The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on December 11, 2025, issued the notification regarding the Introduction of Revised Form-1 (RPSL- for Indian seafarers working on foreign flag vessels). Form-1A (RPSL/Indian ship owner - for Indian seafarers working on Indian flag vessels) and Form-1B (Non-RPSL - for Non-Seafarer Categories) for Uniform Verification at Immigration Check-Posts.
The following has been stated namely: -
• Indian seafarers and related personnel have faced repeated boarding denials and delays at airports due to airlines and immigration authorities insisting on the old Form-I, despite valid visas and other mandatory documents.
• Although Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 05 of 2020 clearly exempts several categories from e-Migrate/Form-I requirements, continued misuse and insistence on the old form caused hardship and risk of document forgery.
• To ensure clarity, uniformity, and security, three new standardized forms have been introduced: Form-I (foreign flag vessels), Form-IA (Indian-flag vessels), and Form-IB (non-seafarer categories).
• The new forms will be issued in non-editable PDF format with enhanced security features, including DGS watermark, Emigrate Reference Number (ARN), and auto-generated serial numbers to prevent fraud and misuse.
• Airlines, ground-handling agencies, and immigration authorities must accept Form-I /Form-IA /Form-IB as valid documents with immediate effect, and must stop insisting on the old Form-I to facilitate smooth movement of Indian seafarers.
[Notification No. 23-540121112025-CREW - DGS (C. No. 34454)]
