The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on December 11, 2025, notified regarding the mandatory Upload of Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Capacity Documents by RPSL Companies.
The Directorate has observed that certain Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies approved under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, have been misusing the online module by uploading seafarer details beyond the vessel’s approved Life Saving Appliance (LSA) capacity. The online module was originally introduced to facilitate ease of doing business and streamline seafarer engagement processes.
To improve transparency and ensure compliance, RPSL companies are now required to upload documents specifying the maximum approved LSA capacity of the vessel along with other mandatory documents under Crew Branch Circular No. 03 of 2023. This includes valid ship safety certificates (such as Cargo Ship Safety Certificate or Passenger Ship Safety Certificate) along with relevant forms, or equivalent documents issued by the vessel’s Flag Administration or a Recognized Organization.
Accordingly, Annexure-I of Crew Branch Circular No. 03 of 2023 has been revised to include a new mandatory entry on the “Total number of persons for whom Life Saving Appliances are provided.” All stakeholders involved in seafarer recruitment and placement must comply with this requirement. The circular will come into effect from February 20, 2026, and RPSL companies are advised to upload the requisite documents before the due date.
[Circular No. 57 of 2025]
