ELEGIBILITY CRITERA FOR CDC 6 OF 2026
Issued 23 Sept 2026 · Effective 2 Oct 2026
In short
This notice implements the Merchant Shipping (Continuous Discharge Certificate) Rules 2026.
It sets fees, validity periods and application procedures for CDCs.
Old rules from 2017 stop being accepted from October 2026.
Eligibility follows Rule 4 and related orders with specific documents required.
Key points
- New CDC Rules 2026 replace 2017 rules from 2 Oct 2026
- Fees are 3000 INR for fresh renewal duplicate or replacement applications
- CDCs valid for ten years from issuance or renewal
- BH series issued from Mumbai Kolkata and Chennai offices
- Facsimile signature replaces manual signature on booklets and stickers
- Applications under old rules stop from 2 Oct 2026
- No fee for duplicate if lost due to fire or marine peril
- Pre sea training Agniveer and hospitality candidates have specific eligibility paths
Who it affects
- seafarers applying for new or renewed CDC
- students completing pre sea courses at approved MTIs
- hospitality and passenger service personnel for cruise vessels
- ex Indian Navy personnel
- RPS agencies issuing letters of intent
- Shipping Masters at Mumbai Kolkata and Chennai
What you need to do
- Submit CDC applications online through the e module after 2 Oct 2026 with required documents
- Pay 3000 INR fee via Billdesk at submission time
- Upload course completion certificate or enrollment proof for pre sea candidates
- Obtain Letter of Intent from RPS agency for cruise hospitality roles
- Check that medical certificate and basic STCW courses are valid before applying
- Ensure tenth standard pass or equivalent qualification is held
Questions and answers
When do the new CDC rules start applying?
Applications under the 2017 rules stop from 2 October 2026 and new rules apply from then.
How much is the fee for a fresh CDC?
The fee is three thousand rupees payable online at application time.
How long is a new CDC valid?
It remains valid for ten years from the date it is issued or renewed.
What basic eligibility must all applicants meet?
Applicants must be Indian citizens at least sixteen years old with tenth standard education and valid medical plus basic safety certificates.
Can old CDCs still be used after the new rules begin?
Yes old CDCs stay valid with their original numbers and need no replacement except as provided in the new rules.
What happens if a CDC is lost in a fire on board?
No fee is charged for the duplicate copy in such cases.
Which candidates need a Letter of Intent from an RPS agency?
Hospitality and passenger service staff recruited for cruise vessels must have this letter to apply for CDC.
Where are the new CDCs printed with BH series?
They are issued uniformly from the three Shipping Master offices in Mumbai Kolkata and Chennai.
Summary prepared by Eurotech Maritime Academy for reference. The attached PDF is the official text issued by the Directorate General of Shipping.
