{"id":158,"date":"2025-07-22T18:35:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T18:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=158"},"modified":"2026-08-21T10:13:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T10:13:49","slug":"dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/","title":{"rendered":"DGMA Circular 31\/2025: Ban on Fake Maritime Certificates &amp; Essential STCW Safety Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>On July 18, 2025, the <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)<\/a> released Circular No. 31\/2025<\/strong>\u2014a critical directive aimed at eliminating fake maritime certifications and strengthening the standards of crew training under international maritime conventions. The circular reiterates compliance with STCW, SOLAS, and ISM Code regulations and puts the responsibility on shipowners, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">RPSL agencies<\/a>, and seafarers to verify every certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/STCW-training-equirements-for-seafarers-1-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"STCW training requirements for seafarers under DGS Circular 31\/2025\n \" class=\"wp-image-165 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/STCW-training-equirements-for-seafarers-1-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/STCW-training-equirements-for-seafarers-1-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/STCW-training-equirements-for-seafarers-1-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/STCW-training-equirements-for-seafarers-1-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/STCW-training-equirements-for-seafarers-1-1.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Overview_of_Relevant_Conventions_and_Rules\" >Overview of Relevant Conventions and Rules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Indias_Compliance_with_STCW_SOLAS\" >India\u2019s Compliance with STCW &amp; SOLAS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#RPSL_Agencies_First_Line_of_Defense\" >RPSL Agencies: First Line of Defense<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Common_Fraudulent_Practices_Uncovered\" >Common Fraudulent Practices Uncovered<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Mandatory_Actions_for_All_Maritime_Stakeholders\" >Mandatory Actions for All Maritime Stakeholders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Penalties_Under_Circular_312025\" >Penalties Under Circular 31\/2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Mutual_Recognition_of_CoCsCoPs_As_per_Annexure\" >Mutual Recognition of CoCs\/CoPs (As per Annexure)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#How_to_Verify_Authentic_Certificates\" >How to Verify Authentic Certificates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#1_What_is_DGMA_Circular_No_31_of_2025\" >1. What is DGMA Circular No. 31 of 2025?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#2_Why_is_authentic_certification_important_for_seafarers\" >2. Why is authentic certification important for seafarers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#3_How_can_I_verify_if_my_CoC_or_STCW_certificate_is_genuine\" >3. How can I verify if my CoC or STCW certificate is genuine?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#4_Which_foreign_CoCs_are_recognized_by_India\" >4. Which foreign CoCs are recognized by India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/#5_What_happens_if_a_seafarer_is_found_with_a_fake_certificate\" >5. What happens if a seafarer is found with a fake certificate?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overview_of_Relevant_Conventions_and_Rules\"><\/span><strong>Overview of Relevant Conventions and Rules<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Convention\/Rule<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>India\u2019s Implementation<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>STCW<\/strong> (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping)<\/td><td>Ensure competency-based seafarer training<\/td><td>Enforced via Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules, 2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SOLAS<\/strong> (Safety of Life at Sea)<\/td><td>Mandates safety practices at sea<\/td><td>Adopted under Merchant Shipping (Safe Operation) Rules, 2000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>ISM Code<\/strong> (International Safety Management)<\/td><td>Requires safe ship operation through trained crew<\/td><td>Implemented through DGMA safety management frameworks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indias_Compliance_with_STCW_SOLAS\"><\/span><strong>India\u2019s Compliance with STCW &amp; SOLAS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India ensures international alignment through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mandatory training at <strong>DGMA-approved institutes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment and issuance of <strong>genuine CoCs\/CoPs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recognition of foreign CoCs<\/strong> via <strong>STCW Regulation I\/10<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SOUAS-STCW-ISM-CODE-.webp\" alt=\"SOLAS STCW ISM Code for maritime safety and certified seafarers\n\n\" class=\"wp-image-160 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/720;aspect-ratio:1.6666666666666667;object-fit:cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SOUAS-STCW-ISM-CODE-.webp 1280w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SOUAS-STCW-ISM-CODE--300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SOUAS-STCW-ISM-CODE--1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SOUAS-STCW-ISM-CODE--768x432.webp 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>80% of Indian seafarers<\/strong> are deployed on foreign-flag ships\u2014making compliance even more vital.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"RPSL_Agencies_First_Line_of_Defense\"><\/span><strong>RPSL Agencies: First Line of Defense<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Responsibility<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Mandate under RPSL Rules<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Certificate Verification<\/td><td>Must verify CoC, CoP, and STCW course authenticity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Document Validation<\/td><td>Cross-check INDoS, CDC, Medical &amp; ID papers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Record Keeping<\/td><td>Maintain up-to-date, secure digital records<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fraud Prevention<\/td><td>Detect &amp; report suspicious or forged certificates<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Fraudulent_Practices_Uncovered\"><\/span><strong>Common Fraudulent Practices Uncovered<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Promises of \u201cquick\u201d foreign CoCs\/CoPs without real exams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bundled fake STCW courses and certificates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Institutes listed that don\u2019t exist physically<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Port State Control (PSC) inspections found <strong>fake CoCs onboard<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Actions_for_All_Maritime_Stakeholders\"><\/span><strong>Mandatory Actions for All Maritime Stakeholders<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Stakeholder<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Required Action<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Seafarers<\/strong><\/td><td>Only attend DGMA-approved institutes. No shortcuts.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Shipowners &amp; Managers<\/strong><\/td><td>Verify all training\/certificates via the DGMA portal or <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/mmd-mumbai-about-us\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/mmd-mumbai-about-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MMD.<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>RPSLs<\/strong><\/td><td>Place only properly trained and certified crew. Maintain updated seafarer records.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Training Institutes<\/strong><\/td><td>Must obtain DGMA approval before conducting STCW courses.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Penalties_Under_Circular_312025\"><\/span><strong>Penalties Under Circular 31\/2025<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fake CoC\/CoP?<\/strong> \u2192 Immediate <strong>2-year sailing ban<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CDC suspension<\/strong> and <strong>INDoS profile blocked<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RPSLs found guilty \u2192 <strong>Legal action under Merchant Shipping Act<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certificates seized; criminal charges filed; <strong>foreign certificate authorities notified<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/penalty-rules-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Seafarer Penalty Rules in India - Offence, Fine, and Authority\n\n\" class=\"wp-image-161 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/penalty-rules-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/penalty-rules-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/penalty-rules-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/penalty-rules.webp 1280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mutual_Recognition_of_CoCsCoPs_As_per_Annexure\"><\/span><strong>Mutual Recognition of CoCs\/CoPs (As per Annexure)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Country<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Mutual Recognition Year<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Remarks<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Malaysia<\/strong><\/td><td>2001<\/td><td>Valid for Indian endorsement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>UAE<\/strong><\/td><td>2017<\/td><td>Recognized per STCW I\/10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>South Korea<\/strong><\/td><td>2018<\/td><td>Subject to tenure limits<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sweden<\/strong><\/td><td>2019<\/td><td>Recognition in force<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>UK<\/strong><\/td><td>2022<\/td><td>Full mutual agreement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Iran<\/strong><\/td><td>2022<\/td><td>With DGMA oversight<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Verify_Authentic_Certificates\"><\/span><strong>How to Verify Authentic Certificates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use these official tools via <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/<\/a> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>INDoS Checker<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CoC\/CoP Authentication Tool<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Approved Training Institutes List<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/mmd-mumbai-about-us\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/mmd-mumbai-about-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MMD<\/a> Contact Details for Verification<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DGMA<\/strong> <strong>Circular No. 31\/2025 is a landmark move<\/strong> toward safeguarding lives at sea by eliminating fake seafarer certifications and strengthening compliance with SOLAS, STCW, and ISM Code. Every stakeholder\u2014from seafarer to ship manager\u2014must take accountability by verifying documents and promoting genuine training. With penalties now stricter than ever, the message is clear: <strong>there are no shortcuts in maritime safety.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_is_DGMA_Circular_No_31_of_2025\"><\/span><strong>1. What is DGMA Circular No. 31 of 2025?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DGMA Circular No. 31\/2025, issued by the <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Directorate General of Maritime Administration<\/a> on July 18, 2025, aims to eliminate the use of fraudulent seafarer certifications in India. It mandates that all seafarers must obtain training and certification only from <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGMA<\/a> -approved institutes in line with STCW, SOLAS, and ISM conventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Why_is_authentic_certification_important_for_seafarers\"><\/span><strong>2. Why is authentic certification important for seafarers?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Authentic certification ensures that a seafarer is properly trained to handle onboard duties, safety procedures, and emergency situations. Using fake certificates puts the ship, crew, and environment at risk and may result in detentions, job bans, or legal penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_can_I_verify_if_my_CoC_or_STCW_certificate_is_genuine\"><\/span><strong>3. How can I verify if my CoC or STCW certificate is genuine?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seafarers and agencies can verify the authenticity of certificates through DGMA online portals such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/indian-coc-revalidations-nautical-guide\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/indian-coc-revalidations-nautical-guide\/\">CoC<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/electro-technical-rating-cop\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/electro-technical-rating-cop\/\">CoP<\/a> Verification Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contacting the nearest Mercantile Marine Department (<a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/mmd-mumbai-about-us\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/mmd-mumbai-about-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MMD<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Which_foreign_CoCs_are_recognized_by_India\"><\/span><strong>4. Which foreign CoCs are recognized by India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India recognises CoCs and CoPs from countries with mutual STCW agreements such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Malaysia (2001)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UAE (2017)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Korea (2018)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweden (2019)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UK (2022)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iran (2022)<br>Certificates must still be verified and endorsed under STCW Regulation I\/10.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_happens_if_a_seafarer_is_found_with_a_fake_certificate\"><\/span><strong>5. What happens if a seafarer is found with a fake certificate?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The seafarer faces a <strong>mandatory 2-year sailing ban<\/strong>, immediate <strong>suspension of CDC<\/strong>, and <strong>blocking of their INDoS profile<\/strong>. Legal actions may also be initiated under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/understanding-the-preliminary-of-merchant-shipping-act-2025\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/understanding-the-preliminary-of-merchant-shipping-act-2025\/\">Merchant Shipping Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On July 18, 2025, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) released Circular No. 31\/2025\u2014a critical directive aimed at eliminating fake maritime certifications and strengthening the standards of crew training under international maritime conventions. The circular reiterates compliance with STCW, SOLAS, and ISM Code regulations and puts the responsibility on shipowners, RPSL agencies, and seafarers &#8230; <a title=\"DGMA Circular 31\/2025: Ban on Fake Maritime Certificates &amp; Essential STCW Safety Guidelines\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-31-2025-stcw-safety-guideline\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about DGMA Circular 31\/2025: Ban on Fake Maritime Certificates &amp; Essential STCW Safety Guidelines\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[13,15,16],"class_list":["post-158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-marine","tag-certificates","tag-rules-and-penalties-in-maritime","tag-stcw-solas"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158","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\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=158"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2785,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions\/2785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}