The Indian Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has just dropped the hammer on unauthorized maritime training, sending a clear message to foreign entities: play by our rules or get out. In a bold move to protect its maritime training ecosystem, the DGS has outright banned foreign administrations and entities from conducting maritime training in India without prior approval. This isn’t just about stamping out rogue operators—it’s about reclaiming authority in a sector where India’s reputation is on the line.
The DGS’s notice pulls no punches. It highlights a growing trend of foreign governments and maritime agencies allowing private training centers in India to issue STCW certificates without the DGS’s blessing. These centers, operating in the shadows, have been undermining Indian law, international agreements, and the very fabric of the country’s maritime administration. The DGS’s response? A full stop. No more training, no more certificates, and no more business—unless you’ve got the DGS’s written approval.
This isn’t just about paperwork. The DGS is drawing a line in the sand, reinforcing that all seafarer training in India must meet the standards set by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. By cracking down on unauthorized training, the DGS is safeguarding the quality of India’s maritime workforce and ensuring that Indian seafarers receive training that’s not just up to snuff but officially endorsed.
The DGS’s order is a wake-up call for ship owners, managers, training institutes, and other stakeholders. The message is clear: steer clear of unapproved foreign training providers or face the consequences. Legal action, blacklisting, and the outright rejection of unauthorized certificates are on the table. The DGS isn’t just warning—it’s ready to enforce.
But the DGS isn’t just shutting doors; it’s opening a new pathway for foreign agencies that want to play by the rules. Those looking to conduct maritime training in India must now submit detailed information about their courses, trainers, locations, and partnerships for DGS approval. Existing institutions caught operating without approval? They’ve been put on notice—they must halt operations immediately and submit their details for review.
This order is more than just a regulatory update. It’s a strategic move to protect India’s maritime training ecosystem from dilution and ensure that its seafarers are trained to the highest standards. By asserting control over maritime training, the DGS is reinforcing India’s position as a global maritime hub, one where quality and compliance are non-negotiable.
The ball is now in the court of foreign training providers. They can either adapt to India’s rules or risk being left out in the cold. For India’s maritime sector, this is a defining moment—a chance to strengthen its training standards, uphold its regulatory authority, and ensure that its seafarers are equipped to compete on the global stage. The DGS has spoken. Now, the rest of the industry must listen.