DGMA approval for the MEO Class IV course requires a Maritime Training Institute to meet the infrastructure, faculty and quality-system standards in DGMA Training Circular No. 62 of 2026, pay a ₹75,000 processing fee, and clear an inspection by the jurisdictional MMD before running any batch of the newly mandatory MEO Class-IV Preparatory Course. DGMA … Read more
Merchant Shipping Notice No. 06 of 2026 is a circular issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, or DGMA. This notice introduces the Merchant Shipping (Discharge Certificate) Rules, 2026, which replace the CDC Rules of 2017. The notice was released on 23 September 2026 and brings a few key changes. First, it sets a … Read more
The IMO hydrogen fuel guidelines for the Safety of Ships was approved by the Maritime Safety Committee at its session, which took place from 13 to 22 May 2026. It provides shipowners and operators with a goal-based safety framework for using hydrogen as a fuel. The guidelines were finalized by the Sub-Committee on Carriage of … Read more
For seafarers, building a career at sea often means meeting separate training, sea-service and competency requirements for different shipboard duties. This can make the certification process confusing, particularly for those seeking experience across both deck and engine-room functions. To address this need, DGMA Circular No. 53 of 2026 sets out an alternative pathway for eligible … Read more
This guide covers how to join Merchant Navy in India after 10th, and how to get a job in Merchant Navy in India after 12th or engineering. Choosing the correct course based on your education and budget and being aware of the various other requirements, such as the age limit, is crucial before beginning the … Read more
The Guidance provided by the International Maritime Organization on the Use of Ammonia Cargo as a Fuel in Shipping (MSC.1/Circ.1702), published on July 7 2026, has created a regime for gas carriers allowing them to utilize ammonia cargo as fuel instead of oil. It has been approved by the Maritime Safety Committee after a series … Read more
For a seafarer, facing grievances and issues is very common. But when concerns go unheard or unresolved, it quickly turns into frustration, especially when the person raising the grievance is unsure of its status or what to do next. To address such challenges and make the grievance-handling process more organised and accessible, the Directorate General … Read more
The Basic Safety Training course (BST) is the mandatory STCW certification every seafarer needs before joining a ship. It bundles four modules, survival techniques, firefighting, first aid, and personal safety, into one certificate you earn at a DGMA-approved maritime training institute. It stays valid for five years. If you are planning a career at sea, … Read more
A seafarer spends months away from home, working through long voyages, unpredictable weather, and demanding conditions at sea. But when a serious illness suddenly enters the picture, it also brings financial uncertainty and interruption of a seafarer’s career. This is where welfare support can make a meaningful difference. The DGMA medical support scheme provides a … Read more
A Ship Sanitation Control Certificate is a document that proves a ship has been inspected for health risks like pests, contaminated water, or poor food storage, and that any problems found have been fixed. Ports issue it under WHO health rules, and every ship on an international voyage needs one to sail without delay. Before … Read more
