Merchant navy begins discharge of certificates through protected computerised method

The implementation of a new computerised system for the continuous discharge certificates of merchant navy personnel, issued after their registration at the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, was held yesterday (17) under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat.  

Accordingly, these continuous discharge certificates will be issued under a protected computerised system.

The Merchant Shipping Secretariat, which is under the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, performs the regulation of maritime merchant activities in Sri Lanka. It also compiles and implements laws related to these activities.

It is essential for all naval officers who are employed in ships to take this continuous discharge certificates.

Hitherto, there was no modern technological method to provide these certificates to sea-men. Therefore, merchant navy officers, ship owners and other related parties had to face numerous difficulties. That situation gave access for people without proper qualifications to enter into jobs in the field through false certificates. This also tended to damage the international reputation of Sri Lanka. 

With the introduction of this new method, job opportunities for Sri Lankans will be expanded, and demand for the Sri Lankan merchant navy officers will also increase.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Dhammika Ranatunga, Secretary to the Merchant Shipping Secretariat P. Jayampathi and the Director General Ajith Senevirathne also participated in this event.