Preventing Fraud in Continuous Discharge Certificates: DG Shipping’s New Circular Explained
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) of India has recently issued Circular No. 43 of 2025 aimed at cracking down on fraudulent activities surrounding the Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs) of Indian seafarers. This move is a crucial step to safeguard the integrity of seafaring credentials and maintain the credibility of Indian maritime professionals globally.
What is a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)?
A CDC is a legal document issued under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and its rules, serving as an official record of a seafarer’s sea service throughout their career. It acts as an identity and service passport for seafarers, essential for employment on ships and recognized internationally in compliance with conventions like the STCW and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
The Problem: Forged Entries in CDCs
It has come to light that fraudulent sea service entries have been inserted into CDCs, misrepresenting seafarers’ actual onboard service. In some reported cases, unauthorized ship stamps were used to falsely indicate that seafarers served on vessels they never boarded. This malpractice often involves unauthorized Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agents, shipping companies, or individuals posing as valid license holders.
Legal Framework and Penalties
The circular references amended Section 436 of the Merchant Shipping Act, strengthened by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which imposes strict penalties for forging, altering, or fraudulently using CDCs or related documents. Offenders may face fines up to ₹2,00,000, imposed by the Mercantile Marine Department’s Principal Officer.
Further actions include:
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Suspension or cancellation of the RPSL license for involved recruitment agents or companies.
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Blacklisting and denial of manning approvals for up to five years.
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Debarring seafarers involved in fraudulent practices from joining ships for at least one year, along with suspension of their CDC.
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Notifications to flag states, Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, and Port State Control (PSC) authorities as applicable.
Directives to Stakeholders
The circular mandates strict compliance from all RPSL agencies, shipping companies, and ship Masters of Indian-flagged vessels:
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Only authorized Masters can authenticate sea service entries based on actual onboard service.
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All entries must be uploaded and maintained in the DGS e-Governance portal for verification.
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Immediate reporting of suspected forged entries to jurisdictional government shipping offices or the Directorate of Shipping for cancellation and correction.
Institutional Safeguards
To prevent recurrence of fraud, registered trade unions, approved maritime training institutes, and other maritime stakeholders are urged to develop and enforce internal controls and procedures. These measures aim to protect Indian seafarers from exploitation and uphold transparency, safety, and integrity in maritime recruitment and certification.
Why This Matters
Ensuring the authenticity of CDCs is not just a legal requirement but essential for:
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Preserving the credibility of the Indian maritime workforce,
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Upholding international safety standards,
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Maintaining compliance with global maritime labor conventions.
These efforts will help protect honest seafarers from unscrupulous actors and strengthen India’s reputation in the global maritime industry.
For more details, you can read the official circular here: DGS Circular No. 43 of 2025 PDF.
This circular represents a strong step forward by the Indian shipping authorities to ensure honesty, transparency, and fairness in seafarer certification. For seafarers, employers, and recruitment agents alike, adherence to these rules is critical for the future of the Indian maritime sector.
If you are part of the maritime community, stay informed and comply diligently to support a safe and reputable industry.