1. Background

On 18th July 2025, DG Shipping issued Circular No. 31/2025 restricting Indian seafarers holding foreign-issued Certificates of Competency (CoCs). This sudden measure threatened the livelihoods of thousands of Indian seafarers and created industry-wide panic.

2. Initial Judicial Challenge in Bombay High Court

• The Foreign CoC Holders Association filed writ petitions: Manish Sharma v. DG Shipping and Gaurav Porwal v. DG Shipping.
• Core arguments: Circular ultra vires the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, violated Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21, and conflicted with STCW & MLC Conventions.
• Result: Interim stay granted by the Bombay High Court.

3. DG’s Subsequent Actions

• Addendum-I (05.08.2025): Imposed historic document checks, notarised affidavits, and RPSL-only submissions.
• DG Order No. 08/2025 (01.08.2025): Extended restrictions, effectively bypassing the stay order.
• Effect: Seafarers still unable to join vessels due to indefinite verification delays.

4. Contempt Proceedings in Bombay High Court

The Association filed a Contempt Petition against DG Shipping for defying interim stay orders. The matter is pending hearing.

5. Expansion to Delhi High Court

A comprehensive writ petition is being filed in Delhi High Court seeking:

• Quashing of Circular 31/2025, Addendum-I, and DG Order No. 08/2025.
• Declaration that DG has no jurisdiction over foreign-issued CoCs.
• Verification limited only to current valid CoCs, not historic records.
• Recognition of AIMS Institute and Oriana Edutech for bridging/upgrades.

6. Association’s Stand

• We support transparency and STCW compliance.
• We oppose blanket bans and arbitrary verification demands.
• Our fight is to protect livelihoods, safeguard RPCLs & training institutes, and uphold India’s maritime reputation.

7. Key Takeaways for Members

• Circular 31/2025 under judicial challenge.
• Bombay HC granted interim stay; DG attempted bypass.
• Contempt petition filed in Bombay HC.
• Fresh writ petition in Delhi HC underway.
• Association committed to protecting rights of foreign CoC holders.