{"id":235,"date":"2025-08-02T17:32:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T17:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=235"},"modified":"2026-04-04T06:26:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T06:26:44","slug":"dgs-order-08-2025-foreign-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-order-08-2025-foreign-training\/","title":{"rendered":"DGMA Order No. 08 of 2025: Crackdown on Foreign Maritime Training in India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>India\u2019s maritime regulatory authority, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)<\/a><\/strong>, has issued <strong>Order No. 08 of 2025<\/strong> to prohibit any foreign government, maritime administration, or institution from conducting STCW training in India without prior approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/training-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"safeguard Indian seafarers\" class=\"wp-image-236 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/training-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/training-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/training-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/training.webp 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> This decisive move aims to <strong>safeguard Indian seafarers<\/strong> from unregulated training and reinforce the authority of Indian maritime standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Was the Order Issued?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The DGMA observed a surge in unauthorized training programs being delivered in India by foreign entities, some under the pretext of virtual learning, and others via unauthorized tie-ups. These institutions often claimed to issue <strong>Certificates of Competency (CoC)<\/strong> and <strong>Certificates of Proficiency (CoP)<\/strong> under foreign flags \u2014 <strong>without Indian approval<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such activities undermine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The integrity of Indian maritime training<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s obligations under <strong>IMO conventions<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sovereign role of DGMA as per the <strong>Merchant Shipping Act, 1958<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Section 86 of the Act clearly states<\/em>:<br>\u201cNo training shall be deemed valid unless it is approved by the Central Government.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What the Order Prohibits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As per DGMA Order No. 08 of 2025, the following activities are strictly banned <strong>within Indian territory or accessible online from India<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Not Permitted<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Conducting any STCW courses by foreign institutions without DGMA approval<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Promoting or advertising unauthorized maritime training in India<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Issuing CoC\/CoP certifications to Indian seafarers via unauthorized platforms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even <strong>online or distance learning platforms<\/strong> targeting Indian nationals fall under this ban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Penalties for Violators<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Any individual, organization, or training institute violating this order may face:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blacklisting<\/strong> of Indian institutions or seafarers involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal action<\/strong> under the Merchant Shipping Act &amp; Information Technology Act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rejection of certifications<\/strong> obtained from unauthorized sources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes foreign players collaborating with Indian partners without explicit approval from DGMA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Foreign Maritime Administrations Must Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a foreign government or training body wishes to offer STCW courses in India, they must submit a formal proposal to DGMA, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Requirement<\/th><th>Details Needed<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Course Structure<\/td><td>Must align with STCW 1978 (as amended)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Trainer Credentials<\/td><td>Qualification &amp; background of instructors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mode of Delivery<\/td><td>Specify whether online, in-person, or hybrid<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Partnership Declaration<\/td><td>Names of DGMA-approved Indian MTIs (if collaborating)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"foreign entity \u2192 DGS approval \u2192 allowed training path\" class=\"wp-image-238 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image.webp 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Until DGMA approval is granted, <strong>no activity may commence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Immediate Suspension of Ongoing Foreign Courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Institutions currently delivering foreign STCW training in India are directed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cease all training immediately<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit full details to <\/strong>DGMA for investigation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes <strong>modular short courses<\/strong>, <strong>CoC<\/strong>, or <strong>CoP<\/strong> training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This directive protects <strong>Indian seafarers from substandard training<\/strong> that could risk their international employability or safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Seafarers Can Stay Safe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Indian seafarers must verify that their maritime training comes from <strong>DGMA-approved MTIs<\/strong>. Enrolling in unauthorized foreign courses, even online, can make their <strong>certifications invalid for global shipping firms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before joining any course, you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confirm the MTI is on the official list at <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/<\/a><br>Check the <strong>RPSL company<\/strong> offering placement at <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">RPSL Directory<\/a><br>Choose <strong>DGMA-approved doctors<\/strong> for your medicals via <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/doctors\/\">Doctors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>DGMA<\/strong> <strong>Order No. 08 of 2025<\/strong> is a bold yet necessary step to reinforce India\u2019s maritime governance. With this order, India asserts its position on the global stage by ensuring all seafarers receive <strong>regulated, quality-assured maritime education<\/strong> under national control. Seafarers, training institutes, and shipping companies must stay vigilant and avoid foreign training setups that <strong>lack DGMA<\/strong> <strong>clearance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q1. Can I take STCW courses from a foreign website if I&#8217;m in India?<\/strong><br><strong>A:<\/strong> No, not unless the foreign entity has DGMA&#8217;s prior written approval.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q2. What happens if I already took such a course?<\/strong><br><strong>A:<\/strong> It may be rejected by DGMA, and your CoC\/CoP may be considered invalid.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q3. Are there any approved foreign institutions in India?<\/strong><br><strong>A:<\/strong> Only those with written DGMA approval. Check <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/<\/a> for verification.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q4. Do Indian MTIs need DGMA approval to partner with foreign trainers?<\/strong><br><strong>A:<\/strong> Yes, they must submit full collaboration details and await DGMA sanction.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction India\u2019s maritime regulatory authority, the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), has issued Order No. 08 of 2025 to prohibit any foreign government, maritime administration, or institution from conducting STCW training in India without prior approval. This decisive move aims to safeguard Indian seafarers from unregulated training and reinforce the authority of Indian maritime &#8230; <a title=\"DGMA Order No. 08 of 2025: Crackdown on Foreign Maritime Training in India\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-order-08-2025-foreign-training\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about DGMA Order No. 08 of 2025: Crackdown on Foreign Maritime Training in India\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":236,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[20,21],"class_list":["post-235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marine","tag-dgs-order-2025","tag-maritime-training-in-india"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235","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=235"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1594,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235\/revisions\/1594"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}