How to Renew Your CDC Online in India — 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Your Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is your most important professional document. Without it, you cannot join any ship. Renewing it on time is not optional — it is a career requirement.

Since the migration to dgma.gov.in (the new official DGMA portal), the entire CDC renewal process is online. This guide walks you through every step.

What Is a CDC and When Does It Need Renewal?

The CDC is issued under the Merchant Shipping Act and serves as:

Proof of your identity as an Indian seafarer
A record of your sea service (every ship joined and left is endorsed in it)
A statutory document required for signing on any vessel

CDC validity: Indian CDCs are typically valid for 10 years from the date of issue. However, your CDC can also be “filled up” (all pages used) before the 10-year limit, requiring a replacement.

You need a new CDC when:

Your current CDC has expired (10-year limit)
All pages are filled with sea service entries
Your CDC is lost or damaged (requires Duplicate CDC application)
Your personal details have changed (name correction)

Documents Required for CDC Renewal

Prepare these before starting the application:

Document	Specification
Existing CDC (original)	For renewal — must be the expiring/full document
Passport (valid)	Minimum 6 months validity; color scanned copy
INDOS Certificate	Your unique INDOS number document
Class 10 Certificate	For name/date of birth verification
Pre-sea Course Completion Certificate	Original from your training institute
Medical Fitness Certificate	From a DGMA-approved Medical Examiner
Passport-size Photograph	Recent, white background

All documents must be self-attested color scans in PDF/JPEG format, under 1 MB each.

Step-by-Step: CDC Renewal Application on dgma.gov.in

Step 1: Login to e-Samudra Portal

Go to https://dgma.gov.in
Click on e-Samudra Portal / Seafarer Services
Login with your INDOS number and registered mobile
Enter the OTP received on your mobile

Step 2: Navigate to CDC Services

After login, go to “Seafarer Services” → “CDC”
Select “Apply for Renewal of CDC”

Step 3: Verify Pre-filled Details

Your name, date of birth, INDOS number, and existing CDC details will be pre-filled from your profile
Verify all details carefully before proceeding
Any discrepancy must be corrected with supporting documents

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload each required document in the specified format and size
Ensure photographs are recent (not more than 3 months old)
Double-check all uploads before submission

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

Fee payment is online only — Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI
Keep the payment receipt / transaction ID — you will need it for tracking
Current fee: Verify the current fee on dgma.gov.in as fees are subject to revision

Step 6: Submit and Track

After submission, you receive an acknowledgement number
Track your application status at dgma.gov.in using your INDOS number or application reference
Processing typically takes 15–30 working days under normal circumstances

Step 7: Collection

Once approved, the new CDC is dispatched via Speed Post to your registered address
An e-CDC copy may also be available for download in your e-Samudra profile
Ensure your address is correct in your profile before submission

Common Mistakes That Delay CDC Applications

Uploading blurry or incomplete scans — every document must be clearly legible
Mismatched name spelling across CDC, passport, and school certificates — this causes rejection
Expired medical certificate — the fitness certificate must be current at time of application
Wrong INDOS number in profile — verify before submitting
Not linking existing INDOS to the e-Samudra profile before applying

What to Do If Your CDC Application Is Rejected

Rejections are communicated through your registered email and e-Samudra account. Reasons are specified. The most common:

Document quality insufficient → resubmit with clearer scans
Mismatch in personal details → submit supporting affidavit and correction documents
Medical certificate expired → get fresh medical and resubmit

For persistent issues, contact your jurisdictional MMD directly or call DGS Helpline: 9004048406

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long before my CDC expires should I apply for renewal?
A: Apply at least 3 months before expiry. Processing takes 15–30 working days in normal circumstances. Running your CDC to expiry creates risk of being unable to join a ship.

Q: Can I still work with an expired CDC?
A: No. An expired CDC means you cannot sign on any vessel. If your CDC has expired, apply immediately and carry your acknowledgement of application.

Q: Is there a late fee for expired CDC renewal?
A: Verify current fee structure on dgma.gov.in. There may be additional requirements for significantly expired CDCs.

Q: My CDC is lost at sea. What do I apply for?
A: Apply for a Duplicate CDC through the same e-Samudra portal. You will need an FIR (First Information Report) or equivalent document establishing the loss, plus a notarized declaration.

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