Introduction

In November 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) issued a landmark directive   DGS Order No. 10 of 2025   launching a comprehensive “Seafarers’ Code of Conduct – Compliance & Enforcement Manual.” This new Code aims to raise the bar for behaviour, safety, fairness and environmental responsibility across India’s maritime industry. It applies not just to seafarers, but to training institutes, recruitment agencies, ship-owners, managers and all maritime service providers under DGS jurisdiction.

Starting 1 January 2026, the maritime sector in India is set to enter a new era of transparency, accountability and professional standards under the DGS Code of Conduct. Let’s dive into what this means, why it matters, and how it could change life at sea for Indian seafarers and related stakeholders.

What is the DGS Code of Conduct & Why It Was Introduced

A Uniform Framework for Maritime Conduct

With the release of the DGS Code of Conduct, DGS has created a nationwide, unified standard for conduct, compliance, enforcement and welfare in India’s shipping sector. The Manual defines how compliance will work: detection of violations, reporting, investigation, enforcement, and penalties or corrective measures   under a clear enforcement matrix.

In its own words, DGS introduced the Manual “in view of the growing complexity and volume of compliance and enforcement activities,” to provide a “transparent, consistent and proportionate approach” towards violations and voluntary compliance.

Who Does It Apply To

The Code applies to all stakeholders under DGS oversight:

  1. Seafarers (crew members)
  2. Recruitment & Placement Service providers (RPSL companies)
  3. Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) where seafarers get trained
  4. Ship owners, ship managers and maritime service providers (companies that run or manage ships)

In short, if you are part of   or plan to be part of   India’s maritime workforce or industry, this Code now governs your conduct, rights and duties.

What the Code Covers – Key Areas

The DGS Code of Conduct covers several critical aspects to ensure safety, fairness and global-standard compliance. Key elements include:

Human Rights, Ethics, and Fair Treatment

The Code ensures protection of human dignity, equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and freedom from harassment or unlawful coercion. This means Indian seafarers   regardless of background   should be treated respectfully and fairly onboard ships and in workplaces, with no tolerance for forced labour, discrimination or abuse.

Health, Safety & Well-being

Safety at sea has always been vital. The Code strengthens it further by aligning with international standards like the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), MARPOL (marine pollution), MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention) and STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). It emphasizes safe working conditions, health care, welfare support, and mental-physical well-being for seafarers.

Professional Training & Certification Standards

Under the Code, training institutes (MTIs) and recruitment agencies must adhere to approved standards, ensuring seafarers get legitimate, quality training. This helps uphold the credibility of Indian certification and ensures seafarers are well-prepared for responsibilities at sea.

Environmental Responsibility & Sustainable Shipping

Modern maritime industry must also care for the environment. The Code encourages shipping companies and seafarers to follow anti-pollution norms, prevent marine pollution, and adopt practices that protect marine ecosystems. This aligns Indian shipping practices with global environmental standards and contributes to long-term sustainability.

Transparent Compliance & Enforcement

One of the most important parts of the Code is that it does not rely only on goodwill   it has a clear enforcement framework. Procedures are defined for detection, reporting, investigation of violations. There is an enforcement matrix, penalty schedule, standard forms like “Initial Violation Process Form”, “Show Cause Notice” and fair processes to allow defense, mitigation, due process.

In short: minor unintentional mistakes may be treated leniently (with counseling or corrective training), but deliberate or repeated violations can lead to strong action up to suspension, cancellation of certification, or other penalties.

What’s New, Why This Code Is a Big Deal for India’s Maritime Sector

The launch of this Code represents a structural shift in how India regulates its maritime sector.

  1. Comprehensive & Inclusive: Earlier, regulations often focused on technical aspects (training, certification, safety). Now the scope is much broader including human rights, ethics, welfare, environment, professional behaviour.
  2. Uniform National Standard: Instead of inconsistent practices across different companies or institutes, there’s now one consistent standard across the country. Applicability to all stakeholders ensures wide coverage.
  3. Global Alignment: By referencing international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC 2006, STCW), India ensures its maritime sector stays globally competitive, and Indian seafarers’ certifications and conduct are trusted worldwide.
  4. Transparency & Fairness: With clear processes for enforcement and protection of due process   the Code aims to be fair. This builds trust among seafarers, employees, companies and regulators.

Overall, the Code helps transform India’s maritime industry from a patchwork of rules and standards into a unified, modern, professional, and globally respected system.

Read: Adoption and Enforcement of “Seafarers’ Code of Conduct – Compliance &
Enforcement Manual”

What It Means for Indian Seafarers, Training Institutes & Shipping Companies

For Seafarers

  1. Knowing your rights and protections: The Code ensures dignity, safety, fair treatment, and health & welfare. Seafarers now have stronger protections against unfair treatment, discrimination or unsafe conditions.
  2. Expect standardized training and certification: Your training will be under regulated institutions, ensuring quality and global acceptance.
  3. Career growth under recognized professionalism: With adherence to standards, good conduct, safety and discipline, seafarers stand a better chance for recognition   and better global job opportunities.
  4. Accountability and responsibility: You are now part of a system where good behaviour, compliance and ethics matter as much as technical skills.

For Training Institutes & Recruitment Agencies

  1. Compliance burden but also opportunity: Institutes must meet standards, follow approved courses, and ensure transparency   which can mean more paperwork and compliance efforts. But it also means credibility & trust in training outcomes.
  2. Quality assurance: Being compliant gives institutes legitimacy; non-compliance can lead to penalties or loss of license.

For Shipping Companies, Ship-owners & Managers

  1. Unified standards across the fleet: Whether domestic or international, ships operating under Indian jurisdiction must meet the Code’s safety, environmental and human-rights norms.
  2. Enhanced global reputation: Companies adhering to the Code align with international maritime standards, making them more reliable and acceptable globally.
  3. Legal and regulatory clarity: The enforcement framework gives clear rules for compliance reduces ambiguity around responsibility.

Challenges & What to Watch

No reform is without its hurdles. For this Code to achieve real impact, a few things must happen:

  1. Proper implementation and enforcement: The Code is only as good as the follow-through. Authorities must actively monitor, investigate and enforce violations.
  2. Awareness and training: Everyone seafarers, institutes, companies must be made aware of the Code, trained in its requirements, and understand the consequences of non-compliance.
  3. Cultural change: Moving from informal practices to a values-and-standards-driven culture can be challenging   especially for maritime workplaces that may have operated with looser norms in the past.
  4. Resource and capacity building: Smaller institutes or companies may struggle to meet new compliance demands. Support in terms of infrastructure, training, audits will matter.
  5. Balanced enforcement: The system must remain fair distinguishing between honest mistakes and deliberate misconduct and ensuring due process for all.

If these are ignored, the Code risks becoming paperwork rather than real change. But if taken seriously it can transform India’s maritime industry for the better.

Also read: India Flags Off Its First All-Electric Tugboat: A Major Leap in Green Maritime Innovation

Conclusion

The Seafarers’ Code of Conduct introduced by DGS under Order No. 10 of 2025 is a landmark reform for India’s maritime industry. It blends safety, human rights, professionalism, welfare, and environmental responsibility into a unified, enforceable framework.

For Indian seafarers, it promises dignity, fair treatment, global-standard training and career growth. For companies and institutes credibility, global acceptance, clearer regulation and enhanced professionalism. For the industry a chance to align with global maritime standards and build a stronger, more respected maritime sector.

As we head towards Jan 2026   when the Code becomes effective it’s time for all stakeholders to read up, prepare, train, and embrace this change wholeheartedly. Because in the long run, it’s not just about regulation it’s about building a safer, fairer and more professional future for India’s maritime community.

Source: DG Shipping