{"id":252,"date":"2025-08-05T19:15:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T19:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=252"},"modified":"2026-04-07T10:31:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T10:31:35","slug":"dg-shipping-addendum-circular-31-verification-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dg-shipping-addendum-circular-31-verification-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"New DGMA Shipping Rule 2025: Must-Know Addendum for Seafarers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)<\/a> has issued Addendum I to Circular No. 31 of 2025 dated 05 August 2025, reinforcing its commitment to curb fraudulent certification and promote maritime safety. This regulatory update emphasizes the mandatory verification of seafarer certificates issued by foreign administrations not listed in the original circular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The initiative has garnered wide support from seafarer unions and industry associations, recognizing the urgency to validate genuine Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) to safeguard maritime credentials. This aligns closely with recent regulatory measures like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-order-08-2025-foreign-training\/\">DGMA Order 08 of 2025 on foreign training<\/a>, which emphasizes stricter scrutiny of overseas maritime education and documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1024x512.webp\" alt=\"Seafarer Certificate\" class=\"wp-image-253 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification.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\/512;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Must Follow the New Certificate Verification Rules?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This circular is mandatory for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seafarers holding certificates from foreign administrations not listed in Circular No. 31.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies<\/a> that deployed these seafarers.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ship owners, ship managers, and industry stakeholders involved in the recruitment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Deadlines You Can\u2019t Miss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initial Notice Date: 21 July 2025<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submission Deadline by RPSL Agencies: 31 July 2025 (for initial list of seafarers)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Document Submission Deadline: Within 30 days from the date of Addendum (i.e., by 4 September 2025)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Seafarers Can Submit Their Certificates (Step-by-Step)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.Submission Only via Approved RPSL Agencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All submissions must be made through the DGMA-approved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">RPSL agency<\/a> that engaged the seafarer in their most recent contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Required Documents for Each Seafarer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seafarers must submit scanned color copies (not exceeding 20MB) of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CoC\/CoP from non-listed State Parties<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STCW Modular Courses relevant to CoC\/CoP<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competency Course Certificates<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sea Service Records from Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Notarized Affidavit confirming the authenticity of submitted documents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1-1024x512.webp\" alt=\"Required Documents for Each Seafarer\" class=\"wp-image-254 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Seafarer-Certificate-Verification-1.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\/512;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f Note: The affidavit must be sworn and signed by the seafarer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. File Preparation and Email Submission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">RPSL agencies<\/a> must prepare individual case files and submit them electronically to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For Marine Engineering: \ud83d\udce7 engg-stcw@gov.in<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For Nautical Stream: \ud83d\udce7 nt-stcw@gov.in<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Happens After You Submit Your Documents?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the documents are submitted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A DGMA Committee will verify the authenticity of the certificates<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment results will be emailed to the:<br>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered email ID of the seafarer<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RPSL agency<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Outcome<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the documents are genuine: Seafarers will be permitted to sail immediately<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If fraudulent: Cases will be reported to the issuing maritime administration for certificate cancellation<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DGMA<\/strong> <strong>Clarifies Misconceptions About the Addendum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid misinformation, the DGMA clarified the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No ban or prohibition has been placed on seafarers holding genuine certificates<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The circular is regulatory, not punitive<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seafarers can continue sailing if they hold authentic CoC\/CoP<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The verification process is solely to eliminate fraudulent practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These updates follow a series of regulatory changes, such as those highlighted in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-order-2025\/\">2025 DGMA Order<\/a> overview, aimed at improving transparency and compliance across India&#8217;s maritime sector.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who Needs to Act Now? (Affected Stakeholders)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following entities are required to take immediate action based on this addendum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dgshipping.gov.in\/Content\/mumbai.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mercantile Marine Departments<\/a> (<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>) \u2013 Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kandla, Kochi<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian National Ship-owners Association (INSA)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian Coastal Conference Shipping Association (ICCSA)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foreign Owners Representation and Ship-managers Association (FOSMA)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maritime Association of Ship-owners, Ship-managers, and Agents (MASSA)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All Seafarers and Maritime Unions<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why This Matters for the Maritime Sector<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This verification measure ensures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greater transparency in maritime recruitment<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance with the STCW Convention<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection of job opportunities for genuine Indian seafarers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1754407140195\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I sail if my certificate is under verification?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, as long as your certificate is genuine and submitted through the proper channel, you can continue sailing based on your rank.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1754407149255\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What if I missed the submission deadline?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Contact your RPSL agency immediately. Delayed submission may impact your eligibility until documents are verified.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1754407150356\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is there any fee for document verification?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There is no mention of a fee in the circular. However, notarization and scanning costs may be applicable.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1754407151284\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I submit documents directly to DGMA?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. Only DGMA-approved RPSL agencies can submit your documents for verification.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1754407175692\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What happens if my CoC is found to be fake?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Your case will be escalated to the issuing foreign maritime authority, and action may include cancellation of your certification.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1754407177507\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How can I search for DG Shipping-approved doctors?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/doctors\/\">find DGMA Shipping-approved doctors<\/a> by visiting the official DGMA website at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dgshipping.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.dgshipping.gov.in.<\/a> On the homepage, navigate to the \u201cMaritime Health\u201d or \u201cSeafarer\u201d section, and click on the \u201cApproved Doctors\u201d list. You can filter the search by location, country, or specialty to find a certified medical examiner near you for your medical fitness certificate. Always ensure the doctor is currently listed and valid under DGMA approvals before booking an appointment.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued Addendum I to Circular No. 31 of 2025 dated 05 August 2025, reinforcing its commitment to curb fraudulent certification and promote maritime safety. This regulatory update emphasizes the mandatory verification of seafarer certificates issued by foreign administrations not listed in the original circular. The initiative has &#8230; <a title=\"New DGMA Shipping Rule 2025: Must-Know Addendum for Seafarers\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dg-shipping-addendum-circular-31-verification-guide\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about New DGMA Shipping Rule 2025: Must-Know Addendum for Seafarers\">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":[],"class_list":["post-252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-marine"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252","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=252"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1713,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252\/revisions\/1713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}