Introduction
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has released a draft order in 2025 proposing major changes to the issuance of the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) for Indian seafarers.
This decision comes in response to rising fraud cases, increasing unemployment among freshers, and a surge in global seafarer abandonment. The draft has created serious confusion among future seafarers, especially those planning to enter the Merchant Navy through the basic STCW course route.
This blog explains everything in a clear and practical way.
Why This Draft Was Introduced
DG Shipping has highlighted a growing problem in the maritime sector. Many unauthorized agents are misleading young aspirants, particularly from rural areas, by promising high-paying jobs at sea.
In reality, these candidates are often:
- Charged large fees
- Given only short-term STCW training
- Left without proper job placement
In many cases, candidates are either unemployed or placed on substandard vessels and sometimes even abandoned.
As per the draft data:
- 899 Indian seafarers were abandoned in 2024
- This is an 87% increase compared to 2023
- Around 3.25 lakh candidates already hold CDC obtained through STCW-only route but are still waiting for jobs
This clearly shows a mismatch between training and actual employment opportunities.
Major Change: STCW-Only Route for CDC Discontinued
Earlier, candidates could obtain CDC by completing only five basic STCW courses:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Security Training for Seafarers (STSDSD)
This pathway has now been completely discontinued.
Under the new draft, CDC will not be issued if a candidate has only completed STCW courses. Additional qualifications are now mandatory.
New Eligibility for CDC
As per the draft, CDC will be issued only to candidates belonging to specific categories, along with completion of the five basic STCW courses.
These categories include:
Pre-Sea Training Candidates
Candidates who have completed DG Shipping approved pre-sea training courses such as GP Rating, Deck Cadet, or Engine Cadet.
Agniveer Candidates
Candidates with a valid Agniveer discharge certificate.
Hospitality Sector Candidates
Candidates with a degree or diploma in hotel management or hospitality along with completion of the OCCP course. CDC issued in this category will be limited to cruise ships.
Ex-Indian Navy Personnel
Candidates with a valid discharge certificate from the Indian Navy.
Technical Trade Candidates
Candidates with ITI, diploma, or degree in trades such as fitter, electrician, mechanic, plumbing, or equivalent. Certified welders approved by recognized classification societies are also eligible.
Certified Cooks
Candidates holding a Cook Certificate of Competency issued by the Government of India.
Certificate of Competency Holders
Candidates who already hold a valid Certificate of Competency.
Additional Documents Now Required for CDC
Earlier, candidates could apply for CDC with only STCW certificates.
Now, candidates must have at least one of the following additional documents:
- DG Shipping approved pre-sea training certificate
- ITI certificate or technical diploma or degree
- Agniveer discharge certificate
- Indian Navy discharge certificate
- Hospitality degree along with OCCP certification
- Cook Certificate of Competency
- Officer Certificate of Competency
Without these documents, CDC will not be issued under the new rules.
Confusion Among Future Seafarers
This draft has created a major concern among aspiring seafarers.
A common question being asked is whether they should still do STCW courses if they do not have any additional qualification.
The practical answer is no.
If a candidate completes STCW courses without having any of the required additional qualifications, they will not be eligible for CDC. This means they will not be able to join a vessel, and the money spent on courses may be wasted.
This situation has led to confusion among thousands of students, especially those from smaller towns who were planning to enter the Merchant Navy through the low-cost STCW route.
How Many Students Are Affected
The impact of this draft is significant.
- Around 3.25 lakh candidates already have CDC but are still unemployed
- Thousands of new aspirants were planning to take the STCW route in 2026
- A large number of future seafarers are now uncertain about their career path
This change will mainly affect first-time job seekers and those without technical or formal maritime training.
New Rules for Training Institutes
DG Shipping has also issued strict instructions to maritime training institutes.
Institutes are no longer allowed to:
- Promote STCW courses as a pathway to obtain CDC
- Mislead candidates through advertisements
Strict action will be taken against institutes that violate these guidelines.
Other Important Changes
To improve the quality of seafarers, additional measures have been proposed.
Fifty percent of seats in GP Rating courses will be reserved for candidates with technical qualifications such as ITI or diploma.
The upper age limit for GP Rating courses has been increased from 25 to 28 years, providing more opportunities for candidates.
DG Shipping will also run awareness campaigns to educate students and parents about genuine career pathways and prevent fraud.
What Should You Do Now
If you are planning to join the Merchant Navy, you should follow structured and approved pathways.
You can consider:
- GP Rating course from a DG Shipping approved institute
- ITI or diploma followed by STCW courses
- Approved pre-sea training programs
You should avoid doing only STCW courses with the expectation of obtaining CDC.
Conclusion
The DG Shipping draft order represents a major shift in the Indian maritime industry. It aims to improve the quality of seafarers, reduce fraud, and align training with real job opportunities.
At the same time, it has created confusion among thousands of aspiring seafarers who were depending on the STCW-only route.
The new system clearly emphasizes that proper training and additional qualifications are essential to build a successful career in the Merchant Navy.