The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) in India has issued a significant directive that restricts foreign governments and agencies from conducting maritime training within the country unless they obtain prior written approval. This encompasses all forms of training—be it in-person, online, or distance learning—that could result in the issuance of seafarer certificates under the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention. Violations of this directive will have serious implications, potentially leading to the blacklisting of involved Indian institutions and seafarers, as well as regulatory actions under the Merchant Shipping Act and the Information Technology Act. Certificates obtained through unauthorized programs will not be recognized.
The STCW Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to set global benchmarks for the training and certification of seafarers, thus ensuring safety and environmental sustainability at sea. It mandates adherence to stringent criteria regarding service experience, professional training, examinations, and health standards for certification. In light of the new directive, Indian institutions providing STCW courses on behalf of foreign entities are required to cease operations immediately and report details of their programs to the DG Shipping.
The DG Shipping has also urged ship owners, maritime training institutions, and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies not to engage with foreign training entities and to report any attempts of such collaborations. Foreign organizations wishing to provide maritime training in India must formally apply for approval from the DG Shipping. This move aims to enhance the credibility of India’s maritime training framework and ensure that Indian seafarers receive high-quality, regulated training.
On July 18, 2025, a related circular was issued which barred Indian seafarers certified by unrecognized foreign maritime administrations from serving on foreign-flagged vessels. This regulation has raised concerns among seafarers, leading to fears of job losses. A petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the circular, and protests have been organized by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), which claims the directive jeopardizes the careers and financial stability of thousands of seafarers.
The new regulations are designed to uphold the training standards as per the IMO and DG Shipping guidelines, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of India’s maritime training system and its seafarers.
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