83. (1) The Director-General shall grant Certificate of Competency for various grades of service in different trades in a ship after conducting such examinations or tests as may be prescribed.

(2) No seaman, master or pilot shall be employed or engaged for service on board a ship unless he has the requisite Certificate of Competency granted under sub-section (1).

(3) No person shall be granted a Certificate of Competency under sub-section (1) for employment or engagement on board a ship of or above sixteen hundred tons as a radio officer or operator unless he has-

(a) such maritime radio communication general certificate as may be determined by the Director-General;

(b) at least six months' sea-service as a trainee radio officer or operator;

(c) successfully completed survival craft course, fire-fighting course and first-aid course.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Director-General may relax the requirement of this section in respect of a person if-

(a) such person satisfies the Director-General that he is reasonably capable of discharging the duties and responsibilities of the trade for which he is sought to be employed or engaged;

(b) the owner of the ship satisfies the Director-General that despite due efforts person with requisite Certificate could not be available for employment or engagement;