How to become a seafarer in India
Facts from official sources only, each with a link to the source. Choose the path that fits you.
Choose your path
What both paths have in common
- Every Indian seafarer gets an INDoS number (Indian National Database of Seafarers); without it you cannot join DG-approved courses.Source: DGMA Training Branch: FAQs
- The INDoS number is issued once and stays valid for life; there is no age limit for applying.Source: DGMA Training Branch: FAQs
- The INDoS number is generated through a DG-approved maritime training institute (MTI); you must visit the MTI in person with your original documents.Source: DGMA Training Branch: FAQs
- Medical fitness must be certified by a doctor approved by the Directorate; a colour-blind candidate cannot get an INDoS number.Source: DGMA Training Branch: FAQs
- All seafarers must complete safety familiarization and basic training under STCW VI/1.
- The basic STCW safety training consists of Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, and security training.
- The Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is the seafarer's identity document and the official record of sea experience; it must be carried on board.Source: DGMA Training Branch: FAQs
- To get an Indian CDC you must be a citizen of India.
- To get an Indian CDC you must be at least 16 years old.
- To get an Indian CDC you must have passed the tenth standard from a recognised school board.
- An Indian CDC is valid for 10 years from issue or renewal.
- From August 2026 an Indian CDC is no longer issued on the basis of the basic STCW courses alone; you also need a DG-approved pre-sea course or another permitted category.
- Under the MLC 2006, no person under 16 may work on board a ship.
Beware of scams
- Do not pay money for job placement, do not hand your passport or CDC to unknown people, and do not accept job offers via WhatsApp or social media.
- Check on the Directorate's website whether a recruitment agency (RPSL) is valid, invalid or temporarily blocked before any contact.
- Sea service obtained through unregistered agents is invalid and cannot be recorded in the Directorate's system.
- A licensed recruitment agency must not charge seafarers any fee for recruitment or employment.
- Under the MLC 2006, recruitment fees must not be charged to seafarers, other than the cost of a medical certificate, seafarer's book and passport.
- Do not trust promises that the five basic STCW courses alone will give you a CDC or a job at sea.
- The Directorate warns that agents lure young people with false promises, keep them for months without real training and then enrol them only in short basic courses.
- Check that an institute is approved by the Directorate before enrolling.
Krew Guru numbers
89% of open vacancies on Krew Guru accept citizens of India.
Seafarer profiles from India on Krew Guru: 17,000+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (formerly Directorate General of Shipping)