DGS Circular 17 of 2026: What Indian Seafarers Must Know About the STCW Certificate Extension
The ongoing security crisis in the Middle East / West Asia region has created unprecedented logistical hurdles for Indian seafarers at sea. On 29 March 2026, India's Directorate General of Shipping responded with a critical relief measure — a temporary 3-month extension on key STCW certificates.
Are you an Indian mariner working onboard any ship or a shipping management company executive or RPSL agency managing Indian crew? If yes, then DGS Circular 17 of 2026 is important for you. In this article, we explain all the essentials – from certificates required to action that must be taken immediately.
Background: Why This Circular Was Issued
The region of the Middle East/West Asia has experienced an unusually high level of security in the past few months, owing to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf that disrupts the operations of vessels in the region and its neighboring waters. The operations and logistics involved in sailing through these areas create severe difficulties in undertaking the usual administrative processes, including the renewal of statutory seafarer certificates.
Normally, seafarers are obliged to undergo the process of renewal of Certificates of Competency (CoC), Certificate of Proficiency (CoP), and STCW training certificates. The failure to undergo the process of renewal within the prescribed time limits results in a seafarer being unable to legally board and operate on a ship. However, when the situation is beyond the control of the seafarer, like the present situation, strict adherence to the rules may result in dire consequences for both the seafarer and vessel operations.
In recognition of the force majeure situations, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a Circular No. 17/2026.
What Does DGS Circular 17 of 2026 Say?
This circular, which was approved by the Chief Examiner of Master & Mates and the Chief Examiner of Engineers, and issued by Capt. Ravi Singh Sikarwar (Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG, Technical), states that an extension of three months will be allowed in relation to certain statutory certificates held by Indian seafarers.
The period of extension shall commence from either the expiry date of the certificate or the date on which the seafarer signs off the ship, whichever is earlier.
Certificates of Competency and Proficiency covered (Para 4)
STCW safety training certificates covered (Para 5)
The 3-month extension also applies to the following basic and advanced safety training course certificates:
Who Is Eligible for This Extension?
This is a selective relief measure, not a generalized extension to all Indian seafarers. The eligibility criteria have been clearly specified in Para 6 of the circular. To be eligible, you must fulfill all three criteria mentioned below:
You are an Indian seafarer (extension is only applicable to Indian citizens).
You were serving on board the ship as on 29 March 2026, regardless of whether the ship was Indian registered or foreign registered.
You are unable to renew or validate your certificates because of the security situation in the Middle East/West Asian region.
The extension will not apply to those seafarers who were ashore on 29 March 2026, nor will it be applicable to those whose certificates are not listed in the list of certificates mentioned above.
How Long Is the Extension Valid?
This extension lasts a maximum of three months after the expiration of the certificate. Yet, it will expire early if the seafarer disembarks from the ship before the three-month period expires. Here lies the crux; the extension applies to seafarers on board ships and not seafarers who have returned to land.
For instance, should a seafarer's CoC expire on 15 March 2026 while he/she was still on board on 29 March 2026, then his/her certificate will last till 15 June 2026, or when he/she disembarks, whichever happens first.
What Should You Do Now? Action Checklist
Seafarers | Shipping Companies | RPSL Agencies |
|---|---|---|
Verify which of your certificates are expiring | Update crew certificate records to reflect the extension | Brief seafarers on eligibility conditions |
Document your onboard status as of 29 March 2026 | Communicate the circular to all affected vessels | Track crew whose certificates fall in the extension window |
Plan renewal at the earliest opportunity after signing off | Ensure flag state and port state inspectors are made aware | Coordinate early revalidation scheduling post sign-off |
Retain a copy of this circular onboard for reference | Prepare documentation for PSC inspections |
Is This Extension Recognised for Port State Control (PSC)?
It is an issue that many seafarers and fleet managers may ask themselves. The DGS Circular No. 17 of 2026 is issued by the Indian Maritime Administration under the authority it exercises within its jurisdiction. It serves as a legal basis for the Indian seafarers employed by Indian flag carriers, but the extent to which it is acceptable on board foreign flag carriers during inspection processes is dependent on the policies and recognition mechanisms of the respective flag state.
In any case, the shipping company, as well as the ship's master, should ensure the presence of this circular aboard the ship. The status of the seafarer who has been affected by this situation needs to be documented. Also, contacting the ship's flag state administration is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this extension apply to seafarers on foreign-flagged vessels?
Yes. The circular explicitly states that the extension covers seafarers serving on both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels, provided they meet the eligibility conditions.What if a seafarer's certificate expired before 29 March 2026?
The extension is calculated from the original date of expiry. So even if the certificate expired before the circular's date, the 3-month extension still applies from that original expiry date — as long as the seafarer was onboard on 29 March 2026.Will the DGS issue further extensions?
The circular states that the DGS will continue to monitor the situation and may issue further advisories or directions as considered necessary. Seafarers and companies should watch the DGS website (dgshipping.gov.in) for updates.Where can I find the official circular?
The official circular (File No. 25-13012/1/2026-NT - DGS) is available on the DGS website via the E-Governance Cell portal and has been circulated to all MMDs, shipping companies, and RPSL agencies.Does this affect Medical Fitness Certificates (ENG1)?
No. The circular specifically covers CoC, CoP, STCW endorsements, and the listed safety training certificates. Medical Fitness Certificates are not mentioned and are therefore not covered under this extension.
Conclusion
DGS Circular No. 17 of 2026 represents a pragmatic and benevolent approach in addressing an unusual scenario involving several thousand Indian seafarers. With a grace period of three months being provided for all certificates such as CoC, CoP, STCW training, and endorsement, the Directorate General of Shipping has ensured that there would be no penalty for the seafarers due to factors that are completely beyond their control. For shipping organizations and RPSLs, it will be essential to ensure compliance and keep communication channels open.