The Directorate General of Shipping barred foreign governments, maritime agencies, institutions and representatives from offering maritime training within India, including in-person, online or distance learning, if such courses lead to the issuance of seafarers’ certificates under the STCW Convention, unless prior written approval is given.

The order warned that violations of this rule would lead to regulatory and legal consequences for those involved, with penalties including blacklisting of indian institutions, agents or seafarers involved.

Such cases would be escalated to enforcement authorities under the Merchant Shipping Act and the Information Technology Act.

Certifications from such programs would be rejected and not considered authentic.

The STCW Convention, 1978, adopted by the IMO, lists global standards for training and certification of seafarers to protect lives at sea and also the marine environment.

There is a requirement that all the issued certificates comply with a strict criterion covering service experience, age, professional training, examinations and health standards.

Indian Institutes which are carrying out STCW courses or short-term modules on behalf of foreign entities are told to stop immediately.

They have been instructed to submit the details of such programs to the Directorate General.

The ship owners and managers, Maritime Training Institutions and also the Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies have been told not to collaborate with foreign training institutions or entities and to report such attempts to the Directorate.

Foreign entities that wish to conduct maritime training in India have to submit a formal proposal to the Directorate and seek prior approval.

The order was given to maintain the credibility of India’s maritime training system and ensure that Indian seafarers do not receive substandard or unregulated training from unauthorised foreign sources.

Indian Seafarers must meet the training standards prescribed by IMO and the Directorate, which also ensures compliance with the STCW Convention and is responsible for upholding the credibility of seafarer training in the country.

On July 18, 2025, the DG Shipping issued a circular preventing Indian Seafarers having certificates issued by maritime administrations of nations which are not recognised by India from sailing on foreign-flagged ships.

The move was met with fears that many Indian seafarers would lose their jobs. A few seafarers filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, pleading that the order be rescinded.

On Thursday, many seafarers, under the banner of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) demonstrated in front of the office of the Directorate General of Shipping, asking for the withdrawal of the circular.

FSUI stated that due to this order, thousands of seafarers risk losing their careers and financial stability.

Source: www.marineinsight.com