The Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate–cum–Seafarer’s (CDC) is the primary identity and sea-service record for seafarers in India to sail in ships. It is required for joining a ship as a seafarer and is used by maritime authorities, employers and port/immigration officials. Before you can apply for a CDC or attend most DG Shipping–approved courses, you must first obtain an Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS) number which is provided by DG Shipping authority— the national e-registry that prevents use of fraudulent certificates and helps streamline seafarer verification.
Why CDC?
- The CDC is proof of your identity and sea service and is mandatory for employment on Indian-flag and many foreign-flag ships. It also serves as an official document for embarkation / disembarkation and statutory checks.
- You cannot be issued a CDC unless you hold the required STCW certificates and meet medical and regulatory requirements.
Who needs it?
- All aspiring Indian seafarers who intend to serve on merchant ships.
- Candidates completing DG Shipping–approved pre-sea or modular courses who plan to apply for sea-going employment.
- Note: Some short courses may admit candidates without a CDC but most STCW and competency pathways require INDoS + CDC later in the process.
Which course must you complete to get CDC?
To become eligible to apply for a CDC you must complete the DG Shipping–approved BST (Basic STCW Training) and STSDSD (Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties) programme. The BST which includes the following modules (all DG Shipping approved):
- PST – Personal Survival Techniques
- FPFF – Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
- EFA – Elementary First Aid
- PSSR – Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
Once you successfully complete these STCW modules and meet other DGS requirements (including medical fitness), you become eligible to apply for the CDC.
Why INDoS?
Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS) is a centralized electronic registry maintained by the Directorate General of Shipping. It stores verified identity details of seafarers (name, passport, photograph, signature, qualifications, etc.) and issues a unique INDoS number. This INDoS number is mandatory for admission to all DG Shipping–approved courses and for later CDC processing. Institutes (MTIs) can also help generate INDoS numbers for trainees they admit.
Why it matters?
- Prevents fraudulent claims and forged certificates.
- Reduces the need to carry original certificates for every course (originals are still required at verification).
- Speeds verification for employers and licensing authorities.
How to apply for INDoS Number?
To apply, need to physically visit HIMT. All documents listed below must be produced as originals when you come for physical verification at the institute. HIMT will retain copies after verification in compliance with DGS/MTI procedures.
- Prepare originals
- Bring originals of the 10th Pass mark-sheet and passport
- Ensure your passport is valid and that names/dates match across documents.
- Recent Passport-size Photograph — per DGS guidelines: 35 mm × 35 mm, face covering 70–80% of the image, white background. Provide a high-quality JPG.
- Signature — as per passport, signed in blue ink on paper sized to produce an image of approximately 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm; supply as JPG.
- Visit Our Campus
- Location: HIMT Kilpauk, Chennai (near Aysha Hospital) or Vizag HIMT.
- Visiting hours: 10:30 AM to 03:00 PM on working days (Mon-Sat).
- HIMT Admin staff will check originals, assist you with the INDoS application process.
- Reference number & online submission — HIMT will guide / assist you in entering details into the DG Shipping e-governance system and generating the Reference Number required for INDoS processing. Help desk will complete the online application as per MTI procedure.
- Signed Undertaking — on an A4 sheet (HIMT will provide the format at the campus).
- Fees and Mode of Payment — A fee is applicable for INDoS processing as per DG Shipping norms. Payment can be made directly on the DG Shipping payment portal (or the designated government payment gateway) using any bank Debit Card, Credit Card or Net Banking. Keep the payment receipt / transaction reference safely for future use if payment deducted but not generated.
- Verification & confirmation — HIMT will validate your original documents and submit the application. Only after verification and confirmation that your documents meet DGS guidelines will you be allowed to proceed to schedule/ book the BST and STSDSD course dates.
- Seat availability & course booking — Seats for BST (and other DG Shipping approved courses) are subject to availability. Once your INDoS application is verified and INDoS number is issued/confirmed, you can book the earliest available training batch.
- Filling details — When entering any information (online or on forms), ensure all entries match exactly with your passport and are entered in CAPITAL LETTERSto avoid delays or rejection.
Important Notes / Compliance
- Timeline: INDoS number issuance and admin verification timelines can vary — having perfect documents and following HIMT’s stepwise guidance reduces delays. (HIMT will confirm expected timelines at the counter.)
- Tips:
- Double-check that name spelling and DOB match your passport on every document.
- Carry all your originals.
- Use a recent high-quality passport photo as per DGS specs — low quality images often cause rejection.
- Keep payment receipts or any reference/confirmation pages.
- HIMT will only generate an INDoS for candidates who intend to take admission at the same MTI and who are physically present with originals, as per DGS/MTI rules. MTIs are responsible for secure handling of login credentials and the integrity of the application process.
- After INDoS verification, and upon completion of BST, & STSDSD Course, you will be eligible to apply for the CDC. The CDC is normally dispatched to the applicant’s residential address by the appropriate Shipping Office once issued.
Need help?
When you visit HIMT, the HIMT help desk will:
- Verify your originals,
- Assist in completion of the INDoS application and generation of the Reference Number,
- Guide you through online payment, and
- Explain next steps for booking your BST, STSDSD Course, Seafarers Registration, eLearning modules and later CDC application.
FAQs
1. How do I apply for an INDoS number through DG Shipping?
To apply for an INDoS number, candidates must visit a DG Shipping–approved Maritime Training Institute such as HIMT with their original passport, 10th marksheet, photograph, and signature. The institute will assist in generating the Reference Number and completing the online application as per DG Shipping norms.
2. Is an INDoS number mandatory for joining Basic STCW courses?
Yes. A DG Shipping–approved INDoS number is mandatory for enrolling in most Basic STCW (BST) courses like PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, and STSDSD. Without an INDoS number, candidates cannot proceed with admission or appear for these mandatory seafarer training programs.
3. What is the difference between INDoS and CDC?
INDoS is a unique identification number stored in the Indian National Database of Seafarers, used for verifying a seafarer’s identity and certificates. The CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) is an official seafarer identity and service record book required for joining a ship. INDoS comes before, while CDC comes after completing the required STCW courses.
4. How long does it take to get an INDoS number?
The INDoS processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents and DG Shipping verification. The process is generally quick, and your INDoS can be instantly generated if all documents are correct.
5. Can I apply for a CDC without an INDoS number?
No, you cannot apply for a CDC without an INDoS number. INDoS is the first step, followed by completing the Basic STCW and STSDSD courses, after which candidates become eligible to apply for the Indian CDC.
6. What is the fee for INDoS and how do I pay it?
The INDoS fee is charged as per DG Shipping norms and must be paid directly on the DG Shipping portal. Candidates can pay using debit/credit card, or net banking.