India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a sweeping ban on the deployment of Indian seafarers holding certificates of competency (CoCs) and certificates of proficiency (CoPs) from a list of unverified foreign maritime authorities.
This action follows a wave of fraud cases involving fake training documents and improperly issued CoCs—mainly targeting Indian ratings seeking to fast-track their careers.
The move aims to protect the integrity of maritime standards and uphold the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Fraudulent Certification Ring Exposed
The DGS launched an investigation after Port State Control inspections and whistleblower reports revealed a troubling trend. Indian seafarers—especially ratings—were lured by agents promising officer-level CoCs from foreign administrations with little to no legitimate training. These so-called “packages” included forged course certificates from fictitious or unapproved maritime institutes, and were marketed as fast-track options to officer roles.
The fraud network reportedly involved agents operating both within India and overseas, offering illegitimate documents from countries such as Honduras, Belize, Togo, Gabon, and others often associated with flags of convenience. In many cases, seafarers were placed aboard foreign-flagged ships using these credentials, bypassing standard vetting procedures.
Official Response and Industry Impact
To contain the damage, the DGS has prohibited Indian Recruitment and Placement Services Licensees (RPSLs) from employing or deploying any seafarer holding such foreign CoCs or CoPs. Authorities have begun confiscating fake credentials and lodging criminal complaints against the agents involved. Moreover, they are actively coordinating with foreign maritime administrations to revoke illegitimate certificates and prevent future misuse.
This regulatory move has already affected hundreds of Indian crew members working under suspect CoCs, many of whom now face employment uncertainty and legal scrutiny. However, the DGS has clarified that its focus is on prosecuting the perpetrators—agents and fraudulent training providers—rather than seafarers who may have been deceived.
Upholding Maritime Safety and Training Standards
By acting decisively, the DGS seeks to reinforce its commitment to international maritime safety and training norms under the STCW Convention. It warns that the proliferation of unverified officers could jeopardise vessel safety, crew welfare, and India’s credibility in global shipping.
“The fundamental principles and objectives of the STCW Convention are being undermined,” the DGS noted, expressing concern that if these activities were left unchecked, the long-term damage to the maritime sector could be severe.
The directive serves as a wake-up call to the maritime industry to maintain robust due diligence and adhere to internationally recognised standards for crew certification and training.
India’s ban on seafarers holding fraudulent or unvetted foreign CoCs marks a major step in preserving the integrity of its maritime workforce. While the immediate impact may be disruptive, the crackdown is necessary to protect the safety, reputation, and future of Indian seafarers. The DGS has signalled that strong action will continue until such fraudulent practices are fully rooted out—ensuring a safer and more transparent path forward for maritime employment.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Splash247
