Rights and rules for seafarers under MS Act 2025
A simple breakdown of seafarer rights and rules, recruitment criteria, welfare standards, wages and key worker protections under the MS Act, 2025
Shipping
New DGS Rules Regarding Form-I For Indian Seafarers
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
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
List of Vessels Blacklisted by DG Shipping for Indian Seafarers
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
What’s new rules for maritime training as per MS Act 2025?
Understanding rules for seafarer certification, training standards, institution approval, examinations and crew compliance under MS act 2025.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Explained For Seafarers
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
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
DGS Introduces New Form–1 (RPSL) for Seafarers on Foreign-Flag Vessels
Efficient, secure, and transparent crew documentation is the foundation of any thriving maritime industry. On November 20, 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, released a groundbreaking circular that is set to reshape the process for Indian seafarers traveling abroad to join foreign-flag vessels. This new form–1 (RPSL) for seafarers on foreign-flag vessels is … Read more
What’s new rules for deployment of ETVs as per 2025?
Learn more about the boosting maritime safety in India with new rules for emergency towing tugs (ETVs) for quick & effective emergency response.
Importance of 2025 DGS Code of Conduct for Indian Seafarers
The introduction of the Seafarers’ Code of Conduct – Compliance & Enforcement Manual by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) which will come into force on January 1, 2026, is a major milestone for the country’s maritime industry. This comprehensive guide isn’t just a rulebook but also a commitment to raising the bar for safety, … Read more