The Directorate General of Shipping barred foreign governments, maritime agencies, institutions and representatives from offering maritime training within India, including in-person, online or distance learning, if such courses lead to the issuance of seafarers’ certificates under the STCW Convention, unless prior written approval is given.
The order warned that violations of this rule would lead to regulatory and legal consequences for those involved, with penalties including blacklisting of indian institutions, agents or seafarers involved.
Such cases would be escalated to enforcement authorities under the Merchant Shipping Act and the Information Technology Act.
Certifications from such programs would be rejected and not considered authentic.
The STCW Convention, 1978, adopted by the IMO, lists global standards for training and certification of seafarers to protect lives at sea and also the marine environment.
There is a requirement that all the issued certificates comply with a strict criterion covering service experience, age, professional training, examinations and health standards.
Indian Institutes which are carrying out STCW courses or short-term
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