THE SEAMEN ENGAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE PROCEDURE:

In compliance of chapter 9 and 10 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2001 the formalities of engagement and discharge of seamen are completed at the Government Shipping Office.

ENGAGEMENT ON SHIP ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT "SIGN - ON":
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT G.SO. FORM NO. 8.

Important function of the Government Shipping Office is the witnessing of execution of  Article of Agreement between manning agents and seamen at the time of engagement of seamen for ship. Article of agreement is a Government approved printed G.S.O form No.8 issued by the Government Shipping Office is the purpose of endorsing agreement for employment on ships. It bears terms and conditions of service and signed by the seamen and the Manning Agent both thence duly witnessed by the Government Shipping Office. One copy is provided to the Manning Agent for placing on board ship and other copy retained by Government Shipping Office for record. This process is called "SIGN-ON".

 

DISCHARGE FROM SHIPS – "SIGN-OFF":
DISCHARGE / RELEASE G.S.O. FORM NO. 17

On completion of the voyage, Manning Agent along with seamen appear at the Government Shipping Office to complete voyage formalities. Both the parties sign before the Shipping Master declaring no claim on either side for the completed voyage. The Government Shipping Office endorse the record accordingly and attests verify the voyage entry in SSB. This process is called "SIGN-OFF".