DG Shipping CDC: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Seafarers

A Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is an official document issued to seafarers that serves as:

Think of it as your “work ID + sea service logbook”  without this, you can’t legally join a ship or get paid for sea service.

Who Issues the CDC?

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Government of India issues this certificate through its Regional Offices. The DGS maintains your entire sea service history and personal data via the CDC.

Why CDC is Important for Indian Seafarers

Your CDC is one of the most important documents you’ll ever have if you want a career at sea.

Here’s why:

• It is mandatory for joining a ship under Merchant Navy rules.
• Your rank promotions depend on CDC entries (sea service details).
• Without CDC, you can’t get sea service recognized internationally.
• It acts as an identity and employment proof when boarding foreign ships.
• Your medical certificates and training endorsements are linked with CDC.

In short, no CDC = no ship.

Who is Eligible for CDC?

Basic Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for a CDC if:

• You are an Indian citizen (with valid ID and proof of nationality)
• You have passed 10th/12th with required subjects (varies by rank)
• You have completed required pre-sea training (e.g., Pre-Sea Course/GP Rating)
• You are medically fit as per DGS standards

Note: Eligibility may vary based on the rank you want (Deck, Engine, GP Rating). Always check the current Indian Merchant Navy requirements before applying.

Documents Required for CDC Application

Before starting your application, keep these documents ready and clear:

Identity and Address

• Aadhar Card (self-attested copy)
• Passport (self-attested; valid)
• Voter ID / PAN Card (additional ID acceptable)
• Address proof (if different from Aadhar/Passport)

Educational Certificates

• 10th & 12th certificates
• Pre-sea training certificate (e.g., B.Sc, Diploma, GP Rating)

Medical Certificate

A DGS approved Medical Fitness Certificate (Form-I or equivalent) issued by a registered medical examiner. This must be recent (usually within 6 months).

Photographs

• Passport-size colour photos (white background)
• Recent and clear

Other Supporting Documents

• Duly filled CDC application form
• Parent’s ID/guardian ID (if minor)
• Affidavit / declaration (if applicable)
• Sea service book (for renewals or updates)

How to Apply Online for CDC (Step-by-Step)

Gone are the days of long queues and manual forms, now you can apply online through the DG Shipping portal.

Step 1  Visit the DG Shipping Website

Go to the official DG Shipping portal via your browser. (Search “DG Shipping CDC online application India” to find the correct official link.)

Tip: Bookmark the site so you don’t end up on fake pages.

Step 2  Register or Login

• Click Register if you’re a first-time user
• Enter valid email and mobile number
• Verify OTPs sent to your phone/email
• Set a secure password
• Login with your credentials

Step 3 Fill CDC Application Form

• Once logged in:
• Choose CDC New Application
• Select your rank/designation
• Enter your personal details exactly as shown on your passport
• Upload documents (Aadhar, passport, medical, photos, educational certificates)
• Double-check your details before submission

Step 4 Pay Application Fee

The portal will redirect you to a payment page. CDC fees vary based on:

• New CDC
• Renewal or duplicate CDC
• Speed/priority processing

Payments can usually be made via:

• Debit/Credit Card
• Net Banking
• UPI

Ensure you get a transaction receipt download or screenshot it.

Step 5 Submit Your Application

After payment:

• Click Submit
• You will receive a submission reference number
• Save this for future tracking

CDC Fees (Approximate)

Fees may change from time to time, but generally include:

• Basic CDC fee
• Online processing charges
• Priority/speed processing (optional)
• Duplicate CDC fee (if lost)

Always check the latest fee schedule on the DG Shipping official portal before payment.

Processing Time

Typical processing time for a CDC application is:

• Standard processing: 10–30 working days
• Priority processing: 7–15 working days (if applicable)

Delays may happen due to:

• Incomplete documents
• Medical certificate issues
• Technical glitches

How to Track Your CDC Status

Once you submit your application, you’ll get a reference/application number. Here’s how to check the status:

• Return to the DG Shipping portal
• Click Track CDC Application
• Enter your application number
• View current status

You may see statuses like:

• Under Review
• Document Verification
• Approved
• Dispatched

If there’s a problem, the portal usually shows a message asking for correction.

CDC Renewal, Update & Duplicate

Renewal

CDC has a validity period (often linked with medical and seafarer service). Before expiry:

• Apply for renewal online
• Submit updated medical certificate
• Provide any new documents
• Pay renewal fee

Update (Endorsements)

If your rank changes or you have new sea service:

• Log into your portal
• Choose CDC Update/Endorsement
• Upload relevant documents and discharge sheets
• Submit and pay fees

Lost or Damaged CDC (Duplicate)

If your CDC is lost or damaged:

• File an FIR (police report) for loss
• Use the Duplicate CDC application
• Attach FIR and documents
• Pay duplicate fee

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between passport and CDC?

Passport is a travel document for all citizens. CDC is specifically for seafarers, containing sea service records and used for worldwide ship employment.

2. Can I work on ship without CDC?

No. CDC is mandatory to join a ship legally and record your service.

3. How long does CDC remain valid?

CDC validity may differ based on rank and medical validity — always check the expiry and renew on time.

4. Do I need to be medically fit for CDC?

Yes. A DGS-approved medical certificate is required.

5. Can I update my CDC later for new sea service?

Absolutely! Apply for CDC endorsement/update when you complete sea service.