The minimum safe manning scale for international voyages sets the nautical crew every Indian ship must carry under DGMA Circular No. 54 of 2025, Annexure A. A vessel under 200 GT needs a master, one deck officer, and four ratings. A ship above 3000 GT needs up to 11 nautical crew, plus separate engine room … Read more
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has rolled out BSID Version 2.0 for issuance of the Biometric Seafarer’s Identity Document to Indian seafarers, effective 1st August 2026, via DGMA Circular No. 44 of 2026. If you’re wondering how to get BSID card under this updated system, the answer is simpler than the old process. … Read more
The Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) runs 12 welfare schemes for Indian seafarers and their families — covering death, disability, maternity, retirement, education, and more. DGMA Circular 39 brings all 12 schemes into one document and raises the payout for almost every one of them, in some cases nearly tripling the amount. This guide explains … Read more
The movement of seafarers through Indian ports depends on efficient immigration procedures that ensure both operational continuity and regulatory compliance. To streamline these processes, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has introduced DGMA Circular 38 of 2026, bringing revised guidelines for Shore Leave Pass (SLP) and crew change (sign-on/sign-off). The updated provisions aim to … Read more
In 2026, Indian Flag vs foreign flag ships face distinct rules under DGMA Order No. 01 of 2026, issued on January 21 by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), Mumbai. This order sets full age norms and qualitative parameters for registration and operation of vessels under the Indian flag, while also applying to foreign-flagged ships needing licenses under … Read more
Ask any Deck Rating who has spent three years at sea what comes next, and you’ll usually hear some version of the same answer: a long, expensive detour overseas. For as long as most Indian seafarers can remember, moving from rating to officer meant boarding a flight to a foreign training academy, paying tuition in … Read more
What is DNS Course in Merchant Navy? Eligibility & Career
Check out the updated 2026 CDC eligibility criteria and new DGMA rules. Find approved pathways, age limits, and guidelines starting August 1 What are the reasons behind the CDC Eligibility Criteria 2026? CDC Eligibility Criteria 2026 is one of the most structural and revolutionary changes coming in India’s marine history. Developed by the Director General … Read more
The maritime industry has long been the backbone of global trade, but behind the movement of goods lies a persistent and troubling issue, seafarer abandonment. In 2026, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), India, took a significant step to address this problem through DGMA Order No. 08 of 2026, releasing an extensive list of … Read more
Explaining India’s maritime law on pollution prevention from vessels. Learn about ship responsibilities, government powers & international standards.
