The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued its much-anticipated Order of 2025, introducing robust reforms to elevate India’s maritime safety, sustainability, and training standards. This order is set to impact RPSL companies, training institutes, maritime doctors, and the overall recruitment process for Indian seafarers. With growing scrutiny on international maritime compliance, the DGS Order … Read more
The STCW Annual Report 2024 (Engineering), published by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), marks a crucial milestone in India’s ongoing reform of its maritime certification system. As maritime trade becomes more digitized and demanding, the Indian maritime administration is aligning training, assessment, and certification standards with global best practices. From simulator-based assessments to full … Read more
India, as a leading hub in the global maritime industry, places strict regulations on the recruitment of seafarers through its RPSL (Recruiting and Placement Services License) system. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways updates this list annually to promote transparency and eliminate fraudulent practices. This blog provides … Read more
On July 18, 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) released Circular No. 31/2025—a critical directive aimed at eliminating fake maritime certifications and strengthening the standards of crew training under international maritime conventions. The circular reiterates compliance with STCW, SOLAS, and ISM Code regulations and puts the responsibility on shipowners, RPSL agencies, and seafarers to … Read more
The year 2024 tested the nerves of seafarers and the resolve of maritime forces worldwide. From piracy in the Gulf of Aden to missile attacks in the Red Sea, shipping lanes turned into battlegrounds. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) released the Maritime Security Review 2024, offering a deep dive into the threats faced and … Read more
India’s maritime sector is pivotal to the global shipping economy, with over 1.6 million seafarers involved in international trade and transport. In 2024, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) released a detailed Marine Safety Investigation Report, shedding light on the incidents affecting Indian-flagged vessels, Indian seafarers, and foreign-flagged ships operating within Indian waters. With 186 … Read more
In a significant move to uphold maritime safety standards, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India, has officially rejected the application for renewal of the Document of Compliance (DOC) submitted by ITT Shipping (Private) Limited, Kolkata. The decision, issued on May 23, 2025, comes after a series of grave safety violations, a fatal … Read more
DGS Circular 2025: No More Fake Sea Service in CDCs The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India, has issued a new draft circular in 2025 to stop fake or fraudulent entries in Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs) used by Indian seafarers. This step comes after several cases were found where sea service records were … Read more
A Benami RPSL (Recruitment and Placement Services License) refers to a company registered under someone else’s name but operated by another individual or entity. This arrangement is often used to conceal the identity of the actual operator and to bypass legal or regulatory scrutiny. In the shipping industry, whether you are a seafarer, shipowner, charterer, … Read more
The RPSL list (Recruitment and Placement Services License list) is a critical resource for seafarers and shipping companies operating under the regulatory framework of DG Shipping. It ensures transparency and compliance within the maritime industry, helping seafarers identify legitimate agencies and avoid fraudulent operations. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest trends and updates related … Read more