Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is an international mandatory document required for seafarers to sail onboard Merchant Navy ships. It is a document issued in the form of booklet wherein record of service (onboard discharge and engagement) of seafarers from ships are recorded.
Issuing Authority
Continuous Discharge Certificates are issued by the Shipping Master, Government Shipping Offices located at Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Government Shipping Office is an allied office of Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Government Shipping Offices are headed by Shipping Master who functions under direct administrative control of the Jurisdictional Principal Officer, Mercantile Marine Department.
Eligibility for CDC
Continuous Discharge Certificates are issued in accordance with the provisions under Merchant Shipping (Continuous Discharge Certificate) Rules, 2017 and other relevant DGS Orders, Circulars, MS Notices issued by Directorate General of Shipping from time to time. Basic eligibility criteria for obtaining CDC is mentioned vide Rule 4 of Merchant Shipping (CDC) Rules, 2017 which states following:
- An applicant shall be a citizen of India.
- An applicant shall be medically fit and possess a valid certificate in the form prescribed under Annexure IV and V of the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000.
- An applicant must have completed the following basic familiarisation courses in an approved training institute and hold valid certificates:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) or Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) or Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA) or Medical First Aid (MFA) or Medical Care (MC)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
- Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD) or Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- An applicant shall be not less than eighteen years of age.
- An applicant must have passed tenth standard.
- Exceptions / Exemptions have been notified by DGS vide following Orders / Circulars:
- DGS Order No. 01 of 2019 dated 06.03.2019 – Relaxation of sub-rule (5) of Rule 4 for seafarers who served on international cruise ships before the rules came into effect.
- DGS Order No. 03 of 2019 dated 06.08.2019 – Acceptance of Matriculation Certificate issued by Armed Forces for ex-servicemen.
- DGS Order No. 05 of 2024 dated 06.03.2024 – Relaxation of educational qualification for natives of Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep (Scheduled Tribe) for Pre-Sea Courses and CDC issuance.
Fee
The fee for obtaining the Continuous Discharge Certificate or for its reissue, renewal, replacement or duplicate is INR 700, which is non-refundable and payable via online mode.
Validity
As per Rule 8 of M.S. (CDC) Rules, 2017, CDC is valid for a period of ten years and may be renewed on expiry or within one year prior to the date of expiry.
Requirement for Replacement / Duplicate / Renewal Continuous Discharge Certificate :
- Replacement: In case of mislaid, destroyed, defaced or mutilated CDC, or if pages are exhausted, apply online for Replacement CDC Booklet.
- Duplicate: In case of lost CDC, apply with a copy of FIR for Duplicate CDC.
- Renewal: For extension of CDC validity, apply online for Renewal of CDC.
Cancellation of Continuous Discharge Certificate :
CDC may be cancelled, suspended, or withdrawn in terms of Rule 9 of M.S. (CDC) Rules, 2017 if the holder is found violating existing rules. As per Sub-rule 12 of Rule 9, a CDC holder who wishes to discontinue sea service may request cancellation of CDC from the Government Shipping Office that issued the certificate.
