The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued Addendum I to Circular No. 31 of 2025 dated 05 August 2025, reinforcing its commitment to curb fraudulent certification and promote maritime safety. This regulatory update emphasizes the mandatory verification of seafarer certificates issued by foreign administrations not listed in the original circular.
The initiative has garnered wide support from seafarer unions and industry associations, recognizing the urgency to validate genuine Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) to safeguard maritime credentials. This aligns closely with recent regulatory measures like DGS Order 08 of 2025 on foreign training, which emphasizes stricter scrutiny of overseas maritime education and documentation.
Who Must Follow the New Certificate Verification Rules?
This circular is mandatory for:
- Seafarers holding certificates from foreign administrations not listed in Circular No. 31.
- Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies that deployed these seafarers.
Ship owners, ship managers, and industry stakeholders involved in the recruitment process.
Important Deadlines You Can’t Miss
- Initial Notice Date: 21 July 2025
- Submission Deadline by RPSL Agencies: 31 July 2025 (for initial list of seafarers)
Document Submission Deadline: Within 30 days from the date of Addendum (i.e., by 4 September 2025)
How Seafarers Can Submit Their Certificates (Step-by-Step)
1.Submission Only via Approved RPSL Agencies
All submissions must be made through the DGS-approved RPSL agency that engaged the seafarer in their most recent contract.
2. Required Documents for Each Seafarer
Seafarers must submit scanned color copies (not exceeding 20MB) of the following:
- CoC/CoP from non-listed State Parties
- STCW Modular Courses relevant to CoC/CoP
- Competency Course Certificates
- Sea Service Records from Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
Notarized Affidavit confirming the authenticity of submitted documents
⚠️ Note: The affidavit must be sworn and signed by the seafarer.
3. File Preparation and Email Submission
RPSL agencies must prepare individual case files and submit them electronically to:
- For Marine Engineering: 📧 engg-stcw@gov.in
- For Nautical Stream: 📧 nt-stcw@gov.in
What Happens After You Submit Your Documents?
Once the documents are submitted:
- A DGS Committee will verify the authenticity of the certificates
- Assessment results will be emailed to the:
- Registered email ID of the seafarer
- RPSL agency
- Registered email ID of the seafarer
Outcome
- If the documents are genuine: Seafarers will be permitted to sail immediately
- If fraudulent: Cases will be reported to the issuing maritime administration for certificate cancellation
DGS Clarifies Misconceptions About the Addendum
To avoid misinformation, the DGS clarified the following:
- No ban or prohibition has been placed on seafarers holding genuine certificates
- The circular is regulatory, not punitive
- Seafarers can continue sailing if they hold authentic CoC/CoP
- The verification process is solely to eliminate fraudulent practices
These updates follow a series of regulatory changes, such as those highlighted in the 2025 DGS Order overview, aimed at improving transparency and compliance across India’s maritime sector.
Who Needs to Act Now? (Affected Stakeholders)
The following entities are required to take immediate action based on this addendum:
- Mercantile Marine Departments (MMD) – Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kandla, Kochi
- Indian National Ship-owners Association (INSA)
- Indian Coastal Conference Shipping Association (ICCSA)
- Foreign Owners Representation and Ship-managers Association (FOSMA)
- Maritime Association of Ship-owners, Ship-managers, and Agents (MASSA)
- All Seafarers and Maritime Unions
Why This Matters for the Maritime Sector
This verification measure ensures:
- Greater transparency in maritime recruitment
- Compliance with the STCW Convention
- Protection of job opportunities for genuine Indian seafarers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sail if my certificate is under verification?
Yes, as long as your certificate is genuine and submitted through the proper channel, you can continue sailing based on your rank.
What if I missed the submission deadline?
Contact your RPSL agency immediately. Delayed submission may impact your eligibility until documents are verified.
Is there any fee for document verification?
There is no mention of a fee in the circular. However, notarization and scanning costs may be applicable.
Can I submit documents directly to DGS?
No. Only DGS-approved RPSL agencies can submit your documents for verification.
What happens if my CoC is found to be fake?
Your case will be escalated to the issuing foreign maritime authority, and action may include cancellation of your certification.
How can I search for DG Shipping-approved doctors?
You can find DG Shipping-approved doctors by visiting the official DGS website at www.dgshipping.gov.in. On the homepage, navigate to the “Maritime Health” or “Seafarer” section, and click on the “Approved Doctors” list. You can filter the search by location, country, or specialty to find a certified medical examiner near you for your medical fitness certificate. Always ensure the doctor is currently listed and valid under DGS approvals before booking an appointment.