What Are DG Shipping–Approved Courses? Full Beginner’s Breakdown

If you are planning to start a career in the Merchant Navy, cruise ships, or offshore vessels, you will repeatedly come across the term DG Shipping–approved courses. For beginners, understanding what these courses are and why they matter is the first and most important step toward a legal and successful maritime career.

This guide explains what DG Shipping–approved courses are, why they are mandatory, the complete list of DG Shipping courses, eligibility, validity, and how to choose the right training institute in India.

What Is DG Shipping?

DG Shipping (Directorate General of Shipping) is the maritime regulatory authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. It governs:

• Seafarer training & certification

• Maritime institutes approval

• STCW compliance

• CDC, COP & COC issuance

• Safety and competency standards

Any maritime course not approved by DG Shipping is invalid for ship joining.

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What Are DG Shipping–Approved Courses?

DG Shipping–approved courses are maritime training programs that comply with:

• STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping)

• IMO safety regulations

• Indian Merchant Shipping Act

These courses are mandatory for anyone working on Indian or foreign-flagged ships.

Without DG Shipping approval:

• Certificates are not accepted

• Ship joining is not possible

• CDC endorsements are rejected

Categories of DG Shipping–Approved Courses

1. STCW Basic Safety Courses

Mandatory for every seafarer.

Includes:

• PST (Personal Survival Techniques)

• FPFF (Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting)

• EFA (Elementary First Aid)

• PSSR (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities)

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2. Advanced Safety & Officer-Level Courses

Required for officers and senior crew.

Examples:

• AFF (Advanced Fire Fighting)

• MFA (Medical First Aid)

• PSCRB (Lifeboat & Rescue Boats)

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3. Tanker Courses

Mandatory for oil, chemical, and gas tankers.

• OCTCO

• TASCO

• CHEMCO

• Advanced Gas Tanker Course

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4. Cruise Ship & Passenger Ship Courses

For cruise ship jobs and passenger vessels.

• PSF (Passenger Ship Familiarization)

• PSFC

• Crowd Management Course

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Who Needs DG Shipping–Approved Courses?

• Merchant Navy aspirants

• Cruise ship job seekers

• Deck & engine officers

• Ratings (OS, AB, Wiper, Oiler)

• Hospitality students joining ships

If you are joining any vessel, DG Shipping courses are compulsory.

Validity of DG Shipping Courses

• STCW Basic Courses: 5 years

• Advanced Courses: 5 years

• Refresher training required before expiry

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How to Choose the Right DG Shipping–Approved Institute

Always check:

• DG Shipping approval number

• Updated course validity

• Practical & simulator training

• Faculty experience

• Placement guidance

Institutes like Anvay Maritime Institute provide DG Shipping–approved courses with complete student support.

Conclusion

DG Shipping–approved courses are the foundation of every maritime career. Without them, ship joining is legally impossible. Choosing the right DG Shipping institute and completing the correct STCW and advanced courses ensures safety, compliance, and long-term career growth at sea.