The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) in India has introduced significant measures to enhance the integrity of maritime training and certification, outlined in DGS Order No. 08 of 2025. This order prohibits foreign maritime administrations or representatives from conducting maritime training in India without prior written approval. This initiative is driven by growing concerns over fraudulent certifications and safety risks posed to the maritime sector.
Prohibition of Foreign Training
The order clarifies that no foreign government or agency may conduct or endorse maritime training within India unless expressly permitted by the DG Shipping. This includes training for obtaining Certificates of Competency (CoCs) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs). Reports indicated that several foreign administrations, including those from Panama and Honduras, had been allowing private Indian entities to provide such training without official sanction from Indian authorities. DG Shipping emphasizes that these actions contravene Indian law and the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. Entities breaching this order will face severe consequences, such as:
- Blacklisting of training institutions and seafarers.
- Legal action under the Merchant Shipping Act and Information Technology Act.
- Rejection of qualifications obtained through unauthorized training programs.
New Guidelines for Indian Seafarers
In addressing the misuse of foreign-issued CoCs, DG Shipping has implemented a declaration and verification process:
- Mandatory Declaration: Indian nationals must declare any foreign CoC via an online form, providing details such as validity and issuing authority.
- Verification Protocol: DG Shipping will verify the authenticity of these certificates with the respective foreign authorities. If any certificates appear suspicious, audits or further inquiries will be conducted.
- Employment Eligibility: Indian seafarers can only work on foreign-flagged vessels using these certificates if the issuing country has a valid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India.
- Legal Protections: Seafarers who do not declare their CoCs will lack legal protection under Indian maritime law, and DG Shipping will not intervene in disputes arising from undeclared certificates.
- Restrictions on CoC Upgrades: Sea-time accrued on undeclared foreign CoCs cannot be used for upgrades to Indian CoCs or refresher courses unless pre-approved by DG Shipping.
Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to blacklisting of the seafarer and punitive actions against employing companies. DG Shipping also encourages ship owners, recruitment companies, and maritime training institutes to report any unauthorized training schemes.
Conclusion
These initiatives reinforce India’s commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime training and certification, in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) protocols. By curtailing unauthorized training and certification practices, DG Shipping aims to promote quality and transparency while bolstering global confidence in Indian seafarers. This comprehensive mandate underscores efforts to enhance maritime safety, eliminate malpractice, and fortify India’s stature as a trusted supplier of skilled maritime professionals in the global shipping arena.
