The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has mandated that all maritime training for Indian seafarers comply with rigorous national and international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A recent directive prohibits foreign entities from conducting any maritime training in India—be it online or distance learning—without prior written approval. This action aims to uphold the integrity of India’s maritime education and avoid substandard training.
Violations of this directive will lead to severe penalties, including the blacklisting of involved institutions and personnel. The DGS has instructed currently operating Indian agencies offering STCW courses on behalf of foreign administrations to cease activities immediately and report such training to the Directorate for scrutiny. Additionally, all stakeholders are urged to avoid collaboration with unauthorized foreign training providers and to report any attempts to the DGS.
In a related move, the DGS issued a circular on July 18, stating that Indian seafarers with certificates from unrecognized foreign administrations would be barred from sailing on foreign-flagged ships, sparking significant protests from affected seafarers fearing job loss.
Furthermore, to address issues regarding foreign certificates held by Indian seafarers, DG Shipping has introduced a new framework. Indian nationals with foreign COCs must now submit an online explanation detailing the certificate’s validity and employment status. The DG Shipping will verify these credentials directly with the foreign authorities, and any inconsistencies will trigger audits.
The DGS’s decisions aim to reinforce national credibility and regulatory authority in maritime training in India, aligning closely with global standards for seafarer certification.
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