Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Indian CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate): Updated as per DGS Order 12 of 2026

Applying for an Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is a crucial step for aspiring seafarers planning to build a career in the merchant navy. The CDC serves as an official identity document for Indian seafarers and is internationally recognized as proof of eligibility to serve onboard ships.

However, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has introduced significant changes to the CDC issuance process through DGS Order 12 of 2026, effective 1 August 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an Indian CDC, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be an Indian citizen.
  2. Must possess a valid medical fitness certificate as prescribed under Annexure IV and Annexure V.
  3. Must be at least 18 years of age.
  4. Must have passed the 10th standard from a recognized board or university.
  5. Must have successfully completed the following mandatory Basic STCW courses:
    • Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
    • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
    • Elementary First Aid (EFA)
    • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
    • Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)

Important Update (Effective from 1 August 2026)

As per DGS Order 12 of 2026, completion of the five Basic STCW courses alone will no longer qualify a candidate for an Indian CDC.

From 1 August 2026, CDCs will be issued only to candidates who have completed the mandatory Basic STCW courses and belong to one of the following categories:

  • Graduates of DG Shipping-approved Pre-Sea Training Courses
  • Agniveers holding a valid discharge certificate
  • Hotel Management degree or diploma holders who have successfully completed the Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP)
  • Retired Indian Navy officers or sailors possessing a valid discharge certificate
  • Holders of a valid Cook Certificate of Competency (CoC) or any other recognized Certificate of Competency

Required Documents

Applicants must have the following documents ready before submitting their CDC application:

  1. Passport-size photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 3.5 cm) in JPG format.
  2. Scanned signature (1.5 cm × 3.5 cm) in black ink in JPG format.
  3. Colour scan of the original Passport in a single PDF.
  4. Colour scan of the original 10th Standard Pass Certificate or Mark Sheet in PDF format.
  5. Colour scan of the original Medical Fitness Certificate (Annexure IV & V) issued by a DG Shipping-approved doctor in a single PDF.

Colour scan of Permanent Address Proof (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Election Commission Photo ID, or Permanent Driving Licence).

Online Application Process

Applicants must complete their CDC application through the Directorate General of Shipping’s E-Governance portal.

Step 1: Visit the Portal

Visit the official Directorate General of Shipping website and open the E-Governance portal.

Step 2: Login

Log in using your INDOS Number as the User ID and your E-Governance password.

Step 3: Start Your Application

Navigate to:

CDC Management & CoC as Cook → Submit Application → CDC Application

Step 4: Enter Personal Details

Fill in your:

  • Passport details
  • Educational qualifications
  • Personal information

Step 5: Enter Address Details

Provide your current address and contact information.

Step 6: Enter Next of Kin Details

Provide details of your next of kin (Father, Mother, or legal guardian).

Step 7: Medical & STCW Details

Enter the Medical Certificate details. Your approved STCW course details will be automatically populated in the system.

Step 8: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the CDC application fee of ₹700 through the online payment gateway.

Step 9: Declaration & Submission

Review all information carefully, accept the declaration, generate the application number, sign the application where required, upload all supporting documents, and submit the application.

Important DGS Notification (Effective 1 August 2026)

The Directorate General of Shipping has introduced these reforms to improve the quality of Indian seafarers and protect candidates from fraudulent practices.

1. Discontinuation of the Standalone Basic STCW Route

The earlier practice of obtaining an Indian CDC solely by completing the five Basic STCW courses has been discontinued.

This decision was taken after identifying widespread misuse of the Open CDC route by unauthorized agents, resulting in:

  • Large numbers of unemployed CDC holders
  • Poor employability
  • Seafarer abandonment
  • Financial losses suffered by candidates

According to DGS, nearly 1.8 lakh seafarers obtained CDCs through this route but remained unemployed, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

2. Quality Enhancement Measures for GP Rating Candidates

To improve the employability of Rating candidates, DGS has also introduced the following reforms:

  • 25% of GP Rating seats will be reserved for candidates possessing additional technical qualifications such as ITI in Welding, Electrical, Mechanical, Fitter, and other technical trades.
  • The maximum age limit for admission into GP Rating courses has been increased from 25 years to 28 years.

3. Transitional Provisions

Candidates who submit their CDC applications before 1 August 2026 will continue to be processed under the previous guidelines.

Additionally:

  • CDCs already issued before 1 August 2026 remain fully valid.
  • Maritime training institutes are strictly prohibited from advertising the Basic STCW courses as a standalone pathway to obtain an Indian CDC.

Violation of these directions is treated as a serious offence and may result in withdrawal of the institute’s DG Shipping approval.

Last Opportunity to Apply Through the Existing Open CDC Route

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has introduced significant changes to the CDC issuance process through DGS Order 12 of 2026, effective 1 August 2026.

Applicants can conveniently book their course through the HIMT App or visit www.himt.co.in.

Please Note: DG Exit Examination charges are applicable separately.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Indian CDC remains an essential milestone for anyone aspiring to pursue a career at sea. With the implementation of DGS Order 12 of 2026, the CDC issuance process has shifted towards a more structured and employment-focused framework.

Candidates planning to obtain their CDC should carefully review the updated eligibility requirements and ensure they qualify under one of the approved categories after 1 August 2026. Those eligible under the existing regulations should complete their application before the deadline to avoid being affected by the new policy.

For the latest notifications and official guidelines, always refer to the Directorate General of Shipping’s official website.

FAQs

1. Can I still get an Indian CDC by completing only the Basic STCW courses?

No. From 1 August 2026, completing only the five Basic STCW courses is no longer sufficient. Applicants must also qualify under one of the approved categories specified by DG Shipping.

2. Who is eligible to apply for an Indian CDC after 1 August 2026?

Only candidates who have completed the mandatory Basic STCW courses and belong to approved categories such as DG-approved Pre-Sea graduates, Agniveers, Hotel Management (OCCP), Ex-Indian Navy personnel, or CoC holders are eligible.

3. Is my Indian CDC still valid if it was issued before 1 August 2026?

Yes. All Indian CDCs issued before the implementation of DGS Order 12 of 2026 remain valid and are not affected by the new regulations.

4. What happens to CDC applications submitted before 1 August 2026?

Applications submitted before 1 August 2026 will be processed under the previous guidelines, even if the CDC is issued after the new rules come into effect.

5. Why did DG Shipping discontinue the Open CDC route?

DG Shipping discontinued the standalone Basic STCW route to prevent misuse by fraudulent agents, improve seafarer employability, and reduce unemployment and abandonment among CDC holders.