The DGS Star System assesses the compliance of seafarers through the awarding of positive stars for outstanding performance in safety standards, skills, and professionalism, and the deduction of stars for non-compliance with the Seafarers’ Code of Conduct under the guidelines within the Compliance Enforcement Manual. This was introduced through DGS Order No. 10 of 2025 … Read more
Breakdown of the Merchant Shipping Act, rules inspections onboard, fining, wages resolutions, legal definitions, desertions and discipline.
India’s maritime ecosystem supports critical sectors such as trade, offshore energy, logistics, and national security. To maintain regulatory oversight when Indian interests charter foreign vessels, the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 establishes a structured licensing and compliance framework for vessels operating beyond domestic coastal trade. This framework ensures that international maritime operations connected to India remain … Read more
Understanding MS act 2025, covering matters such as seafarer welfare, safety, wages, medical care, dispute resolution, and shipowner obligations.
A simple breakdown of seafarer rights and rules, recruitment criteria, welfare standards, wages and key worker protections under the MS Act, 2025
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
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 the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) 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
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 Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, has issued a powerful directive to blacklist vessels repeatedly involved in such … Read more
DGS mandates framework initiating medical tests for all Indian seafarers with an INDoS number as of 2025. Know the rules and requirements.