The Directorate General of Shipping, (DGS), on December 11, 2025, issued Circular cautioning seafarers against rising instances of fraud, cheating, and unauthorized recruitment during employment, particularly in relation to foreign-flagged vessels. The circular highlights that seafarers engaged through unregistered recruitment channels face serious risks, including lack of support during accidents or medical emergencies, wage and compensation disputes, abandonment abroad, and non-recognition of sea service obtained through unauthorized agents in the DGS e-governance system.
The circular strongly advises seafarers to obtain employment only through valid and registered Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) companies, as listed on the official DGS website, and to verify the real-time status of such RPSLs before any engagement. It mandates that seafarers must carry a genuine, system-generated Form I / IA / IB issued exclusively by a valid RPSL, failing which immigration authorities may reject travel. Further, linkage of the Emigrant Application Reference Number (ARN) with the seafarer’s passport is now verified live at departure, and any discrepancy may result in off-loading and legal consequences.
The advisory cautions against paying money for job placement, handing over passports or CDCs, or accepting offers through social media or informal channels, and urges independent verification of documents and credentials. Maritime stakeholders are directed to widely disseminate the advisory to prevent exploitation of seafarers. DGS has also provided dedicated contact details for reporting fraudulent recruitment activities, emphasizing that non-compliance with these safeguards may lead to denial of legal protection, invalidation of sea service records, blacklisting, or criminal proceedings.
[DGS Circular No. 55 of 2025]
