- Violators Face Legal Action and Blacklisting Under New Order.
- Indian Institutes Ordered to Halt Foreign-Affiliated STCW Courses.
- Unauthorised Seafarer Certificates to Be Rejected as Invalid.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has put a stop to all foreign governments, maritime agencies, institutions, and representatives from providing maritime training in India, whether it’s in-person, online, or through distance learning, if that training results in the issuance of seafarers’ certificates under the STCW Convention. Any foreign entity looking to conduct such training in India must first get written approval from the Directorate, reports Marine Insight.
Strict Penalties for Unauthorised Training
The DG Shipping has made it clear that any violations will lead to serious regulatory and legal repercussions. This includes blacklisting Indian institutions, agents, or seafarers who are involved in unauthorised training programs. Such cases will be taken up under the Merchant Shipping Act and the Information Technology Act. Certificates obtained from unapproved training will be considered invalid and not authentic.
Indian Institutions Ordered to Halt Foreign Training Programs
Indian maritime institutions that are currently offering STCW-related training or short-term courses on behalf of foreign entities have been ordered to cease these activities immediately. They must provide details of these programs to DG Shipping. Additionally, Indian ship owners, managers, Maritime Training Institutions, and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies have been instructed not to work with foreign training providers and to report any attempts to do so.
Certification Standards and Compliance
The STCW Convention, which was adopted by the IMO, establishes global standards for the training and certification of seafarers. It mandates adherence to strict criteria, including service experience, professional training, examinations, health standards, and age requirements. This directive is aimed at ensuring that Indian seafarers meet these international standards and receive training only from recognised and credible sources.
Foreign Entities Must Seek Approval
If foreign institutions want to carry out maritime training in India, they need to submit a formal proposal to the DG Shipping and get prior approval. This step is part of a larger initiative to uphold the integrity and global reputation of India’s maritime training system.
July 18 Circular Triggers Protests
On July 18, 2025, the DG Shipping released a circular that prevents Indian seafarers with certificates from non-recognised maritime administrations from working on foreign-flagged ships. This has sparked significant concern among Indian seafarers, who are worried about potential job losses. A group of affected seafarers has taken their case to the Bombay High Court, asking for the circular to be revoked.
Seafarers Protest, Demand Withdrawal of Circular
On Thursday, members of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) held a protest outside the DG Shipping office, calling for the circular to be withdrawn. FSUI argued that this order threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Indian seafarers, putting their careers and financial stability at risk.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Marine Insight
