For every Indian seafarer sailing on a merchant vessel, one document is absolutely essential, the Continuous Discharge Certificate, commonly known as the CDC booklet.
Whether you are joining your first ship, preparing for a contract, or planning your CDC renewal, understanding what the CDC is is important for every Indian seafarer.
The Indian CDC is issued by the Shipping Master under the Directorate General of Shipping and acts as both:
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An identity document for seafarers
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An official record of sea service onboard ships
Without a valid CDC, a seafarer cannot legally join most vessels engaged in international voyages.
Today, the entire CDC application, tracking, and renewal CDC process is largely completed online through the DG Shipping website. However, mistakes in documents, incorrect uploads, mismatched details, or delayed submissions continue to create problems for many seafarers.
This guide explains the complete process, eligibility, required documents, renewal procedures, common issues, and important things every seafarer should know.
What is CDC?
The Continuous Discharge Certificate is an official document issued to seafarers by the Shipping Master’s Office under the Directorate General of Shipping.
The CDC booklet contains:
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Personal information
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Passport details
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Photograph and signature
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Sea service entries
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Details of ships sailed on
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Rank and joining dates
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Official endorsements and stamps
The document serves as:
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Proof of professional sea service
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Identity proof for seafarers
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A mandatory document for joining any ship
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An official sailing record
The CDC remains one of the most important documents in a seafarer’s career.
Why the CDC is Important for Seafarers
The Continuous Discharge Certificate is not just a travel document.
It is required for:
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Joining ships
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Immigration clearance
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Port documentation
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Visa processing
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Promotion eligibility
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Future competency examinations
The service record inside the CDC is also used while applying for:
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Higher competency certificates
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CDC Management COC procedures
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Rank upgrades
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Sea service verification
For many seafarers, the CDC becomes the official record of their entire sailing career.
Who Can Apply for CDC?
To apply for CDC, the applicant must satisfy the basic eligibility criteria prescribed by DG Shipping.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
The applicant should:
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Be an Indian citizen
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Hold a valid Indian passport
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Possess a valid INDOS number
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Complete approved maritime training
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Meet medical fitness standards
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Be eligible for employment on board ships
Minimum Age Requirement
As per standard maritime requirements:
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The minimum age for CDC application is generally 18 years
Some pre-sea courses may allow admission earlier, but CDC issuance is linked to eligibility for shipboard employment.
Educational Qualification
Educational qualifications vary depending on the course and department.
Applicants usually come from:
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GP Rating courses
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Deck Cadet programs
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Marine engineering streams
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Saloon ratings
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Engine ratings
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Nautical science programs
Training must be completed from a DG-approved training institute.
Medical Fitness Requirements
A valid medical certificate from a DGS approved doctor is mandatory.
The medical fitness certificate confirms:
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Physical fitness
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Eyesight standards
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Hearing standards
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General health condition
Without valid medical fitness, the application may not proceed.
Mandatory STCW Courses
Before CDC issuance, seafarers must complete basic STCW courses.
These generally include:
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Personal survival techniques
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Fire prevention
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Fire fighting
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First aid
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Personal safety and social responsibility
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Security training
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Designated security duties
These certificates form part of the mandatory required documents during the application process.
Documents Required for CDC Application
Before beginning the online application, keep all supporting documents ready.
Documents Required
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Valid passport
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Passport-size photographs
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INDOS certificate
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Course completion certificates
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Pre-sea training certificates
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STCW certificates
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Medical fitness certificate
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Address proof
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Birth certificate (if required)
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Course approval proof from the training institute
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Scanned signature
All upload documents files should be:
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Clear
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Valid
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Properly scanned
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Within prescribed file sizes
How to Apply for CDC
The CDC application process is completed through the official DG Shipping website.
Step-by-Step CDC Application Process
Step 1: Login to the DG Shipping Portal
Visit the DG Shipping portal and login using:
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INDOS number and password
Step 2: Fill Personal Details
Enter:
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Name
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Passport details
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Date of birth
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Contact details
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Address details
Ensure every detail matches the passport exactly.
Even a small spelling difference can delay approval.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Carefully upload documents, including:
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Passport copy
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STCW certificates
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Medical certificate
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Photograph
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Signature
Blurred or incorrect files may lead to rejection.
Step 4: Fee Payment
Complete the online fee payment.
Latest fee details are available on the DG Shipping portal.
Step 5: Generate Application
Once completed, the system will:
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Generate application
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Issue an application no
Keep the number safely for tracking purposes.
Step 6: Track Application Status
You can monitor progress on the:
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Application status page
The application status may show:
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Submitted
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Under verification
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Approved
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Printed
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Dispatched
Step 7: Dispatch Through Speed Post
After approval, the new CDC booklet is sent through speed post from the concerned shipping office.
What is CDC Renewal?
Like passports, CDCs also expire.
The CDC renewal process updates the validity of the existing booklet through:
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A renewal sticker
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Or the issue of a replacement booklet
A seafarer should never wait for the CDC to expire completely before beginning renewal procedures.
When Should You Renew CDC?
Begin the renewal process:
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At least 6 months before expiry
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If the CDC pages are nearly full
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If the booklet is damaged
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If there are no blank pages
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If details need correction
Waiting until the CDC expires can affect joining schedules.
CDC Renewal or CDC Replacement?
Many seafarers confuse renewal CDC with CDC replacement.
CDC Renewal
Used when:
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CDC validity is expiring
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Additional pages are needed
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Booklet remains usable
CDC Replacement
Required when:
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CDC is lost
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CDC is damaged
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Pages are torn
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Details become unreadable
In such cases, a duplicate CDC may be issued.
CDC Renewal Procedure
The CDC renewal procedure is largely online.
Step-by-Step CDC Renewal Process
1. Login
Use your:
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INDOS number and password
2. Start Renewal Application
Choose:
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Only renewal option if no corrections are required
3. Verify Personal Details
Check:
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Name
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Passport details
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Address
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Contact information
Ensure the address mentioned matches other records.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
Upload:
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Old CDC
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Passport
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Medical certificate
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Sea service records
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STCW certificates
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Photograph and signature
5. Submit Application
After verification, submit the application online.
A new application will not be generated.
6. Track Application Status
Use the application no on the:
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Application status page
Sea Service Requirements During Renewal
For some categories of renewal, proper sea service proof may be required.
This may include:
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Service letters
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Sign-on/sign-off records
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Entries in the old CDC
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Company documentation
Incorrect or missing records can delay processing.
Where to Put the Renewal Sticker
The renewal sticker must be placed properly inside the CDC booklet.
Normally:
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It is pasted on the designated endorsement page
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It should remain visible
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It should not cover official entries
Do not laminate over the renewal sticker.
Additional Pages and New CDC Booklet
If all CDC pages are full, seafarers can apply for:
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Additional pages
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Or a new CDC booklet
Do not continue sailing without available pages for service entries.
Things to Keep in Mind During CDC Application or Renewal
1. Passport Must Be Valid
An expired passport can delay CDC processing.
2. Match All Documents
Ensure:
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Names
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Dates
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Passport numbers
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Address details
all match exactly.
3. Keep Soft Copies Ready
Maintain scanned copies of:
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Old CDC
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Passport
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Medical certificate
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STCW certificates
4. Apply Early
Do not wait until the CDC expires.
5. Verify Medical Certificate
The certificate should come only from a DGS-approved doctor.
Common Problems During CDC Application and Renewal
1. Spelling Mismatch
A small spelling difference between a passport and certificates often causes rejection.
Solution
Ensure all documents match exactly.
2. Upload Errors
Incorrect file sizes or blurred scans create delays.
Solution
Use clear PDF or JPEG files.
3. Delayed Application Status
Sometimes the application status may not update immediately.
Solution
Track regularly and contact the concerned shipping office if needed.
4. Lost CDC
If the original CDC is lost:
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File an FIR
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Apply for a duplicate CDC
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Submit all supporting documents
Major Shipping Offices in India
The following offices handle CDC-related matters:
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Mumbai MMD
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Chennai MMD
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Kolkata
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Kochi
The Mumbai office and Mumbai MMD handle a large volume of applications.
The concerned Shipping Master’s Office processes applications depending on jurisdiction.
Things Seafarers Should Be Careful About
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Never submit fake certificates
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Avoid unofficial agents
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Keep the CDC safe from water damage
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Verify every uploaded document
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Check the expiry date regularly
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Use only the official DG Shipping website
The CDC is not just a formality. It is an official professional document connected to your sailing career.
Conclusion
Understanding what the CDC is is essential for every Indian seafarer.
From your first CDC application to the complete CDC renewal process, proper preparation and accurate documentation can prevent delays, missed sailings, and unnecessary stress.
The Continuous Discharge Certificate remains one of the most important documents in maritime careers. Whether applying for a new booklet, a renewal sticker, or a CDC replacement, every detail matters.
Timely renewal, correct documents, and careful verification help ensure smooth sailing opportunities and uninterrupted sea service records.
FAQs
1. What is CDC in shipping?
The Continuous Discharge Certificate is an identity and sea service record issued to seafarers.
2. Who issues the Indian CDC?
The Shipping Master under the Directorate General of Shipping issues the Indian CDC.
3. What is the minimum age for the CDC application?
Generally, the minimum age is 18 years.
4. Is medical fitness required for CDC?
Yes. A certificate from a DGS-approved doctor is mandatory.
5. Can I renew the CDC after expiry?
Yes, but it is advised to begin the CDC renewal process before expiry.
6. What happens if CDC pages are full?
You can apply for additional pages or a new CDC booklet.
7. Can I track my CDC online?
Yes. Use the application no on the application status page.
8. What should I do if I lose my CDC?
Apply for a duplicate CDC along with FIR and supporting documents.