Maritime law, rules and watchkeeping · Level P3 · 4 parts · about 12 min

India: the Merchant Shipping Act and DG Shipping requirements for deck officers

4 short parts: The new Acts · INDoS and CDC · CoC route · Recruitment. Each part explains the idea, then gives the points to remember, the common mistakes, a worked case and a practice question; the Academy unit adds all 23 check questions.

1 · The new Acts

The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 and India's other new maritime laws

In 2025 India passed five new maritime Acts. The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 has been in force since 15 March 2026.

The Merchant Shipping Act 2025

Parliament passed the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 (Act 24 of 2025) in August 2025. It received presidential assent on 18 August 2025. A government notification brought it into force on 15 March 2026. It replaces the Merchant Shipping Act 1958, which had been amended many times. It covers registration of Indian ships, seafarers, maritime education and training, safety, pollution, wrecks and salvage, in one modern text.

What was repealed

Section 324 repeals the 1958 Act, except Part XIV on coastal trade. That part is dealt with by the separate Coastal Shipping Act 2025. Under section 324(2), rules, orders and notifications made under the 1958 Act stay in force until revoked, as if made under the 2025 Act. This covers familiar rules, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Rules 2014. New rules are being issued in stages; check the latest notification.

A new name

Section 7 of the Act renamed the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA). The change took effect in June 2026. It is the same maritime administration under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It issues certificates, runs examinations, inspects ships and protects seafarers. Older documents and many web pages still say DG Shipping or DGS.

The other 2025 Acts

The Coastal Shipping Act 2025 (Act 20 of 2025), in force since 15 March 2026, governs trading along the Indian coast. It includes the licences foreign ships need to do so. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 2025 replaces the 1925 Act on carriers' liability. The Bills of Lading Act 2025 replaces the Bills of Lading Act of 1856. The Indian Ports Act 2025 replaces the Indian Ports Act of 1908.

Where to look

Primary texts are on India Code and in the Gazette of India. Rules, circulars and notices are on the DGMA website and portal. Check the Gazette notification to confirm when a law or rule starts to apply.

Key figures

Merchant Shipping Act 2025: Act 24 of 2025; assent 18 Aug 2025
In force: 15 March 2026
Repealed: Merchant Shipping Act 1958 (Part XIV via Coastal Shipping Act)
Old rules: Continue until revoked, as if made under the 2025 Act (s. 324(2))
DGMA: New name of DG Shipping since June 2026 (s. 7)
Coastal Shipping Act 2025: Act 20 of 2025; in force 15 March 2026

Remember

The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 has replaced the 1958 Act since 15 March 2026.
Rules made under the 1958 Act stay in force until revoked (s. 324(2)). Check for expiry, withdrawal and replacement.
DG Shipping is now the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).
Four companion Acts: Coastal Shipping, Carriage of Goods by Sea, Bills of Lading, Indian Ports.

Common mistakes

Wrong: The 2025 Act is still waiting to come into force.
Right: It has been in force since 15 March 2026, by government notification.
Wrong: With the 1958 Act gone, all its rules lapsed.
Right: Section 324(2) keeps rules and orders made under it in force until revoked, as if made under the 2025 Act.
Wrong: DGMA is a new authority that replaced DG Shipping's functions.
Right: It is the same administration under a new name.

Worked case

A cadet shows you a 2019 circular that quotes the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 and asks: "Is this still valid, now that the 1958 Act is repealed?"

Show the answer

Possibly. Check that the circular applies to your ship and situation, has not expired or been withdrawn. Section 324(2) keeps it in force until revoked, so check the Gazette and current DGMA notices for a revocation. An old Act reference alone does not invalidate it. Do not follow it just because you cannot find a replacement. Old section numbers may differ. Ask DGMA if unsure.

Practice question

An Act receives assent in August, but its commencement notification specifies the following March. When does it begin to apply?

On the date Parliament passes it
On the date presidential assent is given
On the notified commencement date
On the date DGMA updates its website

Show the answer

Answer: C. Assent and commencement are different. Check the commencement notification.

2 · INDoS and CDC

INDoS, the CDC, e-Samudra and medical fitness

Every Indian seafarer has an INDoS number, a CDC and an online profile. Keep the three consistent, or applications and sign-ons will be rejected.

INDoS

The Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS) gives each seafarer a permanent eight-character INDoS number. The first two characters are the year of issue, followed by a category code, such as N for nautical officers. You get it when you join your first approved course. Every certificate, course and exam result is linked to it, and employers must check it before engaging you.

The CDC

The Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-Seafarer's Identity Document (CDC) is your identity and sea-service book. It records when you join and leave a ship (sign-on and sign-off). It is separate from India's biometric Seafarer's Identity Document (SID), which uses fingerprints to verify identity. The 2026 eligibility change restricts the route based only on five basic STCW courses. Check DGS Order 12 of 2026 for the conditions and exemptions that apply to you.

e-Samudra

The DGMA's online portal, e-Samudra, replaced the old e-governance system. Profiles were moved to it on 15 January 2026. You use it to apply for certificates and revalidations, book examinations and check records. An application is rejected automatically if your data do not match the INDoS profile. Keep your name, date of birth and passport details exactly the same everywhere.

Medical fitness

Before you sail you need a medical fitness certificate from a DGMA-approved medical examiner. Under STCW it is valid for at most two years, or one year under 18. If it expires during a voyage, it remains valid until the next port where a recognised examiner is available, for up to three months.

Keep your papers

Carry your passport, CDC, certificate of competency (CoC), endorsements, course certificates and medical. Check their expiry dates before each contract. From 2026, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) training includes preventing and responding to violence and harassment. If you already serve at sea, complete the DGMA's required e-learning module while ashore.

Key figures

INDoS number: Permanent 8-character ID, e.g. year + category + digits
CDC: Identity and sea-service book; separate from biometric SID
e-Samudra: DGMA portal; profiles migrated 15 January 2026
Medical certificate: Max 2 years (1 year under 18); approved examiner

Remember

Your INDoS number is permanent and links every certificate and course.
The CDC records sea service; eligibility rules changed in 2026.
Apply through e-Samudra; data must match your INDoS profile exactly.
Medical from a DGMA-approved examiner, valid at most two years.

Common mistakes

Wrong: Any doctor's certificate is accepted for sea service.
Right: Only a DGMA-approved medical examiner can issue the seafarer's medical fitness certificate.
Wrong: Small spelling differences between your passport and INDoS do not matter.
Right: e-Samudra rejects applications whose data do not match the INDoS profile.

Worked case

A junior officer's revalidation application on e-Samudra keeps being rejected. His passport shows "Mohammed" and his INDoS profile "Mohd". His medical expires in three weeks, before his next contract. What do you advise?

Show the answer

Correct the INDoS profile using his passport as proof, then reapply through e-Samudra. Renew the medical with a DGMA-approved examiner before joining. Check its expiry against the voyage plan and any company or flag requirements. Arrange renewal before expiry; do not plan to rely on the limited mid-voyage extension. Keep the application receipts.

Practice question

What does the INDoS number do?

Links all your certificates and courses to one record
Gives you permission to sign on any foreign-flag ship
Replaces your passport for travel to join the ship
Shows your current rank on the ship's crew list

Show the answer

Answer: A. The INDoS number is a permanent identifier in the national seafarers' database.

3 · CoC route

From cadet to master: sea service, exams and revalidation

Indian deck officers climb three steps: second mate, chief mate and master. Each needs sea service, approved courses and an examination.

Getting in

There are two main pre-sea routes. The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is one year ashore, followed by about 18 months of sea service as a cadet. The B.Sc. Nautical Science is three years ashore, followed by about 12 months at sea. Entry is through the Indian Maritime University entrance test, with fitness and eyesight standards. During sea service you complete a Training Record Book under a structured shipboard programme.

Second mate

The Second Mate (FG) certificate of competency (CoC), where FG means foreign-going, is the Indian STCW II/1 watchkeeping certificate for ships of at least 500 gross tonnage (GT). You need qualifying service, a completed Training Record Book and approved courses, including advanced fire-fighting, medical first aid, survival craft, radar, the electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Complete the competency course and pass written and oral exams at a Mercantile Marine Department (MMD).

Chief mate and master

For Chief Mate (FG), complete the required watchkeeping-officer service, two-phase competency course and MMD exams. For Master (FG), complete the required officer service, advanced shipboard management course and exams. Before applying, check the current DGMA rules and orders for the exact months, qualifying rank and tonnage. Use the notified requirements rather than an approximate career-summary figure.

Revalidation

Every five years you must revalidate your CoC. That needs at least 12 months' sea service in the last five years, or 3 months in the last six months. If you do not meet these sea-service options, check which approved alternative DGMA accepts, such as equivalent duties or an approved test or course. Refresher training is needed for the STCW proficiencies too, such as basic training and advanced fire-fighting.

The rules behind it

These requirements come from the Merchant Shipping (STCW for Seafarers) Rules 2014 and DGMA orders, which stay in force under section 324(2) of the 2025 Act until revoked or replaced. New STCW Rules under Part IV of the 2025 Act were published as drafts for comment. Before each step, read the current DGMA notices. On a foreign-flag ship you also need that flag's endorsement of your Indian CoC.

Key figures

DNS route: 1 year ashore + about 18 months at sea
B.Sc. Nautical Science route: 3 years ashore + about 12 months at sea
Second Mate (FG): STCW II/1 watchkeeping officer; ships of 500 GT or more
Master (FG) guidance: Qualifying officer service: check current DGMA rules and orders
Revalidation: Every 5 years: 12 months in 5 years or 3 in last 6
Exams: DGMA written and oral, at the MMDs

Remember

Two pre-sea routes: DNS plus about 18 months at sea, or a B.Sc. plus about 12 months.
Second Mate (FG) is the STCW II/1 watchkeeping certificate.
Each grade needs sea service, courses and DGMA exams at an MMD.
Revalidate every five years: 12 months in five years or 3 months in the last six.

Common mistakes

Wrong: Sea service on any vessel counts the same towards your CoC.
Right: Only approved service of the right kind, tonnage and capacity counts. Check the DGMA requirement.
Wrong: Your CoC stays valid as long as your CDC does.
Right: Revalidate your CoC every five years through qualifying sea service or another DGMA-approved route.
Wrong: An Indian CoC is all you need on a Panama-flag ship.
Right: You also need Panama's endorsement attesting recognition of your CoC.

Worked case

A chief officer has spent four years ashore as a superintendent. His CoC expires in two months. In the last five years he has 8 months' sea service, none in the last six months. Can he revalidate on sea service alone?

Show the answer

No. He has less than 12 months in five years and nothing in the last six months. Ask DGMA whether his superintendent duties qualify; otherwise complete the approved alternative it requires. He should also check his STCW refresher courses and medical, and apply through e-Samudra in good time.

Practice question

Which STCW certificate does the Indian Second Mate (FG) CoC correspond to?

STCW II/1, officer in charge of a watch
STCW II/2, chief mate on large ships
STCW II/4, rating in a navigational watch
STCW IV/2, GMDSS radio operator

Show the answer

Answer: A. Second Mate (FG) is the STCW II/1 certificate for officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more.

4 · Recruitment

Recruitment agencies (RPS), contracts and your protection

If you use an Indian recruitment agency, check its RPSL. It must not charge you for finding a job.

Why licensing

Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), regulation 1.4, private recruitment and placement services (RPS) must be licensed. They may not charge seafarers for finding a job, and they must check that the shipowner meets the MLC. They must keep a register of the seafarers they place and hold insurance or similar cover in case they or the shipowner fail to pay. India ratified the MLC in 2015 and licenses these agencies through the DGMA.

The RPSL

An Indian agency needs a Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) from the DGMA. You can check an agency's licence number and validity on the DGMA website. New Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers Rules under the 2025 Act were notified in September 2026. They replaced the 2016 Rules and apply to agencies placing Indian seafarers on Indian and foreign ships.

Fees and fraud

You must not pay recruitment or placement fees. You may bear permitted personal-document costs, such as your passport, statutory medical certificate and national seafarer's book. The shipowner pays visa costs. Do not pay for a berth (a job on a ship). Reject unverifiable licences and demands to surrender original certificates. Be wary of job offers without an interview. Check the agency on the DGMA website and report suspected fraud.

Before you sign

Read your seafarer employment agreement (SEA) before signing; keep your signed original. Check the wages, contract length, leave, repatriation and the collective agreement. Check the ship's MLC certificate where certification is required, and its evidence of financial security for abandonment. The agency must give you this information. Sign-on must be recorded in your CDC and through the agency's records.

When things go wrong

Use the ship's on-board complaint procedure. You may also complain directly to the master or appropriate outside authorities. Contact the agency and DGMA promptly over unpaid wages or abandonment. Check current DGMA deployment advisories before accepting a berth. Your wider MLC rights are covered in Human factors.

Key figures

MLC basis: Regulation 1.4: recruitment and placement
Indian licence: RPSL, issued by the DGMA
Current rules: RPS Rules 2026 under the 2025 Act (Sept 2026)
Fees: No fee for the job itself
India and the MLC: Ratified 2015

Remember

An Indian recruitment agency must hold a valid RPSL; you may also apply directly to a shipping company.
It may not charge you for the job; check its licence on the DGMA website.
Read your SEA before signing; keep your signed original.
Report fake agents and unpaid wages to the DGMA.

Common mistakes

Wrong: Paying an agent a placement fee is normal if the job is good.
Right: A licensed RPS may not charge you for the job. A request for money is a warning sign.
Wrong: An agency's office and website prove it is licensed.
Right: Check its RPSL number and validity on the DGMA website.

Worked case

A friend has been offered a third officer's berth by an agency on social media. It asks for ₹1.5 lakh as a "processing fee" and his original CoC by courier. The agency's website shows a licence number. What do you tell him?

Show the answer

Do not pay or send the original CoC. Check the RPSL validity and match the listed agency name and contact details against the offer. Verify the offer through independently obtained official contacts. Report the prohibited fee demand and any suspected impersonation to DGMA, even if the licence is genuine. Keep the offer and payment request as evidence. Use licensed agencies or apply directly to known shipping companies.

Practice question

A licensed agency asks you to pay a placement fee and your joining visa costs. What is correct?

You pay both charges if the SEA lists them
You owe no placement fee; the owner pays visas
You pay visa costs; the owner pays the job fee
You pay the job fee; the owner pays visa costs

Show the answer

Answer: B. A valid RPSL does not allow recruitment or placement fees. The shipowner pays visa costs. Permitted personal-document costs include your passport, statutory medical certificate and national seafarer's book.