How to File a DGS Grievance Online — 2026 Complete Guide
Non-payment of wages. A fake institute scamming you. Unsafe working conditions. An RPSL agent who took your money and disappeared. A company violating your MLC 2006 rights.
All of these are grievances you can officially report to DGMA — India’s maritime regulator. Filing a grievance is your legal right. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.
When Should You File a DGS Grievance?
File a grievance with DGMA when:
- An RPSL company or manning agent has cheated you, taken fees illegally, or violated your contract
- A maritime training institute is operating without valid DG approval or has defrauded you
- Your employer has violated your MLC 2006 rights (non-payment, unsafe conditions, forced overtime)
- Your wages have not been paid for more than one month
- You have been wrongfully terminated from a vessel
- Your CDC or CoC application has been unreasonably delayed or wrongfully rejected
- You have faced harassment, bullying, or abuse onboard that was not addressed by the company
DGS 24/7 Grievance System — Contacts
DGMA operates a dedicated grievance redressal system:
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Helpline | 9004048406 |
| support.dgs@gov.in | |
| Online Portal | dgma.gov.in → Grievance Redressal |
| Postal | Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Beta Building, i-Think Techno Campus, Kanjurmarg (East), Mumbai – 400 042 |
The 24/7 helpline is operational round the clock, every day including weekends. If you are onboard in a different time zone, call when you can — the line is answered.
How to File an Online Grievance — Step by Step
Step 1: Go to https://dgma.gov.in
Navigate to “Grievance Redressal” section.
Step 2: Login or file as a guest
If you have an e-Samudra account, login with your INDOS number. Guest filing is also available for non-registered individuals (family members, aspirants without INDOS, etc.)
Step 3: Select Grievance Category
Categories include:
- Seafarer Welfare
- Certificate Issues (CDC/CoC delay/rejection)
- RPSL/Manning Agent Complaint
- Maritime Training Institute (MTI) Complaint
- Wages / MLC 2006 Rights
- Onboard Safety and Working Conditions
Step 4: Fill the Grievance Form
- Your full name, INDOS number (if applicable), contact details
- Name of the company / institute / vessel you are complaining against
- Detailed description of the grievance (what happened, when, what was the impact)
- Supporting documents (contract, payment receipts, WhatsApp screenshots, medical records)
Step 5: Submit and Note Your Complaint Number
After submission you receive a reference number. Keep this for tracking. DGMA is required to respond within stipulated timeframes.
Step 6: Track Your Complaint
Track status at dgma.gov.in using your complaint reference number or INDOS number.
What Happens After You File
DGMA investigates complaints against RPSL companies and MTIs. Actions can include:
- Warning letters to the company or institute
- Suspension of RPSL license or MTI approval
- Cancellation of license / approval
- Referral to law enforcement in cases of criminal fraud
For onboard issues (non-payment, unsafe conditions), DGMA may coordinate with:
- Flag state administration
- Port State Control officers
- ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) inspectors
If Your Situation Is Urgent: Escalate Simultaneously
Do not rely only on the DGMA grievance system for urgent situations. File in parallel:
Non-payment of wages:
→ ITF: +44 20 7403 2733 | itfinspector@itf.org.uk
→ NUSI (Indian seafarer union): +91-22-22614571
Welfare or mental health crisis:
→ ISWAN SeafarerHelp: +44 20 7323 2737 (24/7, multilingual)
→ ISWAN WhatsApp: +44 7909 471834
Criminal fraud by agent:
→ File FIR with local police + cybercrime cell simultaneously
→ DGS Helpline: 9004048406
Need Help With This Process?
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Internal Links
- MLC 2006 Rights Every Indian Seafarer Must Know
- How to Verify RPSL Company License
- War Risk Allowance — How to Claim It
- Bullying on Ships — Rights and Reporting Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will filing a grievance affect my chances of getting a job?
A: DGMA grievance records are regulatory, not shared with companies as a blacklist. Your complaint is against the company or institute — not against you.
Q: Can my family file a grievance if I’m stuck onboard?
A: Yes. Family members can file on behalf of a seafarer. DGMA’s grievance system accepts complaints from family members of distressed seafarers.
Q: What if DGMA doesn’t respond to my grievance?
A: Escalate to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. You can also approach the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) for financial fraud cases.
Q: I was scammed by a fake institute. Who takes action?
A: DGMA for regulatory action on the institute. Police for criminal prosecution. File both simultaneously.
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