{"id":63,"date":"2025-06-06T12:16:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T12:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=63"},"modified":"2026-08-24T06:11:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T06:11:51","slug":"dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/","title":{"rendered":"DGMA Circular 2025: Strict Action Against Forged CDC Entries in Indian Maritime Sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#DGMA_Circular_2025_No_More_Fake_Sea_Service_in_CDCs\" >DGMA Circular 2025: No More Fake Sea Service in CDCs<\/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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Why_is_the_CDC_Important\" >Why is the CDC Important?<\/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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#What_Does_the_Law_Say\" >What Does the Law Say?<\/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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Key_Directions_for_Stakeholders\" >Key Directions for Stakeholders<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#For_RPSL_Agencies_Shipping_Companies\" >For RPSL Agencies &amp; Shipping Companies:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Consequences_of_Forgery\" >Consequences of Forgery<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Responsibilities_of_Other_Stakeholders\" >Responsibilities of Other Stakeholders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Final_Word\" >Final Word<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#What_is_a_Continuous_Discharge_Certificate_CDC\" >What is a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#What_happens_if_a_fake_entry_is_found_in_a_CDC\" >What happens if a fake entry is found in a CDC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Who_can_make_entries_in_a_CDC\" >Who can make entries in a CDC?<\/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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#What_should_I_do_if_I_suspect_a_fake_CDC_entry\" >What should I do if I suspect a fake CDC entry?<\/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-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/#Can_an_RPSL_license_be_cancelled_for_fake_CDC_entries\" >Can an RPSL license be cancelled for fake CDC entries?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DGMA_Circular_2025_No_More_Fake_Sea_Service_in_CDCs\"><\/span>DGMA Circular 2025: No More Fake Sea Service in CDCs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA)<\/a>, Government of India<\/strong>, has issued a new draft circular in 2025 to stop fake or fraudulent entries in <strong>Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs)<\/strong> used by Indian seafarers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This step comes after several cases were found where sea service records were forged \u2014 falsely showing that seafarers had served on ships they never actually joined. In many cases, <strong>unauthorized stamps<\/strong> were used by unlicensed agents or companies pretending to be valid RPSL holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_the_CDC_Important\"><\/span>Why is the CDC Important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CDC is a legal document<\/strong> under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. It officially records the sea service of Indian seafarers and is required for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Job applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Career progression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International compliance under <strong>STCW<\/strong> and <strong>MLC, 2006<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If its credibility is compromised, it affects the <strong>global image<\/strong> of Indian seafarers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_the_Law_Say\"><\/span>What Does the Law Say?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the <strong>Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023<\/strong>, any person who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forges or changes a CDC, work certificate, or discharge certificate, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses such a fake document,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">can be <strong>fined up to \u20b92,00,000<\/strong> by the <strong>Principal Officer of the MMD<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Directions_for_Stakeholders\"><\/span>Key Directions for Stakeholders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The circular clearly outlines <strong>who must do what<\/strong> to stop fake CDC entries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_RPSL_Agencies_Shipping_Companies\"><\/span>For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">RPSL Agencies <\/a>&amp; Shipping Companies:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t make or allow false entries in any CDC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only the ship\u2019s Master or a valid company representative can sign service records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter all sea service data into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/key-circulars-e-governance-maritime-india\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/key-circulars-e-governance-maritime-india\/\">DGMA\u2019s e-Governance system<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Report any suspected fraud to MMD or DG  immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consequences_of_Forgery\"><\/span>Consequences of Forgery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/rpsl\/\">RPSL agency<\/a> or company involved in fake entries can face:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suspension or cancellation of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/rpsl-license\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/rpsl-license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RPSL licence<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blacklisting for up to 5 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fines and legal action under the amended Merchant Shipping Act.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notification to international maritime authorities (P&amp;I Clubs, Flag States, PSC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Responsibilities_of_Other_Stakeholders\"><\/span>Responsibilities of Other Stakeholders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bodies like <strong>INSA, FOSMA, MASSA, ICSSA, CLIA<\/strong>, seafarers&#8217; unions, maritime training institutes, and RPSL companies are required to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create internal safeguards to prevent fraud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educate staff, crew, and students on legal compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect seafarers from illegal agents or scams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Word\"><\/span>Final Word<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This circular is an important step to <strong>clean up malpractices<\/strong> in the Indian maritime sector. It aims to <strong>protect genuine seafarers<\/strong>, uphold international reputation, and ensure transparency and trust in the CDC system.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1749211424524\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Continuous_Discharge_Certificate_CDC\"><\/span>What is a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A CDC is an official document that records the sea service history of Indian seafarers. It is required by law and internationally recognized.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1749211439313\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_a_fake_entry_is_found_in_a_CDC\"><\/span>What happens if a fake entry is found in a CDC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The person or company responsible may face a fine up to \u20b92,00,000, suspension of license, and blacklisting.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1749211456025\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_can_make_entries_in_a_CDC\"><\/span>Who can make entries in a CDC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Only the Master of the vessel or an authorised company representative can make or sign sea service entries based on actual onboard service.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1749211472649\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_I_do_if_I_suspect_a_fake_CDC_entry\"><\/span>What should I do if I suspect a fake CDC entry?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Report it immediately to the jurisdictional MMD or <a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGMA<\/a>\u2019s Crew Branch.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1749211495913\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_an_RPSL_license_be_cancelled_for_fake_CDC_entries\"><\/span>Can an RPSL license be cancelled for fake CDC entries?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Involvement in forged CDC entries can lead to suspension or cancellation of the RPSL license and blacklisting for up to 5 years.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DGMA Circular 2025: No More Fake Sea Service in CDCs The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), Government of India, has issued a new draft circular in 2025 to stop fake or fraudulent entries in Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs) used by Indian seafarers. This step comes after several cases were found where sea service records &#8230; <a title=\"DGMA Circular 2025: Strict Action Against Forged CDC Entries in Indian Maritime Sector\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/dgs-circular-2025-strict-action-against-forged-cdc-entries\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about DGMA Circular 2025: Strict Action Against Forged CDC Entries in Indian Maritime Sector\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":72,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marine"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63","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=63"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2827,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63\/revisions\/2827"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}