INDOS Number Registration — Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Your INDOS number is the starting point of your maritime career. Without it, you cannot enrol in any DGS-approved pre-sea training institute or get a CDC. It is your lifelong unique identity in the Indian maritime system.

Getting it wrong — or using fake agents who charge for “INDOS registration assistance” — is a mistake many aspirants make. This guide shows you exactly how to do it yourself, for free, in under an hour.

What Is an INDOS Number?

INDOS stands for Indian National Database of Seafarers. It is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by DGMA to every person who wants to pursue a maritime career in India.

It is:

Lifelong — issued once, never changes
Mandatory — required before any DGS-approved pre-sea training
Free to apply (though processing fees apply — verify on dgma.gov.in)
Linked to your entire maritime career — all your CoCs, CDCs, and sea service are mapped to this number

Who Needs to Apply?

Class 12 students planning to join DNS, GME, B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, or any DGS-approved course
Graduates planning to join through direct entry or lateral entry maritime programs
Existing seafarers who received their documents before e-Governance and have not yet linked their INDOS

Documents Required

Document	Detail
Passport (valid)	Color scan, all pages
Class 10 Certificate	Date of birth and name verification
Class 12 Certificate (if available)	Educational qualification
Aadhar Card	Identity proof
Passport-size photograph	Recent, white background, clear face
Medical Fitness Certificate	From a DGMA-approved Medical Examiner (required before INDOS)

Medical fitness first: You need a medical fitness certificate from a DGMA-approved doctor before getting your INDOS number. The approved examiners list is at dgma.gov.in — 128 verified examiners across India, updated March 2026.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for INDOS

Step 1: Get Medical Fitness Certificate Visit a DGMA-approved Medical Examiner (find list at dgma.gov.in → Medical Examiners). The exam covers vision, hearing, colour vision, physical fitness, and blood tests. The certificate is typically valid for 2 years.

Step 2: Go to the Official Portal Navigate to https://dgma.gov.in → e-Samudra Portal → INDOS Registration

Step 3: Create a New Account

Click “New User Registration”
Enter your Aadhar number (used for identity verification)
Verify via OTP on your Aadhar-linked mobile

Step 4: Fill in Personal Details

Full name exactly as in passport
Date of birth
Contact details (email and mobile — these will be your permanent account credentials)
Permanent address

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents in PDF/JPEG format
Each file must be under 1 MB
Ensure scans are clear and complete

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Fee payable online (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Keep the transaction receipt
Current fee: verify on dgma.gov.in (subject to revision)

Step 7: Submit and Wait

After submission, you receive an acknowledgement number
DGMA verifies your documents
Upon approval, your unique INDOS number is generated and sent to your registered email and mobile

Processing time: Typically 7–15 working days for new applications.

After You Get Your INDOS Number

Once you have your INDOS number:

Save it permanently — it is yours for life. Note it in multiple places.
Apply for pre-sea training at a DGS-approved MTI (college)
Apply for CDC once you complete pre-sea training (using your INDOS number)
Link your profile on e-Samudra to access all maritime services online

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Name mismatch: Your name on the INDOS application must exactly match your passport. Differences cause rejection and delays.
Using agents: There is no need for any agent or broker for INDOS registration. It is a self-service online process. Anyone charging you money for INDOS “assistance” is taking advantage of you.
Wrong medical examiner: Only DGMA-approved doctors’ certificates are valid. Verify the doctor’s name on dgma.gov.in before paying for your medical.
Expired documents: All uploaded documents must be valid at time of submission.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is INDOS registration free?
A: The INDOS application has a processing fee payable to DGMA. The exact current amount is on dgma.gov.in. No additional fee is payable to any agent or broker.

Q: Can I apply for INDOS before Class 12 results?
A: You need to have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. You cannot apply before results are declared.

Q: What happens if I change my mobile number?
A: Update it in your e-Samudra profile immediately. Your registered mobile receives OTPs for all future transactions.

Q: My INDOS application was rejected. What now?
A: The rejection reason is communicated via email. Fix the specific issue (document quality, name mismatch, etc.) and reapply. If unclear, call DGS Helpline: 9004048406.

Q: Is there an INDOS number for ex-Navy personnel joining Merchant Navy?
A: Yes. Ex-Navy personnel also require INDOS registration. The process is the same, with your naval service documents accepted as additional qualification proof.

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