{"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":"2026-04-07T10:28:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T10:28:03","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><strong>On July 18, 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Director 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overview of Relevant Conventions and Rules<\/strong><\/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\"><strong>India\u2019s Compliance with STCW &amp; SOLAS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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><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\"><strong>RPSL Agencies: First Line of Defense<\/strong><\/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\"><strong>Common Fraudulent Practices Uncovered<\/strong><\/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\"><strong>Mandatory Actions for All Maritime Stakeholders<\/strong><\/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 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\"><strong>Penalties Under Circular 31\/2025<\/strong><\/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\"><strong>Mutual Recognition of CoCs\/CoPs (As per Annexure)<\/strong><\/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 DG Shipping oversight<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Verify Authentic Certificates<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><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\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. What is DGMA Circular No. 31 of 2025?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>DGMA Circular No. 31\/2025, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping 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 DGMA -approved institutes in line with STCW, SOLAS, and ISM conventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Why is authentic certification important for seafarers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\"><strong>3. How can I verify if my CoC or STCW certificate is genuine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seafarers and agencies can verify the authenticity of certificates through DGMA Shipping\u2019s online portals such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dgshipping.gov.in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CoC\/CoP Verification Tool<\/a><\/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\"><strong>4. Which foreign CoCs are recognized by India?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>India recognizes 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\"><strong>5. What happens if a seafarer is found with a fake certificate?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 Merchant Shipping Act.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On July 18, 2025, the Director 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":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1710,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions\/1710"}],"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}]}}