The transfer was effected around ten days ago and the new shipping master now is ME Hussain, former assistant director of general of shipping.

Disciplinary proceedings against Narain, who was serving as shipping master for a couple of years now, have already kicked off, sources said. The principal secretary in the Directorate General of Shipping's (DGS) office is in-charge of the enquiry.

Sources pointed out that the post of shipping master is an important one and that the office "should not be shrouded in controversy". He is responsible for signing-on and signing-off of seamen. This, in simple terms, means that when a seaman signs in and takes up employment on a ship, the articles of agreement (or terms andconditions of employment) of the seaman are signed in front of the shipping master.

Similarly, after the expiry of the article of agreement, it is mandatory for the seaman to `sign-off' the agreement in the presence of the shipping master. The agreements are also renewed by his consent.

The shipping master plays an important role in settling disputes between the shipping company and seafarers. "The seamen can complain to the master against his employer at the port of engagement. The shipping master is entrusted with the responsibility of getting due compensation from the shipping company if the latter defaults on any condition of employment promised to the seaman", sources said.

The shipping master is also responsible for getting the continuous discharge certificate (CDC) for seafarers. The possession of CDC (akin to a passport) is a must for working on a ship.