How to become a Seafarer

This page is dedicated for the aspiring students who are planning to join merchant navy. The Merchant navy is engaged in transporting goods and people by sea and is purely a commercial operation....This is different from Navy which is a part of defence forces. There is a very exiting and rewarding sea life awaitng you, with lot of challenges. Before taking a decision, talk to some senior seafaras and understand the pros and cons of sea life. There are lot of fly-by night companies and fraudsters to recruit people with false offers and promises. One should be very cautious to avoid all these companies/agents who want to takeaway your money. It’s very important that the aspiring students are well aware of the correct procedures to join merchant navy and avoid get trapped by the fraudsters. In India, Directorate general of shipping (DGS) is the nodal agency to make rules and regulations regarding the qualification and eligibility of seafarers. All the rules and regulations are published in their website "dgshipping.gov.in". There are some training courses one has to attend to be a seafarer thorough out his/her sea life. Anyone want to became a Seafarer, he/she has to complete 5 basic safety course from a DG Shipping approved training Institute, appart from the main courses he/she has to undergone based on carrier path he/she chose. All aspiring seafarers has to obtain identity documents such as INDOS number, Continous discharge certificate (CDC) and Biometric seafarers idetity document (BSID) from shipping master, who is the designated wing of DG shipping dealing with crew matters. These are only identity related documents. There are many training and examinations which are related to the competency of the with respect to the function he/she has opted. The minimum age to join merchant navy is 18 years and minimum qualification is 10th standard pass for Ratings and 12th standard for officer cadets. Also, the candidate should be medically fit, certified by the DGS approved doctors which is very important as medical examination will be conducted once in every two years throughout your sea carrier. In medical fitness one of the important criteria is eye sight. So prior taking a decision to join the merchant navy one should consult a DG Shipping approved doctor to ensure that all medical criteria is fully complied. Presently all officer catogory students are required to under go common entrance test conducted by Indian maritime university every year. The questions are +2 level focusing on basic knowaldge of English Matematics and Physics. Show More ...

seafarer

Application for CDC
Log-in for CDC application

Application for CDC: click to ‘CDC Management after login in the above link. Follow the instructions. For correction in CDC database and the CDC booklet such as expiry date/issue date.../passport number etc are to be directly taken up with respective Shipping Master office. The photograph and signature to be uploaded with correct size as per the instructions or it will be rejected. After uploading the same, the candidate may submit the application only after checking that the scanned photograph or signature properly fits in the respective fields. If not, it has to be re uploaded. Show More

Norway

Linking of INDOS Number
DGS Eng. Cir.6 of 2013
DGS Eng. Cir. 01 of 2022

Integration/updation of Data E profile 1. There may be instances where the CDC details are not available in the INDoS checker & vice versa.All the seafarers are requested to once login ...to the CDC checker and check Integration/updation of Data E profile 1. There may be instances where the CDC details are not available in the INDoS checker & vice versa.All the seafarers are requested to once login to the CDC checker and check whether the CDC details are visible in CDC checker. In cases the details are not visible in CDC checker, then the candidate may please fill and submit an online application available at (http://220.156.189.33/IndosApplication/Indos/CDCChecker.jsp) after which an online application number would be generated. The said application will be processed by respective Shipping Master office. Queries with respect to such application may please be taken up with the respective Shipping Master office, by sending email to the IDs given above with a copy to the supervisory officer.The application number may please be mentioned in the e-mail.2. In those cases, wherein the CDC details are visible in the checker, but the INDOS number is not reflected or incorrectly reflected in the CDC details, it indicates that the CDC and INDOS data requires integration. In such cases, the seafarer may please fill the excel sheet given therein and forward the same by e-mail to the respective shipping master. The Shipping Master office, after necessary verification would, forward the same to e-Governance cell for integration. The correct data would be automatically reflected, once the integration is carried out. Time required for the same would be seven working days.3. All the seafarers are requested to carry out the above exercise so that the CDC details and INDOS details are suitably updated and any potential delay in issuance of renewal/duplicate/replacement CDC later can be avoided. Show More

Norway

Master Checker
DGS Order 18 of 2022
Add.to DGS Order 20 of 2022

All indian seafarers have been provided with the facility to view his/her online data in the master Checker attached to his profile. This incude CDC details, Training details, sea service details, COC details,... details of other certificates like Watch keeping, Dangerous Cargo endorsement, GMDSS etc. This data is uploaded in the system by the issuing agencies. Therefore, the data to be checked frequently and if there is any corrections required, then the candidates has to approach the respective agencies such as INDOS cell or for: • CDC details- Respective Shipping Master • Training details- Respective Training Institute • COC details- DG Shipping/ E-Governace • WKC/Dangerous Cargo/GMDSS- Respective MMDs • Sea service details- Shipping Company if Articles of Agreement is to be uploaded or RPSL if the Form –III A is to be uploaded.(RPSL cannot uploaded the data which is more than three months old). The RPSL agencies, Maritime Training institutes and the Ship owners are requested to upload the data regularly in time, so as to avoid difficulties to seafarers at the time of the assessment for examination or endorsements. Show More

Norway

Entrance exam by IMU

Indan Maritime University (IMU) conducts a Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) every year on All India basis for admissions to its courses for IMU campuses and Affiliated Institutes. ...As per DGS Training Circular 12 of 2020 dated 01.04.2020, all MTIs regulated by DG Shipping are required to admit candidates on the basis of IMU-CET making IMU-CET mandatory for admission to DGS approved Courses Hence Candidates seeking admission in Diploma in Nautical Science, B.Sc (Nautical Science), and B.E/B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) to any MTI (Govt. or Private- Affiliated to any University) are required to qualify in IMU-CET Show More

... Show More

Norway

MERCANTILE MARINE DEPARTMENT (MMD)

MMDs are under the administrative control of Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), administers implementation of MS act. ...All examination, endorsements of revalidation coc are dealt with at this office. Survey and certification of ships and Registration of ships and related ativities are also dealt with MMDs. Statutory certification encompassing international conventions like SOLAS, MARPOL, Int. Load Line etc, Survey during construction of ships; shipping casualties inquires & investigation; participation in search & rescue; Inspection and approval of statutory equipments e.g life saving and fire fighting appliances, GMDSS, navigational aids, pollution prevention equipments etc; Supervision of repairs and construction of ships on behalf of State and Central Govt. Organizations ; Flag State Implementation and Port State Control inspections; ISM & ISPS audits. Show More

Norway

GOVERNMENT SHIPPING OFFICE

Government Shipping Officeat Mumbai(Emaid: sm-mum-ship@gov.in), Kolkata(Email Id: sm-kol-ship@gov.in) and Chennai(Email Id: sm-chn-ship@gov.in) are established under Section 11 of MS ... Act 1958 are responsible for monitoring the engagementand discharge of seafarers, settlement of disputes between the seafarers and their employers, issue of continuous discharge certificates (CDC) conduct of enquiries into death onboard ships etc.The Govt. Shipping Office is headed by the Shipping Master. All CDC/BSID related issues are dealt by shipping master. This include issuence of CDC, revalidation, relacement of CDC Show More

GP/Saloon Rating

How to become GP Rating in a ship

The six months General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (Government of India). On successful completion of this course, the candidates will be eligible to join in Indian/Foreign Shipping companies as a Deck/Engine crew. With further , ... they would be promoted as Motorman/Oilman, Fitter, Deck serang, Able-Bodied Seamen, Bosun. They can also be promoted to officer Level with certain service and qualification requirements on passing the examinations conducted by DGS.Candidates should have passed “Xth Standard” from a recognized educational board with Science and Mathematics as subjects. The marks obtained should be 40% overall and 40% in the English language alone.Minimum educational qualification requirement is relaxed from “Xth Standard Passed” to “VIII Standard Passed”, to the candidates who are natives of Minicoy Island belonging to Scheduled Tribe in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.Age: 17.5 to 25 years (for diploma or degree holders, the age limit is extended to 27 years) of age at the time of commencement of the course. Show More

Duties of GP Rating onboard ship

A GP rating (General Purpose rating) is an entry-level position in the merchant navy. The main duties of a GP rating on board include:Watchkeeping: GP ratings are responsible for standing watch and keeping a lookout for potential hazards. They must remain alert and report any unusual ...occurrences or hazards to the officer on watch.Maintenance: GP ratings are required to carry out routine maintenance tasks on board, such as painting, cleaning, and general upkeep of the vessel.Cargo operations: GP ratings may assist in cargo operations, including loading and unloading of cargo, and securing cargo on board.Navigation: GP ratings are expected to assist the navigation officer in maintaining navigational charts and equipment.Safety: GP ratings are responsible for ensuring the safety of the vessel and all crew members. They must follow all safety protocols and procedures and participate in safety drills and training.Emergency response: GP ratings must be prepared to respond to emergencies on board, including fires, floods, and other incidents. They must participate in emergency drills and be trained in emergency response procedures.Deck operations: GP ratings may be required to assist in deck operations such as mooring and anchoring of the vessel.Overall, a GP rating plays an important role in the smooth functioning of a vessel and must be willing to take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities as required. Show More

Carrier progrssion of GP Rating

The career progression of a GP (General Purpose) rating in the shipping industry typically follows the following path:Trainee GP Rating: This is the starting position for a new entrant in the shipping industry. The trainee GP rating undergoes onboard training for a period of 6-9 months ...to learn about shipboard operations, maintenance, and safety procedures.Ordinary GP Rating: After completing the onboard training successfully, the trainee GP rating is promoted to the position of an ordinary GP rating. An ordinary GP rating performs general duties on board the ship, such as cleaning, painting, and maintenance work.Able GP Rating: After gaining some experience as an ordinary GP rating, the seafarer can take a certification exam and become an Able GP rating. An Able GP rating is responsible for operating and maintaining various shipboard machinery and equipment, such as engines, generators, and pumps. Bosun: After gaining sufficient experience as an Able GP rating, the seafarer can take the exam and become a Bosun. A Bosun is responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of the deck crew, such as cargo handling, mooring, and anchoring operations.Chief Petty Officer: After several years of experience and with further training, a Bosun can become a Chief Petty Officer. The Chief Petty Officer is responsible for managing the deck department and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the ship.Deck Officer: After gaining experience and further education and training, a GP rating can progress to become a deck officer. Deck officers are responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, cargo operations, and management of the crew.It's important to note that the career progression may vary depending on the shipping company's policies, country-specific regulations, and the seafarer's individual performance and qualifications. Show More


Role of Navigational/Deck Officer

Deck officers are responsible for the safe navigation of a ship and the overall management of the deck department. Their duties may vary depending on the type of vessel, but typically include: 1. Navigation: Deck officers are responsible for safely navigating the ship from one port to another, following established shipping routes and avoiding hazards such as reefs, shoals, and other vessels. They use navigational equipment such as radar, GPS, and charts to determine the ship's position and course. 2. Watchkeeping: Deck officers take turns on watch, monitoring the ship's position, speed, and direction, as well as keeping an eye out for other vessels, weather conditions, and any potential hazards. They ensure that the ship is following all relevant regulations and safety procedures. 3. Cargo Operations: Deck officers oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring that it is stowed properly and safely. They also supervise the handling of equipment such as cranes and hoists. 4. Maintenance: Deck officers are responsible for the upkeep of the ship's deck, hull, and equipment. They inspect the ship regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and arrange for repairs as needed. 5. Safety: Deck officers play a key role in ensuring the safety of the crew and the ship. They conduct regular safety drills, maintain safety equipment such as lifeboats and firefighting gear, and ensure that all crew members are trained in emergency procedures. Overall, the deck officers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship, and play a critical role in ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.

Role of Engineer Officer

Engineering officers onboard a ship are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the vessel's propulsion and power systems. They are responsible for managing the ship's engine room and ensuring that the ship's machinery and equipment are maintained and repaired as necessary. The main function of engineering officers onboard a ship can be broken down into several areas: 1. Operations: Engineering officers are responsible for the operation of the ship's main engines, auxiliary engines, and other machinery. They must ensure that these systems are functioning properly and that the ship is able to navigate safely and efficiently. 2. Maintenance: Engineering officers are responsible for ensuring that the ship's machinery and equipment are properly maintained and repaired. This includes routine maintenance, such as changing filters and oil, as well as more complex repairs when necessary. 3. Safety: Engineering officers are responsible for ensuring that the ship is operated safely and that all safety procedures are followed. They must be familiar with all of the ship's safety systems and be able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency. 4. Environmental compliance: Engineering officers are responsible for ensuring that the ship is in compliance with all environmental regulations. This includes monitoring emissions and ensuring that the ship's waste management systems are functioning properly. Overall, engineering officers play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a ship. They must be highly trained and skilled in order to perform their duties effectively.

Details of Basic STCW Courses

The STCW Basic Safety Training course includes Personal Survival Techniques (A-VI/1-1)
Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (A-VI/1-2)
Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (A-VI/1-4)
Proficiency in Security Awareness (A-VI/6-1)

EMAIL TO ADMIN:vatt20@yahoo.com

Contact Adress of Shipping Shipping Master

For matters related to CDC/BSID/Sign-on/ Sign-off/RPSL/Crew Complaints)

Mumbai:sm-mum-ship@gov.in

Shipping Master, Govt Shipping Office, Nau Bhavan, 10 R,K, Marg,
Mumbai-400 001. Tel No: 022-22697971-72

Kolkata:sm-kol-ship@gov.in

Shipping Master, Govt Shipping Office, Marine House, Hastings,
Kolkata-700 022. Tel No: 033-22230517/527

Chennai:sm-chn-ship@gov.in

Shipping Master, Govt. Shipping Office, Anchorgate Building, P.B.No.5004, Rajaji Salai,
Chennai-600 001, Tel No: 044-25255552

CDC/INDOSS/SID - APPLICATION/REVALIDATION & RENEWAL



Approved training institutes for pre-sea training.

List of Approved Maritime Training Institute & Procedure for Application for admission

There are various maritime training institutes which conducts courses for maritime training for different countries. In India, the maritime training institutes are approved by the Directorate General ...of Shipping.The list of the maritime training institutes approved by the Directorate General of Shipping and the application proceedures please follow the link above Show More

Difference between pre-sea and post-sea courses.

The pre-sea course is the course required to be done by the candidates aspiring to join the ship. Whereas the post-sea courses which are required to be done after joining the ship and on completion of relevent sea service requirements time to time. This is for getting heigher qualification for getting eligibility for next promotion....For example if you join the ship as a trainee engineer (5th Engineer), after completion of 6 months you can do some advanced post sea courses and attend MEO Class IV examinations to become eligible to sail as 4th Engineer.Show More

INDOS number application
Procedure to get INDOS number

"Indian National Database of Seafarers" (INDoS) number is a unique number issued to a seafarer and this number is required by every aspiring seafarer desiring to undertake any pre-sea course in any Maritime ...Training Institute (MTI) approved by the Directorate. The current procedure for issuance of INDoS requires submission of documents and payment of fees by demand draft to the INDoS cell. The process is carriedout by the training institute while aspirant seafarer undertake the basic courses. INDOS number is required for application of CDC.Show More

Application for new CDC for First time

Registration as New User

Click the link and give your credentils
1. Fill in the application & submit the data.
2. All fields marked by an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
3. Personal Details will automatically be populated against INDoS. If the data needs to be modified, ... the applicant is required to contact INDoS cell prior to submission of application.
4. If the five mandatory basic STCW Courses are not updated / submitted in the eGovernance system by the respective Institutes, the applicant cannot apply for CDC application. He is required to contact the respective MTI’s.
5. Once data is successfully submitted please proceed to pay the requisite fee using eGovernance epayment system. No other mode of payment will be accepted.
6. After successful payment the applicant is requested to upload the required relevant documents. The applicant cannot upload documents until payment is done successfully.
7. In case of uploading of Photo and Signature,It is requested that only the photograph or signature may be selected/highlighted and scanned and not the entire page.Online Application will not be processed unless candidate’s upload their scanned Photograph and signature as specified.After uploading the photograph/ signature in the online application form candidates should check that the images are clear and have been uploaded correctly. In case the photograph or signature is not prominently visible, the candidate may re-upload his/ her photograph or signature. In case the application submitted has unclear scanned photograph/signature or both, the application may be rejected.
8. Date of upload of documents is the date of submission of aplication for all purpose for application submitted to Shipping Master Office.
9. The applicant may check his status of the application using the link ‘’Others -> View Application Status’’. Once application is approved CDC will be sent through speed post & an automated system mail will be send mentioning the speed post number. Note: Personal details are as per INDoS.,Please update details in your profile in case any data not found.
For any modification in details use the link "Request for Personal Details Correction in Seafarer Profile" prior to submission of online application.
Show More

Procedure to correct the CDC & INdos data

In case the details in CDC or INDOS are in-correct kindly follow the procedure in DGS Order No. 07 of 2021.

As per the circular, you have to log in Log-in the DGS shipping web page

This website provides facility to verify and update photo for Face Recognition required for various exams, e-Learning and recording attendance during attending courses in MTI. By default INDOS photo will be utilized for attendance purpose. Option has been provided to upload 3 recent photos of the candicate. ... The photo will be uploaded successfully only if it obtains minimium matching points (e.g. 25) shown in the right box in the first row. Candidates are advised to capture the recent photo using the same device (e.g. laptop, desktop) which they are planning to use during EXIT Exam or e-Learning. In case of failures in uploading recent photos candidates are advised to try upto 10 different photos after fixing lighting, pose, neutral expression etc.. Even after 10 attempts if recent photo is not obtaining minimum matching points, candidates are advised to request for INDOS photo change.Show More

Procedure for Renewal of CDC

Log-in the DGS shipping website

Click E Governance and update your profile then apply onlineailed in the next session.
Upload the photograph in white shirt and light background in the specified scan field area (100 KB).
, For uploading of photograph, please scan only the photograph and not the entire page on which the photograph is placed.
Up‐load a self attested copy of your passport (Photo page, Bio‐data page & Address Page). ...
Up‐load self attested copy of your CDC pages containing your photograph & bio data
Up‐load self attested CDC page with endorsement, observation viz. Renewal, Correction, ILO Stamp, addendum etc,
Candidates are informed that the application would be treated as complete only after payment of fee online and uploading of all the documents.
Renewal sticker would be issued within 7 working days of application.
Show More

Application for Biometric Seafarers Identity Document(BSID)

Please read the general instructions given in DGS web site and collect the required documents.
Login to the SID portal

Click on the Link "Apply for BSID"
You may select your convenient center.
Check the personal details in the form and ensure that all informations are correct, then click to continue.
Fill the address details and click continue and fill other details and click continue
... Make payment (Rs 700/- as of now) through e-payment portal and Submit the application
Click on "Schedule Appointment" on the screen to schedule an appointment.
Select the collection centre along with the date and time from the slots available.
Candidate has to physically attend the BSI ID data collection center as per schedule with original passport, CDC, printout of the orginal appication and intimation received for schedule details.
Candidate need to wear plain light coloured shirt as photo is taken at the boimetric collection center. For all clarification please contact respective shipping masters office, email id and contact address given in the bottom of this page.
Show More

Application for Dulicate CDC

Log-in to the DG Shipping website

Complete the Seafarer's registration form as directed.
• All fields marked with an asterix(*)are mandatory.
• Your User ID will be your INDoS Number, and will remain the same for all your future interactions with the DGS.
1. Fill the data & Generate Application No.
2. Pay Fees online.
3. Take print out of the application,sign on it and upload along with required documents.
4. In case of uploading of Photo and Signature,...It is requested that only the photograph or signature may be selected/highlighted and scanned and not the entire page.Online Application will not be processed unless candidate’s upload their scanned Photograph and signature as specified.After uploading the photograph/ signature in the online application form candidates should check that the images are clear and have been uploaded correctly. In case the photograph or signature is not prominently visible, the candidate may re-upload his/ her photograph or signature. In case the application submitted has unclear scanned photograph/signature or both, the application may be rejected. 5. Date of upload of documents will be treated as date of submission of aplication for all purpose for application submitted to Shipping Master Office.
Documents to be Uploaded
1 Scan copy of signed online application
2 Passport size (3.5 cm X 3.5 cm) photograph with clear white background face covering 70%
3 Scanned signature of seafarer
4 Proof of STCW Familiarisation Courses (all Certificates in a single pdf file)
5 Scan copy of FIR Proof Document
6 Self attested scan copy of proof of Indian citizenship document (Passport or any other document)
7 Original mutilated / torn / damaged CDC to be sent to Shipping Master Office along with signed online application.
Note: Personal details are as per INDoS.,Please update details in your profile in case any data not found.
For any modification in details use the link "Request for Personal Details Correction in Seafarer Profile" prior to submission of online application.
Show More

Correction of CDC data before application of BSID

Link for CDC checker to ensure that all entry in CDC is correct Log-in the DGS shipping site for correction of errors

Before applying for BSID, any errors in the CDC and INDIOS has to be corrected. For changes such as name, date of birth, place of birth, state of birth, country of birth, nationality, height, hair colour, eye colour, identification mark, complexion you must forward scanned copies of relevant documents such as ...INDOS certificate, Passport and CDC to the shipping master you applied for

Please verify the details in before applying for BSID. If any errors, update the data by and clicking the + Update Seafarer Profile + link and fill up the form as directed. Note the application number. Also, please send a detailed application by email mentioning the application number.

If the INDOS number is not reflected or incorrect in the CDC details, the seafarer may please fill the excel sheet given therein and forward the same by e-mail to the respective shipping master. The correct data would be automatically reflected, once the integration is carried out. This is done within seven working days. If no response after 7 working days, send a reminder to Shipping master again.
Show More