New Delhi, August 2, 2025 — The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a decisive directive barring foreign governments, maritime authorities, institutions, and their representatives from conducting maritime training activities within India—whether in person or online—unless they obtain prior written approval from the Indian regulator.
This move is aimed at protecting the integrity of India’s maritime training ecosystem and ensuring that all certifications issued to Indian seafarers under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, adhere to recognized standards.
According to the new order, no training or assessment linked to STCW certification may be conducted by any foreign entity within Indian territory without direct authorization from the Directorate. The ban covers physical classroom sessions, distance learning programs, modular training, and competency assessments.
Enforcement and Penalties
The DGS has warned that any institution or individual found violating this directive will face immediate regulatory action. Sanctions could include blacklisting of Indian maritime institutes, suspension of agent licenses, and deactivation of seafarers’ official documentation such as the Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS) number. Legal action may also be taken under the Merchant Shipping Act and the Information Technology Act.
Indian maritime institutes that have already partnered with foreign entities for training purposes have been instructed to cease such collaborations immediately and report all details of ongoing or past training programs to the Directorate for further review.
Background: Rising Concern Over Certification Fraud
This announcement follows a broader regulatory push by the DGS to eliminate fraudulent practices in maritime training and certification. On July 18, 2025, the Directorate issued Circular No. 31/2025, which invalidated Certificates of Competency (CoCs) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs) issued by foreign maritime administrations not formally recognized through mutual agreements under STCW Regulation I/10.
The circular instructed that only certificates issued by the Indian government or mutually recognized foreign administrations would be considered valid. It also outlined consequences for seafarers holding unauthorized certificates, including cancellation of their Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), blacklisting, and disqualification from maritime employment.
These measures were prompted by increasing reports of Indian seafarers obtaining questionable certificates through third-party agents or attending training in jurisdictions known for lax oversight.
Safeguarding Maritime Sovereignty
By restricting foreign maritime training activities, India aims to reinforce its regulatory control over seafarer qualifications and maritime education. The government also seeks to prevent its waters and institutions from being used as a gateway for substandard certification pathways, which could damage the country’s maritime reputation and pose safety risks at sea.
The ban is expected to direct demand back toward India’s own network of over 150 government-approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs), all of which operate under direct DGS oversight and adhere to national and international training benchmarks.
Industry Reactions and Legal Challenges
While the move has been welcomed by many maritime safety advocates and Indian training institutions, it has sparked protests among some seafarers and unions. Hundreds gathered in Mumbai to voice concerns over the July 18 circular, arguing that it unfairly penalizes those who acquired foreign certifications in good faith.
Legal petitions challenging the DGS order have already been filed in the Bombay High Court. Critics argue that the sudden implementation of the rule, without adequate transition provisions, has disrupted the livelihoods of qualified seafarers and could cause labor shortages in certain sectors of the global fleet.
They also contend that the DGS should distinguish between illegitimate certification mills and genuine international programs offered under the supervision of respected maritime administrations.
What Comes Next
With the directive now in effect, foreign institutions must formally apply to the DGS if they wish to conduct maritime training in India. Indian institutions with any foreign collaborations must halt related training programs immediately and provide full disclosure to the authorities.
The latest move underscores India’s broader effort to assert full control over its maritime training framework and ensure that only those who meet stringent certification and training standards are allowed to serve at sea under its flag or with its endorsement.
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