Your CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) is the most important document in your seafaring career. It’s your identity, your work authorization, and your permanent sea service record — all in one booklet. Without a valid CDC, you cannot legally sail on any commercial vessel as an Indian seafarer.
Whether you’re applying for your very first CDC, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost booklet — this guide walks you through the entire 2026 process. No confusion. No missed steps.
What is a CDC?
A Continuous Discharge Certificate is an official document issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. It serves three purposes:
- Seafarer Identity Document (SID): Globally recognized proof that you are a trained seafarer
- Service Record: Every ship you serve on is recorded — sign-on/sign-off dates, vessel name, flag, and your rank
- Travel Facilitation: Recognized under ILO Convention 185 for port-free movement when joining or leaving ships
Your CDC is the first document any shipping company or manning agency will ask for.
Who Needs a CDC?
Any Indian national working aboard a commercial vessel as:
- Deck or engine officer (any rank)
- Rating (GP Rating, AB, OS, Bosun, Cook, Saloon Rating)
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
- Any other shipboard crew category
Prerequisites Before Applying
These must be in place before you start your CDC application:
INDoS Number
Your Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS) number is your unique seafarer registration. Your pre-sea training institute generates this when you enrol. If you don’t have one, apply at your nearest MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) office.
STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) Certificates
All 4 are mandatory:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
ENG-1 Medical Certificate
A valid medical fitness certificate from a DG Shipping approved hospital. It confirms you are physically fit for sea service.
Valid Indian Passport
At minimum 6 months validity recommended. The name on your passport must exactly match all other documents — this is the #1 cause of CDC rejection.
Documents Required
Prepare all of these before starting the online application:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indian Passport (original + copy) | Name must match all documents exactly |
| 10th / SSC Marksheet | Date of birth and name proof |
| 12th Marksheet (if applicable) | Required for officer-level entry |
| Pre-sea course completion certificate | From a DG Shipping approved institute |
| STCW BST certificates (all 4) | PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR |
| ENG-1 Medical Certificate | Currently valid, from approved hospital |
| INDoS registration confirmation | |
| Recent passport-size photo | Digital JPEG, white background |
| Signature scan | Signed on white paper, scanned clearly |
| Aadhar Card | Identity verification |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Register / Log In to the DG Shipping Seafarers Portal
URL: seafarers.dgshipping.gov.in
- New user: Click “New Registration” — use your INDoS number and passport number to create your profile
- Existing user: Log in with your credentials
Step 2: Complete Your Seafarer Profile (Must be 100%)
Your profile must be fully complete before you can apply. Upload:
- Passport-size photo (white background, JPEG, under 50KB)
- Signature scan (white paper)
- Complete personal details (name, DOB, father’s name, permanent address)
- Educational qualifications
- Training details and certificates
Common error: Profile photo rejection due to wrong background colour or oversized file. Use plain white. Keep under 50KB.
Step 3: Upload All Required Documents
In the “Documents” section, upload:
- Passport (first + last page)
- 10th marksheet (minimum); 12th if applying for officer-level
- Pre-sea training certificate
- All 4 STCW BST certificates
- ENG-1 Medical Certificate
- INDoS registration
All files: PDF or JPEG format, clear and legible, within the file size limits specified on the portal.
Step 4: Submit CDC Application
Once profile is 100% complete and all documents uploaded:
- Navigate to Applications → Apply for CDC
- Select CDC type: Fresh / Renewal / Replacement
- Verify all pre-filled details
- Select your nearest MMD office for in-person verification
MMD offices in India: Mumbai | Kolkata | Chennai | Kochi | Visakhapatnam | Kandla | Port Blair
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Pay online via the integrated payment gateway:
- CDC fee (2026): Approximately ₹700 – ₹1,000 (verify current amount on portal before paying)
- Accepted: Debit card, Credit card, Net banking, UPI
Save the payment receipt — you’ll need it at the MMD.
Step 6: Download Application Acknowledgement
After payment, download and print:
- Application acknowledgement slip
- Payment receipt
Carry both to your MMD visit.
Step 7: Visit MMD for Document Verification
Visit your selected MMD (with appointment or walk-in — check your specific office’s current process):
Carry originals + photocopies of:
- Passport
- All certificates (STCW, pre-sea training, ENG-1)
- Aadhar Card
- Acknowledgement slip + payment receipt
The MMD officer verifies originals against your uploaded documents.
Step 8: Biometric Enrollment
For fresh CDC applications, fingerprints are taken at the MMD as part of SID (Seafarer Identity Document) compliance.
Step 9: Receive Your CDC
After MMD verification:
- Track status on the Seafarers portal
- Processing time: 15–30 working days typically
- CDC sent by registered post to your address OR collected from MMD — depends on your specific office
CDC Types — Fresh, Renewal, Replacement
| Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Fresh CDC | First-time applicants — never had a CDC before |
| Renewal | CDC validity expired or all pages used |
| Replacement | Lost, stolen, or damaged CDC — requires police FIR |
CDC validity: 10 years for current SID-compliant booklets. Your ENG-1 medical (typically 2 years) will limit your ability to sail regardless of CDC validity — keep both current.
Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These)
- Name mismatch — Even a small difference between passport and other documents causes rejection. Fix before applying.
- Photo rejected — Wrong background (non-white) or file too large
- Incomplete profile — Portal blocks application until profile is 100%
- Expired ENG-1 — Medical must be currently valid at time of application
- Missing STCW certificate — All 4 BST certs required, no exceptions
- Wrong MMD selection — You must physically visit the MMD you selected online
Replacement CDC: Lost or Damaged
- File a police FIR for lost CDC (mandatory)
- Log in to Seafarers Portal → Applications → Replacement
- Upload: FIR copy + copy of old CDC (if available) + all standard documents
- Pay replacement fee
- Visit MMD with all originals
Important Links
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| DG Shipping Seafarers Portal | seafarers.dgshipping.gov.in |
| DG Shipping Official Website | dgshipping.gov.in |
| DG Approved Medical Examiners | Listed on dgshipping.gov.in |
| MMD Contact Details | Available on dgshipping.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a CDC in India in 2026?
15–30 working days after MMD verification is complete.
Q: Can I sail without a CDC?
No. A CDC is legally mandatory. Sailing without one is a violation of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
Q: My ENG-1 expired — can I still apply for CDC?
You can apply, but you must provide a currently valid ENG-1. Get your medical done first.
Q: Can I apply through an agent?
You should apply yourself through the official portal. Many fraudulent agents operate in this space — they charge fees for a free government process. Never pay an agent to apply for your CDC.
Q: My application shows “dispatched” but I haven’t received it after 45 days. What do I do?
Visit or call your MMD with your acknowledgement number. They can confirm dispatch status and provide the consignment tracking number.
Q: I applied 2 years ago but never joined a ship. Is my CDC still valid?
CDC validity is 10 years from issue date, not from first use. Check the issue date in your booklet.
Conclusion
The CDC application process has become significantly streamlined through the Seafarers Portal — but it still requires exact attention to document consistency and profile completeness. The #1 cause of delays and rejections is a name mismatch between documents. Resolve that before starting.
Apply early — well before you need to join your first ship. That one booklet unlocks your entire maritime career.
Confused about any CDC step or document issue? Chat with SailorGPT — India’s first AI mentor for seafarers. Get accurate guidance in minutes. Free. 24/7.