INDoS
Maritime Training Trust
1. Background
- To prevent the use of fraudulent certificates at sea by seafarers and to comply with Regulation 1/9, paragraph 4, of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Convention of 1978, as amended in 1995, the Director General of Shipping, through M.S. Notice No. 2 of 2001, has authorized the implementation of the Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS).
- The objective of INDoS is to maintain a computerized national database for quick reference by statutory authorities, such as flag states, port states, and immigration, as well as by employers of seafarers. The database will also include additional details, such as the individual's name, photograph, signature, address, and telephone number.
INDOS Number: The Official Identity of Every Indian Seafarer
- All individuals, including foreign nationals, who hold a certificate of competency issued by the Government of India, or who complete modular courses in India approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), or all Indian nationals who possess an Indian passport and an Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), are eligible seafarers to obtain an INDoS number.
- This number is included on all documents and certificates of the seafarer. Once allotted, the INDoS number will remain unchanged, regardless of any changes in categories.
- An INDoS number is a unique, permanent identifier composed of eight alphanumeric characters, such as 18NM1234.
- The first two digits of the INDoS number represent the year of issuance.
- The next two digits indicate category codes: N - Nautical Officer, E - Engineer Officer, P - Polyvalent Certified Officer, D - Deck Crew, R - Engine Crew, C - Catering Crew (Saloon Rating), G - General Purpose Crew (GP Rating), M - Medical Officer, Y - Foreign Nationals, and Z - Non-Seafarers. Additional codes such as H, S, and K have been added as per demand from Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) in compliance with DGS regulations.
- The last four digits are numeric values from 1 to 9.
2. Given technological advancements and evolving expectations, the Directorate has implemented a streamlined online procedure for INDoS registration by seafarers and MTIs.
- Login to the DG Shipping E-Governance website: http://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/egovernanceeng.aspx
- Select the e-governance option from the left panel.
- Click on 'Request for Corrections in Personal Details Profile' under the Seafarer module.
- The request form allows entry of 'New Value' for each field.
- Attach the necessary documents, confirm, and click 'Submit for Correction'.
- If rejected, follow the same procedure to reapply.
- As per INDOS Cell Circular No. 2 of 2018, corrections are handled by MTT.
Until April 30, 2019, INDoS Cell issued numbers. Training Circular 08 of 2019 transferred this responsibility to Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs). Key steps:
- Valid passport and 10th-grade mark sheet required (unless exempted by DGS Circular).
- No registration fee for Maritime Training Institute admission.
- A reference number is system-generated and valid for 3 months.
- Presence at MTI with originals (passport and mark sheet) is mandatory for verification.
- MTI checks data accuracy and uploads scanned documents and signatures.
- Online payment by MTI activates fee processing.
- No charges should be levied on candidates for INDoS generation.
- Post-payment, INDoS number is displayed and sent via email and SMS.
- Excel list of generated INDoS numbers is downloadable.
- For data corrections, MTI must email the INDoS/e-Governance Cell and pay a penalty of Rs. 3,000 per correction.
In September 2019, a password recovery utility was introduced for Seafarer Profile without an official DGS circular. Steps:
- Go to the e-governance portal: http://dgshipping.gov.in/Content/egovernanceeng.aspx
- Use INDoS Number as Login ID.
- Leave password field blank and click "Forget Password".
- Provide an alternative email address and upload passport.
- System generates an application; DGS verifies and sends a new password to the registered email.
- RPSL companies or Indian flag ship owners must submit Form 1 on DGS portal before seafarer joins the vessel.
- Data is sent to Bureau of Immigration (BOI) every 3 hours along with EC data.
- Seafarer details are verified during passport swipe at immigration checkpoints.
- Seafarers must update their passport in the E-Governance system for Form 1 generation.
- In October 2019, a new module allowed seafarers to update passport details directly, assigned to MTT.
- Login to the DG Shipping portal.
- Choose Upload Documents section.
- Fill in passport number, issue date, validity date, and place of issue.
- Upload scanned copy and submit.
- Increasing reliance on digital technology and e-Governance for seafarer processes (certificates, exams, etc.).
- Facial authentication is mandatory during exit exams and e-learning.
- DGS via CDAC web portal facilitates image and signature updates.
- Verify live photo against INDoS photo.
- Replace INDoS photo if it doesn't meet guidelines.
- Upload three new photos for facial recognition accuracy.
- Update signature via INDoS profile.
- As per DGS Order No. 7 of 2021, photo/signature changes are permitted.
