Between 2010 and 2022, the deployment of Indian seafarers saw significant trends that shaped new regulations. But rules in the maritime world don’t stand still. They evolve through official directives called circulars.
For any Indian seafarer, RPSL agency, or shipowner, staying on top of updates from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for compliance and career safety. The most critical updates come in the form of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance system changes.
This guide will walk you through the most impactful DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance updates issued between 2022 and 2025. More importantly, we’ll explain the monumental shift from the old DGS portal to the new, integrated e-Samudra system, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Exactly Are DG Shipping Circulars and Why Are They So Important?
Think of DG Shipping circulars as official communications that clarify, amend, or introduce new rules and procedures for the Indian maritime sector. Think of these official communications as the backbone of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance. They are the primary way the DGS implements changes based on national policy or international conventions like the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
Ignoring these circulars can lead to serious consequences, including non-compliance, delays in certification, and even disciplinary action, as compliance with DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance is mandatory. These directives directly impact every part of a seafarer’s professional life, from critical documentation like the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) to employment rights and onboard welfare.
What Key Changes Did Recent DG Shipping Circulars Introduce (2022-2025)?
The last few years have been transformative. DGS has issued a flurry of circulars aimed at tightening regulations, improving welfare, and digitizing processes through modern DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance. Let’s break down the most critical ones.
How Was Seafarer Documentation Modernized?
A key focus has been on enhancing the security and validity of seafarer identity. Crew Circular 23 of 2022 introduced a completely revised framework for the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID). This circular:
- Mandated the capture of biometric data, including fingerprint and facial recognition, to align with ILO Convention 185.
- Migrated the entire SID issuance process to the DG Shipping e-Governance portal, a significant milestone for DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance.
- Instructed RPSL companies that they must verify the authenticity of a seafarer’s SID before deployment.
How Is DG Shipping Tightening the Rules for RPSL Agencies?
DG Shipping has placed greater responsibility on Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies to ensure ethical practices and compliance. Setting up such an agency requires deep knowledge of maritime consultancy and RPSL startup procedures.
- Crew Circular 3 of 2023 revised the e-Governance module for RPSLs, introducing new digital workflows to automate license applications, renewal audits, and RPSL annual compliance service. This reform boosts efficiency and enhances DG Shipping’s oversight capabilities.
- Crew Circular 13 of 2024 mandated that all Articles of Agreement (AoA) must be uploaded to the DG Shipping portal prior to a seafarer signing on. This initiative allows seafarers to verify the exact terms of their employment before boarding, reducing contract-related disputes.
- Crew Circular 11 of 2024 established a comprehensive legal framework for disciplinary actions. Under Sections 178-181 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, this empowers DG Shipping to cancel or suspend CDCs and CoCs, blacklist individuals or companies, and impose penalties for misconduct such as forgery, abandonment, or non-compliance, enforcing the rules of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance.
How Are Seafarer Welfare and Safety Being Prioritized?
Recent circulars show a clear commitment to improving the living and working conditions of seafarers, a key focus of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance. Crew Circular 8 of 2024 constituted the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT). SWBAT is tasked with conducting periodic audits at Indian ports to ensure the quality of seafarer welfare facilities like accommodation, medical access from DGS approved doctors, and recreation spaces are compliant with MLC, 2006 standards.
To strengthen oversight, Crew Circular 19 of 2024 now requires that all cases of medical repatriation be reported to the DG Shipping Medical Cell with full treatment records.
Crew Circular 2 of 2025 marked a formal attempt to integrate wellness into policy by launching an initiative to collect data on the financial and mental well-being of Indian seafarers. Agencies are directed to help administer these forms and report cases of stress or hardship.
How Are Digital Systems Like e-Migrate and E-Governance Evolving?
DG Shipping is actively working to make its digital platforms more responsive and user-centric. Crew Circular 6 of 2024 provided operational guidance to manage a significant upgrade in the Ministry of External Affairs’ e-Migrate portal, ensuring the continuity of migration approvals.
Crew Circular 25 of 2024 introduced crucial reforms to empower seafarers, including real-time SMS alerts for sign-on and sign-off and a dedicated dashboard where seafarers can view their own sea service details. This move is designed to minimize data manipulation and increase transparency, which are core goals of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance.
DG Shipping Circulars and Their Impact (2022-2025)
The table below highlights the evolution of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance.
| Circular Reference | Area of Focus | Key Change / Mandate | Impact / Benefit |
| Crew Circular 23 of 2022 | Seafarer Documentation | Mandated biometric SIDs and moved the entire issuance process to the e-Governance portal. | Enhances identity security and eliminates manual paperwork. |
| Crew Circular 3 of 2023 | RPSL Agency Rules | Revised the e-Governance module for RPSLs to automate license applications and renewal audits. | Boosts efficiency and improves DG Shipping’s oversight of agencies. |
| Crew Circular 13 of 2024 | RPSL Agency Rules | Required mandatory upload of Articles of Agreement (AoA) to the portal before sign-on. | Allows seafarers to verify employment terms upfront, reducing contract disputes. |
| Crew Circular 11 of 2024 | RPSL Agency Rules | Established a comprehensive legal framework for disciplinary actions like suspending CDCs or blacklisting. | Empowers DGS to enforce stricter professional standards and penalize misconduct. |
| Crew Circular 8 of 2024 | Seafarer Welfare & Safety | Constituted the Seafarers Welfare Board Audit Team (SWBAT) to inspect welfare facilities at ports. | Ensures on-ground compliance with MLC, 2006 welfare standards. |
| Crew Circular 19 of 2024 | Seafarer Welfare & Safety | Mandated the reporting of all medical repatriation cases to the DGS Medical Cell. | Strengthens oversight of onboard health and provides data for better health policies. |
| Crew Circular 2 of 2025 | Seafarer Welfare & Safety | Launched an initiative to collect data on the financial and mental well-being of seafarers. | Aims to integrate seafarer wellness into national maritime policy. |
| Crew Circular 6 of 2024 | Digital Systems & E-Governance | Provided operational guidance to manage the upgrade of the MEA’s e-Migrate portal. | Ensured continuity in migration approvals and prevented voyage disruptions. |
| Crew Circular 25 of 2024 | Digital Systems & E-Governance | Introduced real-time SMS alerts for sign-on/off and a dashboard for seafarers to view their service details. | Increases transparency, reduces data manipulation, and empowers seafarers. |
What Was the Old DG Shipping E-Governance System?
To understand the significance of the new e-Samudra platform, it’s helpful to know what came before. The legacy e-Governance system was a major step towards digitization, but it was essentially a collection of separate modules and had its limitations, paving the way for the new era of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance.
How Did Key Modules Like INDOS, CDC, and RPSL Work?
- INDOS (Indian National Database of Seafarers): This module’s objective was to maintain a centralized and unique ID for every Indian seafarer. The INDOS number was mandatory for all DG-approved maritime courses, and those interested in starting a maritime training institute had to integrate with this system.
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate): This module was designed to issue and track CDCs securely. Applications could be filed by individual seafarers, MTIs, or RPSL companies, with the system verifying documentation.
- RPSL Companies Module: This was used to manage and regulate the licensing and renewal process for RPSL agencies. Agencies used the portal to manage crew lists, upload Articles of Agreement (AoA), and report sign-on/sign-off events.
What Were the Main Problems with the Old System?
The legacy platform had several limitations that the new system aims to fix:
- It lacked real-time integration with external databases like immigration and port authorities.
- Manual verification processes often caused significant delays.
- The system had an outdated user interface with multiple login modules.
What is the New e-Samudra System and How is it a Game-Changer?
The e-Samudra system is the next-generation e-Governance platform launched by DG Shipping to replace the older, fragmented systems. It is an integrated digital framework developed in line with the Digital India initiative and MLC guidelines, representing the future of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance.
What are the Core Objectives of the e-Samudra Platform?
The goals of e-Samudra are ambitious and seafarer-focused:
- To streamline all seafarer services under a single digital umbrella.
- To automate procedures and reduce the need for human interface.
- To enable real-time data sharing between DGS, MMDs, RPSL agencies, and training institutes.
- To empower seafarers to track their own documentation lifecycle and grievances online.
How Can a Seafarer Use the e-Samudra Portal?
Understanding how to use the portal is crucial for interacting with the new DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance framework. The process for a seafarer to use the new system is designed to be straightforward:
- Registration: Register on the e-Samudra portal using your INDOS Number and Aadhaar credentials.
- Profile Completion: Complete your profile by uploading your photo, biometric data, training details, and medical certificate.
- Service Selection: Select the specific service you need, such as a new CDC application, CoC revalidation, or responding to a suspension notice.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of all required certificates, affidavits, and STCW courses.
- Payment & Submission: Pay the required fee through the integrated digital gateway and submit the application to the nearest MMD for digital review.
- Verification & Approval: An MMD official reviews the documents and schedules exams if required, with final approval granted via the system.
- Digital Delivery: Once approved, you can download your certificates or receive a digitally signed copy via email or SMS.
- Tracking & Appeals: You can track the status of all actions on your dashboard and use it to upload explanations or initiate an appeal if needed.
How Does the New e-Samudra System Compare to the Old One?
The shift from the old portal to e-Samudra is more than just a facelift. It’s a fundamental upgrade in functionality, transparency, and user experience.
Key benefits of the new e-Samudra system highlight the progress in DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance, and include:
- Unified Access: One platform with a single sign-on provides seamless navigation for all services.
- Self-Reliance: Seafarers are empowered to manage their own documents, view service history, and track applications directly.
- Transparency: Digitally timestamped decisions reduce manual interference and delays.
- Efficiency: System-driven verification dramatically speeds up approvals. The average time for certificate issuance is expected to drop from 20-45 days to just 5-10 days.
Embracing the Future of Indian Maritime Governance
The wave of recent DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance updates points to a clear future: one that is more digital, transparent, and seafarer-centric. From biometric SIDs to the powerful new e-Samudra system, these changes are designed to bring Indian maritime administration up to global standards, ensuring your rights and records are secure.
As a seafarer or maritime professional, staying informed is your most powerful tool. Regularly check for new information on DGS orders, familiarize yourself with the new e-Samudra portal, and embrace the digital shift. The new era of DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance is here to make your journey smoother and more secure. Mastering DG Shipping Circulars and E-Governance is no longer optional. For a consultation on maritime legalities and compliance, you can contact us.
What is the main difference between the old DGS portal and the new e-Samudra system?
The main difference lies in integration and user experience. The old system used separate, legacy modules for services, while e-Samudra is a single, unified platform with a modern interface, real-time SMS/email alerts, and full integration with INDOS and Aadhaar for seamless verification.
What should I do if my RPSL agency isn’t uploading my Article of Agreement (AoA) to the portal?
As per Crew Circular 13 of 2024, uploading the AoA before sign-on is mandatory. Failure to do so is a serious violation that can lead to the suspension of the agency’s recruitment privileges. You should raise this issue directly with the DG Shipping grievance cell.
Are ship’s cooks required to get a new certificate under recent rules?
Yes, Crew Circular 15 of 2024 introduced updated certification norms for shipboard cooks to align with MLC, 2006 standards. It requires all cooks to undergo training from MLC-compliant institutes and specifies a digital process for requesting duplicate certificates to prevent forgeries.
When is the e-Samudra system expected to be fully live?
The manual states that the key modules and sub-modules for the e-Samudra platform are in development and are expected to Go-Live by the last quarter of 2025.
How has DG Shipping improved the disciplinary process for rule violations?
Crew Circular 11 of 2024 established a stricter disciplinary framework. Under the Merchant Shipping Act, DG Shipping can now cancel or suspend CDCs/CoCs, blacklist individuals or companies, and impose penalties for misconduct like forgery or abandonment, following a formal inquiry process.
I received an SMS alert about my sign-on. Is this a new feature?
Yes, this is part of the reforms introduced in Crew Circular 25 of 2024. The system now sends real-time SMS alerts to seafarers upon sign-on or sign-off to increase transparency. The circular also introduced a dashboard where you can view your own sea service history directly.