Introduction
India’s maritime regulatory authority, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), has issued Order No. 08 of 2025 to prohibit any foreign government, maritime administration, or institution from conducting STCW training in India without prior approval.
This decisive move aims to safeguard Indian seafarers from unregulated training and reinforce the authority of Indian maritime standards.
Why Was the Order Issued?
The DGS observed a surge in unauthorized training programs being delivered in India by foreign entities, some under the pretext of virtual learning, and others via unauthorized tie-ups. These institutions often claimed to issue Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) under foreign flags — without Indian approval.
Such activities undermine:
- The integrity of Indian maritime training
- India’s obligations under IMO conventions
- The sovereign role of DGS as per the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958
Section 86 of the Act clearly states:
“No training shall be deemed valid unless it is approved by the Central Government.”
What the Order Prohibits
As per DGS Order No. 08 of 2025, the following activities are strictly banned within Indian territory or accessible online from India:
| Not Permitted |
|---|
| Conducting any STCW courses by foreign institutions without DGS approval |
| Promoting or advertising unauthorized maritime training in India |
| Issuing CoC/CoP certifications to Indian seafarers via unauthorized platforms |
Even online or distance learning platforms targeting Indian nationals fall under this ban.
Penalties for Violators
Any individual, organization, or training institute violating this order may face:
- Blacklisting of Indian institutions or seafarers involved
- Legal action under the Merchant Shipping Act & Information Technology Act
- Rejection of certifications obtained from unauthorized sources
This includes foreign players collaborating with Indian partners without explicit approval from DGS.
What Foreign Maritime Administrations Must Do
If a foreign government or training body wishes to offer STCW courses in India, they must submit a formal proposal to DGS, including:
| Requirement | Details Needed |
|---|---|
| Course Structure | Must align with STCW 1978 (as amended) |
| Trainer Credentials | Qualification & background of instructors |
| Mode of Delivery | Specify whether online, in-person, or hybrid |
| Partnership Declaration | Names of DGS-approved Indian MTIs (if collaborating) |
Until DGS approval is granted, no activity may commence.
Immediate Suspension of Ongoing Foreign Courses
Institutions currently delivering foreign STCW training in India are directed to:
- Cease all training immediately
- Submit full details to DGS for investigation
This includes modular short courses, CoC, or CoP training.
This directive protects Indian seafarers from substandard training that could risk their international employability or safety.
How Seafarers Can Stay Safe
Indian seafarers must verify that their maritime training comes from DGS-approved MTIs. Enrolling in unauthorized foreign courses, even online, can make their certifications invalid for global shipping firms.
Before joining any course, you should:
Confirm the MTI is on the official list at www.dgshipping.gov.in
Check the RPSL company offering placement at RPSL Directory
Choose DGS-approved doctors for your medicals via Doctors
Conclusion
The DGS Order No. 08 of 2025 is a bold yet necessary step to reinforce India’s maritime governance. With this order, India asserts its position on the global stage by ensuring all seafarers receive regulated, quality-assured maritime education under national control. Seafarers, training institutes, and shipping companies must stay vigilant and avoid foreign training setups that lack DGS clearance.