Section 5(11) in The Merchant Shipping (Management for the Safe Operation of Ships) Rules, 2000
(11)A Safety Management Certificate shall not be issued, endorsed or renewed unless major non-conformities have been rectified by the Company and verified by the Auditor:Provided Safety Management Certificate may be issued, endorsed or renewed pending rectification of non-conformities within such period not exceeding three months as may be agreed to between the Company and the Auditor, if such non-conformities could not be rectified for reasons beyond Company's control.
