India’s maritime regulator, Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has announced major reforms in the issuance of Indian Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) in an effort to curb fraudulent recruitment practices and improve the quality of seafarer training across the industry.
Effective from August 1, 2026, Indian CDCs will no longer be issued solely on the basis of completing the 5 basic STCW safety courses. Going forward, candidates must complete DG Shipping-approved pre-sea training programs to become eligible for CDC issuance.
The move comes amid growing concerns over fake agents and unauthorized recruiters allegedly exploiting aspiring seafarers by promising Merchant Navy jobs in exchange for large sums of money. In many cases, candidates were enrolled only in basic STCW courses, issued CDCs without structured maritime training, and later left unemployed or placed on poorly regulated foreign vessels.
DG Shipping has acknowledged receiving multiple complaints and FIRs related to such fraudulent activities, prompting the introduction of stricter eligibility requirements and tighter monitoring measures.
Under the revised framework, CDC eligibility will also extend to:
- Agniveers
- Retired Indian Navy personnel
- Certified cooks
- Hospitality sector candidates
- Certificate of Competency (CoC) holders
The regulator has also cautioned maritime institutes against marketing standalone 5 basic STCW courses as a shortcut to obtaining CDCs. Institutes found violating the regulations may face suspension or cancellation of approval.
In another important development, GP Rating courses will now reserve 25% of seats for candidates from technical trades such as welding, fitter, mechanic, electrical, plumbing, and computer backgrounds. Additionally, the upper age limit for GP Rating admissions has been increased from 25 to 28 years.
DG Shipping clarified that CDC applications submitted before August 1, 2026, will continue to be processed under the existing rules, and all previously issued CDCs will remain valid.