As per DG Shipping Order No. 12 of 2026, the issuance of an Indian CDC based solely on completion of the five basic STCW courses—PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, and STSDSD—has been discontinued with effect from 01 August 2026.
CDC ISSUANCE ELIGIBILITY :-
1. Pre-Sea Training Certificate Holders – Candidates who have successfully completed Director General-approved Pre-Sea Training courses along with the five basic STCW courses.
2. Agniveer Candidates – Candidates holding a valid Agniveer Discharge Certificate and having completed the five basic STCW courses.
3. Hospitality Sector Candidates- Candidates holding a Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Hotel Management or an equivalent hospitality qualification, who have completed the Director General-approved Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP) along with the five basic STCW courses.
– In exceptional cases, hospitality and passenger-service professionals engaged through Director General-approved cruise line recruitment and placement companies, who have completed the five basic STCW courses. In such cases, the CDC shall be valid only for service on cruise and passenger vessels.
4. Ex-Indian Navy Personnel – Retired Indian Naval Officers or Sailors holding a valid Discharge Certificate and having completed the five basic STCW courses.
5. Certified Cooks – Candidates holding a Cook Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued or recognized by the Government of India and having completed the five basic STCW courses.
6. Certificate of Competency (CoC) Holders – Candidates holding a CoC issued or recognized by the Government of India and having completed the five basic STCW courses.