Shipping

New DGMA Rules Regarding Form-I For Indian Seafarers

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Indian seafarers have long been the backbone of global shipping, yet many of them have faced unnecessary stress at Indian airports – missed flights, delays, and even denial of boarding, despite holding all valid documents. The root cause was confusion around Form-I and its incorrect demand by airlines and immigration authorities for every category of … Read more

Step by Step Guide for Indian COC (Nautical) Revalidation

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For Indian seafarers holding a Certificate of Competency (COC) in the nautical discipline, revalidating the certificate periodically is crucial to continue professional maritime service under theDirector General of Maritime Administration (DGMA ) regulations. This guide walks you through the comprehensive steps required for COC revalidation in India, ensuring regulatory compliance with STCW (Standards of Training, … Read more

DGMA Draft Order on Vessel Age Relaxation Explained

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The Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) of India has introduced a draft order in late 2025 to revise the age norms for vessels operating under the Indian flag andforeign flagged vessels seeking licenses as per the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. This draft order, born out of extensive stakeholder consultations and independent studies, aims to … Read more

List of Vessels Blacklisted by DGMA for Indian Seafarers

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The safety and dignity of seafarers are paramount in the maritime industry, yet numerous cases of abandonment, unpaid wages, and unsafe working conditions continue to plague many Indian seafarers aboard foreign vessels. Recognizing this distressing reality, the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), India, has issued a powerful directive to blacklist vessels repeatedly involved in … Read more

Coastal Shipping Act 2025: Trade License Rules Explained

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Recently the Indian government passed Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 which lists out the trade license rules so it is essential to understand for anyone, whether for RPSL license holders or seafarers involved in India’s maritime logistics and coastal transportation sectors. This act governs coasting trade by creating a structured licensing system that regulates which vessels … Read more

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Explained For Seafarers

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In the global maritime industry, thousands of seafarers work far from home, often in unpredictable conditions. Their safety, wages, working hours, and rights depend on strong systems of protection. This is where a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) becomes extremely important. A CBA is not just another document. It is a legal shield that protects seafarers … Read more

Coastal Shipping Act 2025: What Seafarers and Non-Seafarers Must Know About the New Maritime Rules

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India’s vast coastline stretches over 11,098.81 kilometers, making coastal shipping a vital component of the nation’s maritime landscape. The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 marks a significant step in modernizing and regulating this sector. This blog unpacks Chapter 1 of the Act, focusing on the key definitions and scope, to help you understand what this means … Read more