In your FAA logbook, safety pilot time can be legally logged as PIC.
Anyway, here's one way for you to PACIFY your conscience (if it pricks you
) regarding logging safety pilot hours ...
See this in the Indian CARs : (Aircraft's act 1937) related to logging flight time :
(8) The holder of a Private Pilot’s Licence may log as pilot-in-command
only the flight time during which he acts as pilot-in-command.
(9) The holder of a Commercial, Senior Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence may log as pilot-in-command the flight time
during which he acts as pilot-in-command. He shall log as co-pilot the flight time during which he acts as co-pilot.
Now the question is, IS A SAFETY PILOT ACTING AS THE PILOT IN COMMAND IN THAT FLIGHT ?
If you ask me frankly, I'd say
YES.
Here's my justification :
What is the definition of pilot in command ?
Ans : (from the DGCA Aircraft's act 1937 )
(42) "Pilot-in Command" in respect of a pilot, -
(i) engaged in commercial operations means the pilot
designated by the operator as being in command and
charged with the safe conduct of a flight; and
(ii) engaged in general aviation or helicopter operations
means the pilot designated by the operator or owner
as being in command and charged with the safe
conduct of a flight;
IS THE FLIGHT SAFE IF THE PILOT MANIPULATING THE CONTROLS IS UNDER THE HOOD ?
NO !
Collision avoidance and looking out for potential danger in terms of traffic and terrain, and avoiding the clouds and other prohibited airspace is the primary responsibility of the safety pilot.
Hence, the safety pilot is very much equally responsible as the other pilot, for SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT.
Therefore, go ahead and log those hours ! 