RULES OF DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING

The Directorate General of Shipping is the main authority in India that controls and regulates the Merchant Navy. It works under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and ensures safety, training, certification, and employment of seafarers.

Here are the most important DG Shipping rules you must know if you want to join or work in the Merchant Navy:

Approval of Institutes

• You must study only in DG Shipping–approved colleges

• Courses like DNS, B. Sc Nautical Science, Marine Engineering must be recognized

• If your institute is not approved → your certificate is invalid.

  
  

Mandatory Documents for Seafarers

DG Shipping requires every seafarer to have:

• CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) → your sea service record

• INDOS Number → unique ID for Indian seafarers

• Passport & Visa

• Medical Fitness Certificate (DG-approved doctor)

  
  

Without these, you cannot join a ship.

Medical & Fitness Rules

• Must pass DG Shipping medical exam

• Eyesight:

  • Deck: strict vision (no color blindness)

  • Engine: slightly relaxed

• Physically and mentally fit for sea life

  
  

These standards ensure crew safety onboard ships.

Training & Certification Rules (STCW)

All seafarers must complete basic safety courses, such as:

• PST (Personal Survival Techniques)

• PSSR (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities)

• FPFF (Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting)

• EFA (Elementary First Aid)

  
  

These follow international standards set with the International Maritime Organization.

Certificate of Competency (CoC)

• Officers must pass DG Shipping exams

• You need sea-time experience + exams to get promoted

• Certificates are issued under:

  • Masters & Mates Rules

  • Engineer Officers Rules

    
    

RPSL Rule (Recruitment & Placement)

• You must join ships only through DG Shipping–approved companies (RPSL)

• This protects you from fraud agents

• Mandatory for legal employment abroad

  
  

Sea-Time & Training Rules

• Minimum sea-time required for promotions

• Example:

  • Deck Cadet → 18 months sea-time

• Must maintain records in CDC

Strict Compliance Rules

You can be disqualified or banned if:

• Fake certificates

• Medical fraud

• Indiscipline onboard

• Not following safety procedures

  
  

Final Summary

DG Shipping rules focus on three main things:

1. Safety (life at sea)

2. Training & certification

3. Fair employment of seafarers

   
   

If you follow DG rules properly, your Merchant Navy career will be legal, safe, and globally recognized.

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