{"id":1039,"date":"2026-01-06T07:10:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T07:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=1039"},"modified":"2026-04-07T09:22:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:22:07","slug":"dgs-rpsl-seafarers-code-enforcement-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-rpsl-seafarers-code-enforcement-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What Penalty Provisions Are Prescribed Under the Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#why-do-seafarers-code-of-conduct-penalty-provisions-exist\">Why Do Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct Penalty Provisions Exist?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-penalties-apply-for-common-seafarer-misconduct\">What Penalties Apply for Common Seafarer Misconduct?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-do-severe-penalties-like-imprisonment-apply\">When Do Severe Penalties Like Imprisonment Apply?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-are-penalties-enforced-under-the-code\">How Are Penalties Enforced Under the Code?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682635763\">What is the maximum fine for an oil discharge violation?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682653725\">Can seafearers appeal code penalty points?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682668844\">Do penalties affect RPSL agencies?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682683242\">What happens for fraudulent certification?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682705839\">What is the Risk Matrix in Seafarers Code Penalties?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682738444\">How Does the Star System Affect Seafarers Careers?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682757380\">When Can RPSLs Suspend Seafarers Internally?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682774871\">What Defenses Can Seafarers Use in Investigations?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1767682794647\">How Do Unions Support in Complaint Processes?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The provisions regarding penalties within The Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct, introduced by the Indian government\u2019s Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), emphasize professional ethics, safety, and compliance for ships flagged or crewed by Indians. The code of conduct, featured as part of recent government regulations by DGMA, as well as the Merchant Shipping Act, also prescribes detailed penalties like fines, forfeitures, imprisonment, and suspension of licenses, among others, due to acts like misconduct or negligence. The provisions regarding penalties of the Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct are linked to other regulations in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/rpsl-license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian RPSL License.<\/a><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-do-seafarers-code-of-conduct-penalty-provisions-exist\"><strong>Why Do Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct Penalty Provisions Exist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Code of Conduct for Seafarers has been made comprehensive with the inclusion of penalty clauses to protect lives and prevent incidents in the maritime industry. The Code declares acts such as possession of narcotic substances, disobedience, and fraud as unlawful acts that carry severe punishments in line with DGMA. The Code closely relates to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/mlc-2006-certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certification in MLC 2006<\/a> in connection with welfare in terms of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-order-2025\/\">DGMA Order 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These regulatory provisions are consistent with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/learn\/maritime-labour-convention-2006-amendments-2022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Amendments,<\/a> which encompass fair treatment. Non-compliance may have negative ramifications for one\u2019s career, including being banned in one\u2019s profession, which has been seen in the case of blacklisting, as presented in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">company information given by RPSL.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-penalties-apply-for-common-seafarer-misconduct\"><strong>What Penalties Apply for Common Seafarer Misconduct?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the Merchant Shipping Act, section 194, desertion, disobedience, and property damage, along with desertion, disobedience, and property-related crimes, can lead to punishment in the form of confiscation of wages, a fine of \u20b9500, and a jail term of 3 months (Section 194). The punishment for desertion includes the loss of property, wages, and imprisonment for 3 months (Section 191).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Violation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Penalty<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Relevant Section<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Desertion (Section 191)<\/td><td>Wage\/property forfeiture + 3 months imprisonment<a href=\"https:\/\/dgshipping.gov.in\/writereaddata\/News\/202507281157219666616DraftDGSorderXXof2025_SeafarersCodeofConduct.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/td><td>191<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Disobedience\/Neglect (Section 194c)<\/td><td>Disobedience\/Neglect (Section 194c)<br>Up to 1 month jail + wage forfeiture<\/td><td>194<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smuggling\/Drunk Duty (Section 194d\/e)<\/td><td>3 months jail or \u20b9500 fine<a href=\"https:\/\/dgshipping.gov.in\/writereaddata\/News\/202507281157219666616DraftDGSorderXXof2025_SeafarersCodeofConduct.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a>\u200b<br><\/td><td>194<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fraudulent CDC (General)<\/td><td>6 months jail or \u20b9500 fine<a href=\"https:\/\/dgshipping.gov.in\/writereaddata\/News\/202507281157219666616DraftDGSorderXXof2025_SeafarersCodeofConduct.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a>\u200b<br><\/td><td>General<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" data-id=\"1218\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Seafarers-code-penalties-1.png\" alt=\"Seafarers' Code Penalties\" class=\"wp-image-1218 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Seafarers-code-penalties-1.png 602w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Seafarers-code-penalties-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Seafarers-code-penalties-1-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 602px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 602\/602;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-do-severe-penalties-like-imprisonment-apply\"><strong>When Do Severe Penalties Like Imprisonment Apply?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When sailors act in a manner that disregards orders or when there is deliberate misrepresentation of documents or risking vessels, extreme penalties like imprisonment are applicable: Section 206 (aggregating a jail term of 3 months along with a fine of \u20b9200), or violation of oil discharge norms (fines up to a maximum of \u20b95 lakhs for Section 356C). For each violation, there may be a suspension of the CDC\/CoC or a ban to sail for 2 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check for health regulations compliance using the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/doctors\/\">list of approved doctors by the DGMA Shipping<\/a>, to avoid being fined for health-related matters. For Startups, refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/learn\/maritime-consultancy-rpsl-startup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maritime Consultancy and RPSL Startups.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-penalties-enforced-under-the-code\"><strong>How Are Penalties Enforced Under the Code?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Investigations are carried out by DGMA, accompanied by fair hearings and other punitive actions such as suspension of licenses and imposition of fines in enforcing punishments, based on underlying guidelines that are lenient towards innocent errors but stiff towards deliberate behavior as per the Code Manual. It is obligatory for RPSL agencies to make such reports; failure could lead to blacklisting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/new-rpsl-companies\/\">new RPSL companies<\/a> to identify recruiters who comply with the law. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Us<\/a> page at Legalbabu for expert help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"602\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seafarers-code-violation-report-1.png\" alt=\"Seafarers&quot; Code Violation Report\n\" class=\"wp-image-1217 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 602px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 602\/602;width:717px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seafarers-code-violation-report-1.png 602w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seafarers-code-violation-report-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/seafarers-code-violation-report-1-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682635763\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the maximum fine for an oil discharge violation?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Under Section 356C, the amount provided for the masters of the tankers will not exceed \u20b95 lakhs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682653725\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can seafearers appeal code penalty points?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, after a fair hearing conducted by the DGMA enforcement.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682668844\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do penalties affect RPSL agencies?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, non-compliance may result in a fine or blacklisting.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682683242\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What happens for fraudulent certification?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Suspension of sailing rights for a period of a minimum of 2 years and CDC suspension.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682705839\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the Risk Matrix in Seafarers Code Penalties?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Risk Matrix assesses violation severity based on impacts to people, environment, assets, and reputation, guiding penalty selection list.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682738444\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How Does the Star System Affect Seafarers Careers?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Stars track compliance for promotions\/pay; losses from complaints lead to restricted placements or demotions under RPSL monitoring.\u200b<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682757380\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When Can RPSLs Suspend Seafarers Internally?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For minor violations via SMS, before DGMA; escalates for repeats or risks per the sanction matrix.\u200b<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682774871\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What Defenses Can Seafarers Use in Investigations?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Necessity, duress, due diligence, or honest mistakes are evaluated during probes for fair outcomes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767682794647\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How Do Unions Support in Complaint Processes?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Unions monitor conditions, provide legal aid, negotiate standards, and ensure rights under MLC 2006.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The provisions regarding penalties within The Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct, introduced by the Indian government\u2019s Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), emphasize professional ethics, safety, and compliance for ships flagged or crewed by Indians. The code of conduct, featured as part of recent government regulations by DGMA, as well as the Merchant Shipping Act, also &#8230; <a title=\"What Penalty Provisions Are Prescribed Under the Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-rpsl-seafarers-code-enforcement-2026\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about What Penalty Provisions Are Prescribed Under the Seafarers&#8217; Code of Conduct?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1043,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[138,137],"class_list":["post-1039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marine","tag-penalty-provisions","tag-sefarers-code-of-conduct"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1039","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1039"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1039\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1685,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1039\/revisions\/1685"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1039"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1039"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1039"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}