloud the carriers well as they are chartered out as storage for
way ahead, made the nancial fallout of Lehman excess produced oil. Also, in view of the current scenario,
Brothers' 2008 collapse seem tame in comparison. we certainly expect the shipping industry to witness a
noteworthy change in 2021 with shift from China to other
The novel Coronavirus rst emerged in China in
uncharted territories. Many countries are already on the
November 2019. For some months it seemed like a
lookout for newer markets and moving their base from
localised threat. The gravity of it however started to
China to other South-East Asian countries like Vietnam,
become evident around late December and January
Laos, Thailand, etc. The global trade markets will sooner
when Chinese authorities locked Wuhan down
or later open doors to new trade discoveries which will
completely in the build up to the Chinese New Year
retain a balance between the imports and exports.
holidays. An entire city sealed off. This had to be serious
but it only really hit home in February when the entire So, yes, things are getting better. Much, however, will
country was closed off. That is when the shipping depend on Sino-US trade relations which had disrupted
industry really began to feel Covid-19's impact. trade ows much before the novel Corona virus came
along. So, we still have some stormy weather to navigate
China is one of the biggest engines of global economic
but the shipping industry is nothing if not resilient.
growth. With the country in lockdown, demand collapsed.
Suddenly China wasn't importing as much as it used to
11THE LINK BETWEEN SHIP AND SHORE
By
CAPT. BJORN HOJGAARD
(CEO of Anglo-Eastern Univan Group)
(Your Editor read the message and thought it very fitting the authority and autonomy come with accountability for
to publish this message in Command Journal as a nugget outcomes, and let me make clear that I am not
for all the CMMI members, who are Managers and advocating abdication of responsibility, but merely a
Leaders, both ashore and on-board.) more united environment in which we support one
another to produce the best results for our ships and
Source: This article is a message from Capt. Bjorn
clients.
Hojgaard and is taken with permission from Anglo-
Eastern Leadership Journal (Issue No.11) Freedom to make decisions on the spot comes with
expectations to consult and seek advice whenever this
Ships are rst and foremost run from on board.
can improve outcomes. No individual is an island and we
Sometimes we forget that. But sitting in an ofce,
don't work or operate in vacuum, neither aboard or
perhaps thousands of miles away from the ship
ashore. There is always someone only a phone call or a
itself, can never compare to being on the spot,
message away, so if in doubt, reach out for clarication or
reading the situation as it happens, and applying
assistance.
common sense and good seamanship.
A cornerstone of the International Safety Management
General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State under
Code is the Master's overriding authority: the
President George W. Bush has had a stellar military and
responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety
political career, and despite some missteps, he has given
and pollution prevention and to request the company's
the world many insightful leadership lessons. Lessons
assistance as may be necessary. This guidance is an
like: “The commander in the eld is always right and the
important element in the link between the ship and shore
rear echelon is wrong, unless proven otherwise.” Later,
and must be respected by all.
he would also argue that corporations should “Shift the
power and accountability to the folks bringing in the Which leads me to another one of Colin Powell'sgreat
beans, not the ones counting or analysing them.” leadership lessons: “The day soldiers stop bringing you
their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.
The philosophy holds a high degree of truth. In hindsight
They have either lost condence that you can help them
everything is 20/20, but second guessing the
or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure
commander in the eld on thebasis of information that
of leadership.”
may not have been available at the time important
decisions were made only breaks down trust and breeds If this were the litmus test, many managers and leaders in
resentment. Our Executive Chairman Peter Cremers the world would fail. First, they build so many barriers to
says, “We are embarking on a journey to recalibrate the upward communication that the very idea of someone
balance of decision-making within the group. One of the lower in the hierarchy looking up to the leader for help is
aims of this adjustment is to reinvigorate the hearts and ludicrous. Second, the corporate culture they foster often
minds of people at the sharp end of our business. This denes asking for help as a sign of weakness or failure,
applies as much to relationship between senior so people cover up their deciencies and the
management and vessel managers as it does to organisation suffers accordingly.
relationship between the shore organisation and
Leaders and managers, aboard and ashore, should
shipboard management.”
make themselves accessible and available. Show
Everyone needs the autonomy to apply themselves to concern for the efforts and challenges faced by people
the best of their abilities in their roles, without we lead, even as we demand high standards. That's how
micromanagement or undue oversight from their seniors we create a learning environment where problem
in the chain of command,but it goes without saying that analysis replaces blame, and where we lift as One Team.
12Command 83
RECENT LANDMARK MEASURES IN INCOME-TAX
ADMINISTRATION – AT A GLANCE
CA KARTHIK NATARAJAN
B. COM, FCA, PARTNER, BHUTA SHAH & CO LLP, CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS, NARIMAN POINT, MUMBAI
“Taxation is akin to mandatory Corporate Social Before I move on to make you abreast with these
Responsibility, which most of us do – you give fundamental changes, it would be appropriate to
and give and cannot expect any much present some pertinent data about the number of
outcome”. income-taxpayers and the average income-tax
collections from them, just to give you a glimpse of
Greetings to the Master Mariners, who are doing a the actual reality on the ground and also place things
yeoman service to the Seafaring Community by in proper perspective, for you to be able to
'promoting the traditions and standards of the appreciate better the challenges faced by the Tax
Merchant Navy in India'. As a Fellow Member of the Administrators.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, I have
come to admire the professionalism inculcated by The tabulation above makes for some fascinating
your esteemed CMMI and also the sense of reading and it does convey many an important
togetherness fostered through your lively activities pointer for decision-makers and practitioners alike,
and professional capacity-enhancing endeavours. couple of which could be interesting revelations to
Whilst most of you may be contributing to the you as well. For instance –
income-tax kitty of the Government of India, I felt it
would be useful on my part to share with you, some Just about 5.90 crore taxpayers led their
recent path-breaking reforms in the manner in which income-tax returns, which makes it slightly
income-tax is being administered here in India. under 5% of the total Indian population.
Bafed? In contrast, almost 44% of the total US
population led their income-tax returns.
Category of Taxpayer Total Aggregate Tax Liability Well, 50% of India's population is below the
Number of Tax liability per person in
Taxpayers that category
age of 25 i.e. outside the working populace.
Even amongst the remaining 50%, we now are
Rs. in crores Rs. per
Taxpayer
facing a growing number of people, who pay no
income-tax and a small proportion of
Individual 55,260,219 317,845 57,518
taxpayers, who carry the lion's share of tax
Hindu‐Undivided Family 1,130,554 4,613 408 burden.
Partnership Firm 1,269,736 42,993 3,386
The income-tax collected per taxpayer is an
Associa on of Persons 204,048 10,517 5,154 abysmal Rs. 1,376. I can't help but contrast this
including Charitable Trusts
Companies 841,942 431,041 51,196 with the reported numbers from the US, which
is about USD 11,165 (approx. Rs. 7.80 lakhs).
Others 6,959 719 10,332
Another striking feature, you would notice, is
TOTAL 58,713,458 807,728 1,376
the fact that a company and an individual
taxpayer contribute roughly the same, on
average between Rs. 51,000 - 58000.
Source: Income-tax Return Statistics for Tax year It is amidst this stark reality that our Income-tax
2018-19 published by the Income-tax Department
13Command 83
Department ('the IT Department') does function and who can lodge his/her objections thereto. It would be
contribute its mite to the Indian Exchequer. The IT heartening to note that this Scheme does provide for
Department constantly keeps updating its policies the review of the assessment order, again in an
and administrative procedures inter-alia upgrading anonymous, randomly allocated manner, which is
its information technology systems, in order to expected to enhance the quality of the assessment
render better services to the stakeholders. I wanted orders passed. If the quality improves, then such
to share the key highlights of some of the recent orders have a greater chance of survival during the
laudable initiatives taken by the IT Department. various appellate stages, thus resulting in higher
income-tax collections.
Faceless Assessment – Removing Undesirable
Practices and Improving the Quality of In my considered view, the launch of the
Assessments faceless assessment proceedings will go a long
way in promoting transparency in tax
One of the major structural reform in tax collections and weeding out undesirable
administration has been the introduction of the practices, whilst facilitating digitization of the
'Faceless Assessment Scheme'. The Hon'ble Prime process.
Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi had made the
announcement of this important measure, while Faceless Appeals – Towards Better Tax Justice
launching the platform for “Transparent Taxation –
Honoring the Honest”, which was launched via Another paradigm change introduced very recently,
video-conferencing on August 13, 2020. Effective which would be of interest to you, is in the rst-level
with immediate effect, this measure heralded a new income-tax appellate mechanism i.e. through the
paradigm in dealing with the IT Department, which launch of the 'Faceless Appeals Scheme, 2020'.
seeks to “making the tax system people-centric and Earlier, the rst appeal against any income-tax order
public friendly rather than power centric”. lay before the ld. Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) and the hearings used to happen in
Hitherto, a taxpayer used to le the income-tax person. Not anymore, repeats the Taxman. The
return and when called for, would visit the IT Government of India has notied the creation of the
Department, either in person or through his CA to National Faceless Appellate Centre('NFAC'), whose
explain the calculations in the return and the tax headquarters would be based in Delhi and Regional
positions adopted. Not anymore, says the Taxman. Faceless Appellate Centres ('RFACs') and Appeal
The purpose of the Faceless Assessment Scheme Units with decentralized headquarters, as the
is to ensure that there is no interface/interaction income-tax authorities, who shall exercise the
between the taxpayer and the Income-tax Ofcer. powers and perform functions in order to facilitate
So, what they have done is to create a backend the conduct of faceless appeal proceedings under
organization within the IT Department called the the Scheme.
'National E-Assessment Center' ('the NeAC') who
shall be conducting all the income-tax assessment The territorial jurisdictions of the earlier
proceedings online henceforth. Notices requesting Commissioners of Income-tax (Appeals) have now
for information issued by the NeAC need to be been abolished. Instead, all the pending appeals
responded to by the taxpayer within 15 days. Upon shall stand transferred to the NFAC and fresh
receipt of the response, the NeAC shall assign the appeals shall be administered by the NFAC alone.
taxpayer's case to a specic Assessment Unit ('AU') Upon receipt of an appeal memo, the NFAC shall
anywhere in India, through an automated allocation allocate the appeal to any Appeal Unit, anywhere in
system. So, in practice, an income-tax return led by India, through an automated process. The identities
a taxpayer based in Mumbai could be assigned to an of the appellate machinery will remain unknown
AU located in Bhubaneshwar. The AU will comprise (hence the name 'Faceless') and this includes the
typically of a couple of senior income-tax ofcials Appeal Unit, which would typically have a
with their staff. There is also a feature for issuing Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) and his/her
draft income-tax assessment order to the taxpayer, staff. Thus, the taxpayer will not be able to know who
is processing the appeals, since the entire
14Command 83
proceedings shall be conducted online and by the eld of income-tax before various appellate bodies
backend Appeal Units. in India viz., be it the Hon'ble Supreme Court, High
Court, Income-tax Appellate Tribunal or the
I do believe that the launch of faceless appeals Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals), the Union
would transform the quality of the appellate Government has introduced a 'Vivaad Se Vishwaas
p r o c e e d i n g s i n c l u d i n g t h e c l a r i t y, Scheme', which is currently open until December
substantiveness and reasonableness of the 31, 2020. Under the Scheme, a taxpayer can take
appellate orders. The sheer experience of the benet of 'settling the pending income-tax
exchanging views with the NFAC on the litigation' by depositing the disputed income-tax
technical interpretation of income-tax law gives amount to the Government Treasury before March
me immense joy and professional enrichment 31, 2021. Doing so would preclude the operation of
and satisfaction. any prosecution and penalty proceedings, thus
Taxpayers' Charter – A Game-changer bringing nality to the matter. If the dispute is
regarding the levy of any penalty, the amount
While presenting the Union Budget 2020, the Union payable under the Scheme is 25% of the disputed
Finance Minister had announced that the IT penalty.
Department shall be adopting a Taxpayers' Charter,
with the noble aim to enhance TRUST between the In my considered view, this Scheme is a
taxpayers and the IT Department. The said Charter, godsend especially for old and weak income-tax
which has general statements such as collecting litigations, since the Scheme offers immunity
only the dues as per law and providing timely from punitive, back-breaking interest payments.
decisions and so on, has now become enshrined in Depending upon the merits of the case, if
the Income-tax Law. The repercussion of this chosen wisely, this Scheme has the potential to
landmark measure is that Courts in India shall now offer signicant income-tax cost savings. Also,
hold the IT Department accountable for the timebound nature of this Scheme adds to its
implementation of tax services in accordance with lustre.
their promises spelt out in the Taxpayers' Charter. Esteemed Friends, I hope I was able to update you
My take on this is that the Taxpayers' Charter, as about some pathbreaking and fundamental
presently laid out, does not give any timebound administrative measures on the income-tax side,
commitments to rendering tax services and which I felt would interest you all, as well. The key to
therefore, I would like to believe that perhaps, as these reforms would lie in their successful and
we make progress on this measure, the IT effective implementation. I remain optimistic about
Department would become more responsive the 'promising winds of change' and look forward
and sensitive to adhere to the commitments to being part of and lending strength a transparent
made in the Charter, in both letter and spirit. and healthy income-tax ecosystem, something
which places thrust on logic and meaningful
'Vivaad Se Vishwaas Scheme' – A New, Dispute interpretation of law whilst at the same time,
Resolution Scheme Going on… providing impetusto intellect, honesty and effective
articulation.
As part of its efforts to reduce ongoing litigation in the
Thank you all, for your valuable time!
15Command 83
Dr. Malini Shankar
inaugurates CMMI's “Workshop for Mentees”
“Keep learning and keep growing” was the advise given Welcoming all in his introductory speech Capt.
to students by Dr. Malini Shankar, IAS; Vice Chancellor Sasikumar, CEO of CMMI, said the purpose of the
of Indian Maritime University, who was Chief Guest of the workshop was to provide guidance about the mentoring
“Workshop for Mentees” organized by The Company of process.
Master Mariners of India (CMMI).
Giving brief of the program Capt. B.K.Jha, Master of
She thanked the CMMI Master and the ofce bearers and CMMI said that about 20 years ago, CMMI had organized
its members who put their minds together for organizing similar training for the mentors. It was meant for the
this important Workshop. She added, the CMMI gesture master mariners who volunteered them to become a
will encourage other associations to come forward and mentor. He said CMMI decided to keep a session for
take similar steps for their students. Such actions will mentees and the importance of mentoring during this
help our country realize its potential as a seafaring situation.
nation, she asserted. Underscoring the importance of
Capt. Suresh Bhardwaj, Director and Principal MASSA,
water transport the government of India has retitled the
Chennai outlined the objectives of the program.
ministry of shipping as Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Speaking about his personal experience he said that
Waterways she said. She urged students to go beyond
when he had joined this profession they did not know who
classroom studies and try to know about the industry as a
to approach for guidance, when faced with problems. He
whole. The objective is to realize the full potential of the
pointed out that these workshops offered a huge
students, the university and the entire industry.
opportunity for students to interact with very senior
The Seminar was addressed by two highly experienced professionals. Complementing the program he said “A
professionals Capt. Yashovarma Sharma, Consultant on very nice mentorship program has been designed for you
Competence Development at Indian Institute of by CMMI.”
Management Ahmadabad and Aprajita Bhardwaj,
C a p t . Ya s h o v a r m a S h a r m a , C o n s u l t a n t o n
Consulting Psychologist PHD in Psychology from
Competence Development at Indian Institute of
University of Madras.
Management Ahmadabad started by outlining the
16Command 83
challenges one faces in journey of life including sea and elsewhere.
schooling, board exams, selecting carrier path,
In her presentation she highlighted many things including
which includes pre-sea training, on-board training etc.
what is mentoring and its potential. She said a mentor
Speaking about Mentorship Scheme he said in this
provides safe and right advice, adding, but one has to
scheme the cadet gets an external mentor who is an
take the ownership instead of depending upon one's
esteemed CMMI Member, currently sailing as master, or
mentor. Discussing with the mentor about the decisions
a former-master. Explaining mentoring he said that it is
will heighten level of interest between the mentor and the
not teaching, training or counselling. He added “do not
mentee, she averred.
expect the Mentor to solve your professional or personal
problems.” He continued “a mentor is your advisor, She also touched upon long term and short term goals,
guide, teacher and role model.” He also spoke about the behavioral skills, problem solving skills and many more
Mentorship Manual, follow up for the mentees, some areas. Speaking of goals, she said that they should be
guidance and reective thinking for them and signing of specic and measurable. She stressed on the
everything, which should be kept in mind. importance of openness and honesty for developing a
good mentoring relationship.
You can consult someone but the decision you take at a
point of time would be your own said Aprajita Bhardwaj, Capt. Kaustubh Pradhan, Deputy Master of Company
Consulting Psychologist PHD in Psychology from of Master Mariners of India, thanked the two
University of Madras. She added seafaring is a very professionals.
independent kind of profession right from the beginning Capt. M.P. Bhasin, Secretary General, concluded the
and lot of clarity is needed and how you handle program by giving a vote of thanks to all the mentors and
yourselves is very important. As such good mentoring is the mentees who would be taking part in the program and
needed because there are many problems faced at the also thanked the professionals and the chief guest.
17Command 83
CMMI's Master-Class on
'Managerial Leadership'
In recent years, the Company of Master Mariners of India Capt. Jha then introduced the Faculty – Capt. Y.
has been conducting Master-Classes on various S h a r m a , ( D i r e c t o r, Tr u e N o r t h C o m p e t e n c y
maritime-related subjects in their new HQ in Andheri Management, and former Head of IMTC), who was also
(East), Mumbai. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the Co-ordinator of the Master-Class, and Mr. Mohamed
strangled that effort, as conducting physical classes is Khokhar, a certied Leadership Coach.
not permitted since the Lockdown began in March this
Mr. Uday Purohit, the President of IME(I) who had kindly
year. However, communication technology has come to
consented to attend as a Guest of Honour, was invited to
the rescue, and the Master-Class series was re-booted
inaugurate the Master-Class. He lauded CMMI on this
on an e-platform, the rst such being the 'Managerial
st st initiative and expressed his appreciation at the high value
Leadership' Master-Class, held on 31 Oct. and 1 Nov.
it would deliver to the Participants, and in turn, to the
2020.
Industry. He shared his experience with the online mode
The CMMI Deputy Master Capt. K.V. Pradhan kicked off of knowledge transfer at IME(I), which had received an
st
the proceeding on 31 morning with a warm welcome to enthusiastic response from Industry professionals, and
the dignitaries, participants, and faculty, and reiterated was condent that CMMI's efforts would be similarly well
CMMI's endeavours to provide value to the maritime received.
fraternity with its Seminars, Webinars, and Master-
Targeted at the executive cadre of the maritime industry,
Classes. Capt. B.K. Jha, the CMMI Master, then
serving at any level of management ashore of aoat, the
stressed upon the dire necessity of leadership
Master-Class attracted a diverse audience, from a sailing
development in the managerial context, and elaborated
Chief Ofcer to Technical Managers and Manning ofce
upon the objectives of the Master-Class, namely :“To
executives. Taking advantage of the 'Work-from-home'
understand the Leadership aspects of a Manager's
scenario, the 8-hour Class was spread over two half-
role, and develop the requisite Leadership skills for
days, instead of packing all the sessions into one day.
effective management".
18Command 83
This allowed for better assimilation of content by the emphasised on the need for Transformational
participants, andit gave an opportunity for them to Leadership.
complete preparatory reading etc. prior attend the
The following day Capt. Y Sharma discussed
sessions.
Leadership Styles, focusing on the Leader-Follower
Why 'Managerial Leadership' ? inter-play with the help of Case-lets written especially for
the maritime Industry by Prof. Deepti Bhatnagar of IIM-
While it is universally acknowledged that development of
A (and used with her kind permission for this session).
Leadership skills is of critical essence for professionalsto
This was coupled with a Leadership Style self-
full their managerial responsibilities, it was felt that most
assessment by the Participants – which serves as a base
Leadership development programmes dealt more with
of launching improvement efforts by the individuals.
Corporate leadership, and that too in a generic way, not
necessarily customized for the maritime context. Much of Ultimately, a Manager's effectiveness is measurable by
the content of such Programmes relates to the Top his ability to extract the best from his/her human
management level, who are involved with strategic resources, which translates into ability to motivate the
decision-making, rather than dealing with the workforce team members to perform. Together with emotional
at the ground-level, or, as they say, the 'shop oor' ! competence, the Managers must be able to 'hit the right
buttons', so that each member gives his very best at the
'Leading people' is perhaps the most crucial aspect of
workplace. Capt. Y Sharma discussed some of the
managerial effectiveness, and a challenge for Managers
popular motivation theories with the Participants in this
at all levels, whether they are First-line Managers having
last session, and linked them to practical aspects of their
a mainly supervisory role, or senior managers having a
workplace.
vast range of responsibilities. 'People skills' are
generally developed by Managers as they proceed on Post Script….
their career path, but often at the cost of stumbling now
The Master-Class concluded with an online assessment
and then, which can be largely attributed tothe lack of
of the participants, whereafter the CMMI Master Capt.
clear understanding of Organization Behaviour (O.B.). A
B.K. Jha congratulated the Participants for making the
broad overview of O.B. is therefore a useful starting point
effort to develop their Leadership skills, and at the same
for going deeper into behavioural issues at the Individual,
time encouraged them to cascade their skills to younger
Teams, and (Organization) Structure levels.
Ofcers through the Mentoring programme which CMMI
About the Master-Class… is soon to launch. The Participants expressed their
unanimous appreciation for the Master-Class and looked
The opening session of the Master-Class, conducted by
forward to the Mentorship programme.
Capt. Y. Sharma, was intended to do exactly that –re-visit
Organization structure, the myriad roles that Managers Capt. M.P. Bhasin, the Secretary General of CMMI
are required to perform in it, (particularly that of wrapped up the proceedings with a passionate vote of
managing people), and how an awareness of O.B. would thanks, acknowledging the Participants, the Faculty, the
assist Managers in dealing with people more effectively. dignitaries, and all the 'behind-the-scenes' contributors,
in particular Capt. Sasikumar S., the CEO of CMMI,
Mr. Mohamed Khokhar then had an extended session
who ensured a smooth and professional delivery of the
on the Leadership Concepts and their Application,
Master-Class. He declared that the successful conduct
wherein he explored the Leadership Laws, the Leader-
of this Master-Class is a fore-bearer of more CMMI
Member Exchange Theory, and in conclusion,
Master-Classes that will be offered in the days to come.
19Command 83
Inauguration of ISCO - 2020 by Shri Karan Paul Chairman
Apeejay Shipping Limited
The Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI) Kolkata Captain Narasimhan, ISCO organizing committee
Branch and The Company of Master Mariners of India member and CEO of Apeejay Shipping released the
(CMMI) Kolkata Chapter jointly organized the ISCO souveniron behalf of Mr. Karan Paul.Capt B K Jha,
International Shipping Conference – ISCO 2020 with Master, CMMI & Shri Uday Purohit, President IMEI
the theme Maritime - Sustainability - Global expressed theirjoy over both organizations joining hands
Opportunities. together to organize an event of this magnitude
especially during difcult times of COVID. Earlier in his
This is the rst ever known International conference
address Shri Amit Bhatnagar, Chairman Kolkata Branch,
being hosted at city of joy Kolkata on a web platform.
IMEI and ISCO Convener, informed the gathering that 25
Chairman Apeejay Surendra Group & Apeejay Shipping
papers will be presented during the conference by the
Limited Shri Karan Paul inaugurated the Conference. In
speakers located in different parts of the world in the next
his inaugural address as the Chief Guest of the
2 days of the conference. The Kolkata Chapter
conference he said that Shipping is an essential service
Chairman, CMMI & Co Convener Capt Kaustuv Dutta
that is the backbone and lifeblood of the world economy
stated that the conference topics covers a wide array of
and seafarers have worked round the clock tirelessly.
various shipping elds starting from regulations to
Appreciating initiatives of Ministry of Shipping and DG
conventions and will be benecial for acquiring new
Shipping in solving nearly all issues of crew change in
knowledge in shipping technology, innovation &
Indian ports, he said, crew changes remain a challenge
business perspectives. In his welcome address Shri
in foreign ports. Mr Paul said that economical and
Amitava Banerjee, Chairman ISCO welcomed the
environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand in
delegates from across the globe.
Shipping Industry. Emphasizing the need to adopt newer
technologies and use of alternate fuels to meet targets Capt D N Goswami compered the proceedings
set by IMO, he said measures have been taken by 18 bettingly.
leading banks towards decarbonisation called Poseidon
Among the eminent personalities present were Mr. S
principles and by leading Charterers in transparently
Hajara, (Former Chairman, SCI) and Shri KM Rao,
sharing their carbon emission data. Pursuing diversity in
(Principal Ofcer, Mercantile Marine Department,
crew and gender equality will make Shipping the magnet
Kolkata).
for the best talent in the world, Mr Paul said collaboration
and inclusivity will ensure that the next decade will be one The conference ended with a vote of thanks by the
of Change that propels growth. Secretary of the IMEI Kolkata Branch, Shri. Gautam Sen.
20Command 83
CMMI WEBINAR - MARITIME GOVERNANCE
at SINGAPORE
The Company of Master Mariners of India organized a
st
Webinar on Saturday the 21 November 2020.
Capt. I G Sangameshwar – Operations Process
Assurance Team, MPA Singapore was the sole
Panelist who was interviewed by Dr. (Capt.) Suresh
Bhardwaj, Warden, CMMI.
The Master, Capt. B K Jha welcomed the gathering and
said that this Webinar is a follow-up to the last one where
London claimed all the glory of being the premier
maritime destination where as Singapore was seemed
clearly entitled. So it would be worth listening to
Singapore perspective and from who better than Capt I G
Sangameshwar from MPA.
The Secretary General, Capt. M P Bhasin convening
the Webinar, then invited the Chairman of CMMI
Singapore Branch, Capt. Hari Subramaniam to
introduce the speaker and the theme. Capt. Hari
Subramaniam, Regional Head – Business relations, The
Shipowners' P&I Club mentioned that in his experience
at Singapore the MPA has time and again shown that
whilst they can have the upper hand as the Flag
Administration, they always actively engage with the
shipping community and take things forward in the best
possible way. There is a winning mantra there, that recipe
for success and that template which we all would like to
be privy to, and that it was simply too good to pass up the
chance when we have a person of such immense
experience who is willing to enlighten us.
In introducing Capt. Sangameshwar he described him as
a legendary gure at Singapore, who in spite of 38 years
of experience at MPA came forth as such a humble
person. Indeed everyone looked up to him and that's
what made him very popular in Singapore too.
Capt. Bhasin then called on Dr. (Capt.) Suresh Bhardwaj
to proceed with the panel discussion.
Capt. Suresh Bhardwaj: Thank you very much Capt
Bhasin !
It is such a huge honour for me today, to be engaging with
the legendary Capt. Sangam….as he is very popularly
known.
Sir, 38 years with MPA ….you have seen it all…..yes,
unquestionably there is the geographical position
advantage for Singapore but to be able to optimise it to
what it is today, is most creditable! Indeed the Port and
shipping is at the heart of it all and MPA undoubtedly has
played that critical catalytic role!
21Command 83
Sir, rst things rst! MPA is a Regulatory body – the
complete Governance of Maritime Singapore is tasked to
MPA. To us a Regulatory body comes out as governance
by 'carrot & stick…nay more of stick' method, but here we
have MPA whose mission is 'To develop and promote
Singapore as a premier global hub port and an
international maritime centre'
And some of the Values you profess are - To be proactive
and innovative. To respect the feelings of the individual
and to appreciate his dignity and self-worth, his time and
effort. So what is this philosophy? And how do you
execute it.
Capt. Sangameshwar humbly acknowledged the
credentials showered and felt proud to be among the
Master Mariners of India. Setting the disclaimer that all
views he expresses today are his personal, he began th
As a Flag State, Singapore Registry is 5 Largest in the
with tracing Singapore's maritime history from 1819 world – many Indians prefer to operate ships from
when Sir Rafes established a trading post here on a Singapore. You offer exibility on crew nationality, you
land from Sultan of Singapore which was leased to him. recognise foreign CoC and only endorsement is
He drew up the town plan locating the Port and required, can choose any class, total tax exemption – yet
commercial establishments. It was in 1860s with opening Singapore is on white list of key PSC Regimes -
of Suez canal and arrival of steam ships that gave the big indication of good safety standards and PSC records.
boost for Singapore as a port. It continued as a British How do you manage this? What is it that enables to
colony until around the Second World War when it fell to attract business like this and yet without compromise on
the Japanese. In 1945 the Japanese surrendered to the standards ?
British. The British also had many Indian soldiers and
Capt. Sangameshwar asserted that (1) Singapore
General Thimaiyya's wax statue adorns in Santosa.
would not aspire to be No 1 in registry and rather be
Subsequently in 1964 Singapore became independent
better known as Quality register. (2) Singapore does not
but was part of Malaysia, which marriage did not work
recognise ALL Class except Lloyds, ABS, China,
well and it was in 1965 that Singapore became a
Korean, BV, Rina, DNV-GL; that's it. Singapore have a
sovereign independent country. Singapore was fortunate
very strong oversight on the Class activities particularly
to have Mr Lee Kuan Yew as the Prime Minister who
with ship detention and we work closely with Ship
worked very hard to make Singapore what it is today.
managers as they are ultimately responsible. (3)
It was in 1982 that Capt Sangameshwar joined MPA Singapore doesn't recognise ALL CoCs but follows the
which was just doing the function of typically what Indian Convention and supports Indonesian and Malaysian who
DG Shipping is doing. The other regulatory part was traditionally have been part of Singapore trade in small
under PSA (Port of Singapore Authority) – statutory crafts. Singapore supports ASEAN members as well.
board for safety and operation function of the port. The
MPA Organization is also something to look at. The apex
third was the National Maritime Board taking care of
body is Board of Directors that has many Private
welfare of seafarers which also had a training ship for
company heads, Singapore Shipping Association,
ratings called T S Singapura to cater to huge
Union, University and Navy, but not Class as that would
unemployment those days.
be conict of interest. On the 2nd level there are 2 arms –
nd
On 2 February 1996 the MPA was formed by merging all the Operations side where the stick lies with the
3 above regulatory bodies with mission to develop regulatory aspects but on the other side is Business
Singapore as Global hub Port and International Maritime Development on equal footing.
Centre. The staff was involved in developing the values
Capt. Bhardwaj: Which brings me to the next function.
which were (1) to be forward thinking (2) High Integrity
Singapore now has a comprehensive pool of maritime
and fair and above board in all business dealings (3)
service providers such as shipbroking, marine
respect the feelings of individuals and customers (5)
insurance, maritime law and arbitration, maritime
Service excellence to the customers and (5) teamwork.
nancing giving stiff competition to tradition strongholds
And MPA lives by these values.
like London. You encourage setting up maritime
The statistics for Singapore port speak on its own – be it business in Singapore through one-stop-shop access by
cargo, bunkers, and related ancillary business. integrating the services of multiple agencies.
Capt. Bhardwaj: Sir, Let us go function by function:
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