Section 48(3) in The Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rules, 1998
(3)On receipt of an application under sub-rule (1) the Principal Officer shall refer the same to the Chief Examiner concerned, who shall, after making such inquiry as he may deem fit, issue a duplicate certificate to the applicant through the Principal Officer as soon as may be practicable but in any case not later than the expiry of a period of six months.
