Rakesh Singh 
Vessel age plays a key role in deciding safety levels, pollution control efforts, and insurance risks for ships operating under the Indian flag or needing licenses. According to DGS Order No. 01 of 2026, strict age norms ensure quality tonnage, reducing accidents and emissions while keeping insurance costs in check. This order from the Directorate … Read more
India phases out older ships to cut accident risks and boost global competitiveness. Older vessels often lack updated tech for collision avoidance or fire suppression, leading to incidents like oil spills. The policy logic ties directly to India’s Maritime India Vision 2047, prioritizing safety over short-term costs. Economic reasons stand out, too. Maintaining rusty hulls … Read more
Financial penalties under the Seafarers Code, enforced by India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), target misconduct like desertion and disobedience to ensure maritime safety and compliance. These rules, rooted in the Merchant Shipping Act and recent DGS orders, impose fines, wage forfeitures, and more on seafarers and shipmasters. Understanding them helps avoid career-ending sanctions. … Read more
DGS recommends judicial prosecution in serious seafarers’ code violations that threaten safety or involve fraud. This step follows administrative actions when offences warrant court involvement under the Merchant Shipping Act. Seafarers and RPSLs must understand these triggers to stay compliant. What Is Judicial Prosecution by DGS? Judicial prosecution by DGS means sending serious cases to … Read more
In case a seafarer violates the DGS Seafarers Code of Conduct, they must be able to defend themselves under necessity, due diligence, and government-caused errors. These safeguards provide a guarantee for seafarers against discrimination during investigations, as outlined in the guidelines stipulated in the Compliance Enforcement Manual. These come into force from January 1, 2026. … Read more
The DGS Star System assesses the compliance of seafarers through the awarding of positive stars for outstanding performance in safety standards, skills, and professionalism, and the deduction of stars for non-compliance with the Seafarers’ Code of Conduct under the guidelines within the Compliance Enforcement Manual. This was introduced through DGS Order No. 10 of 2025 … Read more
According to the DGS Seafarers Code of Conduct Compliance Enforcement Manual, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, violations are categorized into three levels of severity based on their potential for risk to safety, environment, assets, and reputation. The present framework, applicable from 1 January 2026, will ensure that proportionate penalties are imposed on the … Read more
Seafarer grievances may be filed against RPSLs within the context of the Seafarers Code of Conduct if they establish violations either by inspecting, observing, and listening to complaints within the guidelines stated in the DGS Compliance Enforcement Manual beginning on January 1, 2026. The process ensures transparency in the enforcement of standards under the Merchant … Read more
Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) play a significant part in ensuring compliance with the Seafarers Code of Conduct, as per the Directorate General of Shipping guidelines, which will come into effect from January 1, 2026. The whole system described within the DGS Seafarers Code of Conduct Compliance Enforcement Manual states strict disciplinary action for … Read more
The provisions regarding penalties within The Seafarers’ Code of Conduct, introduced by the Indian government’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), emphasize professional ethics, safety, and compliance for ships flagged or crewed by Indians. The code of conduct, featured as part of recent government regulations by DGS, as well as the Merchant Shipping Act, also prescribes … Read more