Maritime Circulars & Orders

Regulatory Updates

DGS Training Circulars & Orders

This section provides important Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) Circulars and Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Orders applicable to Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs), cadets and prospective seafarers. Cadets are advised to carefully read the applicable circulars before seeking admission, applying for statutory documents or planning their maritime career.

Important Update

With effect from 01 August 2026, completion of only the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses will no longer qualify a candidate for issuance of an Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), unless the candidate belongs to one of the eligible categories specified under DGS Order No.12 of 2026.

DGMA Circular No. 45 of 2026

Subject: Awareness regarding revised eligibility criteria for issuance of Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and compliance by DG-approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration has issued this Circular to create awareness among prospective seafarers regarding the revised CDC eligibility framework introduced through DGS Order No.12 of 2026. The Circular advises candidates to verify their eligibility before joining any Basic Safety Training course, cautions against misleading assurances from agents or intermediaries, and directs all DG-approved Maritime Training Institutes to prominently display the revised eligibility criteria and ensure compliance from 01 August 2026 onwards.

Particular Details
Document DGMA Circular No.45 of 2026
Date of Issue 31 July 2026
Effective Date 01 August 2026
Purpose Create awareness regarding the revised eligibility criteria for issuance of Indian CDC and ensure compliance by all DG-approved Maritime Training Institutes.
Prospective Candidates
  • Read DGS Order No.12 of 2026 before seeking admission.
  • Verify eligibility before joining Basic Safety Training.
  • Confirm eligibility before making any payment.
  • Do not rely on agents or unofficial assurances regarding CDC or employment.
  • Verify MTI approval through official DGS channels.
Directions to MTIs
  • Display revised CDC eligibility on website and admission documents.
  • Inform every applicant before admission.
  • Do not admit candidates seeking only Five Basic STCW Courses for obtaining CDC.
  • Ensure compliance with DGS Order No.12 of 2026.
Violation Any violation may invite administrative action including suspension or withdrawal of institute approval.
Official Circular Download DGMA Circular No.45 of 2026

DGS Order No. 12 of 2026

Subject: Revision of Eligibility Criteria for Issue of Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and Enhancement of Seafarer Quality Standards.

The Directorate General of Shipping has revised the eligibility framework for issuance of Indian Continuous Discharge Certificates to improve the quality of Indian seafarers and protect aspiring candidates from fraudulent recruitment practices. The Order discontinues issuance of CDC solely on completion of the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses and prescribes specific categories that remain eligible for CDC issuance from 01 August 2026 onwards.

Particular Details
Document DGS Order No.12 of 2026
Date of Issue 23 May 2026
Effective Date 01 August 2026
Primary Objective Strengthen the quality of Indian seafarers, prevent exploitation by fraudulent recruitment agencies and improve employability and safety standards.
Major Change Issue of Indian CDC based solely on completion of the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses has been discontinued.
Eligible Categories for CDC
  • Candidates completing DG-approved Pre-Sea Training along with the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses.
  • Agniveers possessing a valid discharge certificate and the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses.
  • Candidates holding Hotel Management, Hospitality Degree, Diploma or Certificate who have completed the DG-approved Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP) and the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses.
  • Hospitality and passenger-service professionals engaged through DG-approved Cruise Line Recruitment & Placement Companies (CDC restricted to Cruise/Passenger Ships).
  • Retired Indian Navy Officers and Sailors possessing a valid discharge certificate along with the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses.
  • Certified Cooks holding a Government of India recognised Cook Certificate of Competency along with the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses.
  • Certificate of Competency (CoC) holders recognised by the Government of India along with the Five Basic STCW Safety Courses.
Five Basic STCW Courses
  • Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
  • Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
  • Elementary First Aid (EFA)
  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
  • Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)
Additional Directions to MTIs
  • Do not advertise the Five Basic STCW Courses as an independent route for obtaining an Indian CDC.
  • Ensure compliance with the revised eligibility framework.
  • Non-compliance may result in suspension or withdrawal of DG approval.
GP Rating Quality Enhancement
  • 25% of approved GP Rating seats shall be reserved for candidates possessing additional Government-approved technical qualifications such as Welding, Fitter, Mechanic, Electrical, Plumbing or Computer Trades (minimum one-year duration).
  • Upper age limit for GP Rating increased from 25 years to 28 years.
Applicability
  • CDC applications submitted before 01 August 2026 shall continue to be processed under the earlier provisions.
  • CDCs already issued before implementation of this Order shall remain valid.
Official Order Download DGS Order No.12 of 2026
Important Advisory for Prospective Cadets
  • Read the applicable DGS Orders and DGMA Circulars carefully before taking admission.
  • Verify your eligibility before enrolling for any maritime course.
  • Do not rely on promises made by agents or intermediaries regarding CDC issuance or guaranteed employment.
  • Always verify the approval status of the Maritime Training Institute through official Directorate General of Shipping / Directorate General of Maritime Administration sources.
  • For clarification, candidates are encouraged to contact the Institute before seeking admission.
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