DG Shipping Exposes Massive Certificate Forgery Scandal in Ship Recruitment

The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has exposed a sprawling racket that forged certificates of competency (CoCs), the legal documents required for naval and cargo ship employment. In a sweeping audit of the official examination database, the DG found dozens of forged entries that have enabled bogus candidates to secure critical maritime positions without ever sitting the required exams.

Background and Context

Certificates of Competency are the maritime industry’s equivalent of a medical license. They certify that an officer has attained the technical knowledge and practical experience to command a vessel safely. In India, the DG Shipping’s registration system is the single source for all CoC records, and the Global Maritime Distinctive Identification Authority (GMDIA) depends on this database to verify crew credentials worldwide.

In a country where 75 % of the nation’s foreign-flagged merchant fleet operates under Indian-licensed crew, the integrity of CoCs is paramount. Recent international incidents—such as the MSC Aries leak in 2023—have underscored how falsified qualifications can jeopardise safety, expose crews to hazards, and erode a nation’s reputation on the global stage.

DG Shipping’s investigation began when two IT auditors discovered a mismatch in the system: a candidate named Mishal Anand had never appeared for the CoC examination, yet a legitimate booklet number existed in the database. Subsequent queries revealed that two login IDs had been used to upload dozens of fraudulent certificates across both engineering and nautical departments.

Key Developments

• Number of Fraudulent Entries: 46 false CoCs in the engineering branch and 56 in the nautical branch were identified during the initial audit.
• Verification Findings: Of 24 retrieved booklet copies from shipping companies, three were confirmed forged and the rest were suspected to be digitally manipulated.
• Official Response: “We are tightening our verification protocols and will be conducting onsite audits of all registered agents in the next 90 days,” said Senior Principal, DG Shipping, Mr. Arun Gupta.
• Legal Action: Kanjurmarg Police filed criminal cases against the orchestrators of the scheme on 2nd December 2025, citing fraud under the Indian Penal Code and violations of the Merchant Shipping Act.
• Industry Impact: Shipping lines have temporarily suspended hiring for positions that required the newly issued CoCs, pending a comprehensive cleanup of the database.

Impact on Students and the Maritime Industry

For international students aspiring to career opportunities in India’s maritime sector, the scandal sends a stark warning. The CoC is required for roles ranging from Chief Engineer to Electro‑Technical Officer, and any compromise in its authenticity can render a passport‑holdings student ineligible for future licensing.

Moreover, the ripple effects extend to shipping companies that rely on DG Shipping’s database for crew vetting. A single forged credential can lead to:

• Operational Delays: Ship departures might be halted while crew lists are rescinded.
• Safety Incidents: Crew members lacking proper training may fail to respond to emergency drills or navigation mishaps.
• Financial Penalties: Companies facing regulatory fines for employing unqualified staff risk costly audits and reputational damage.

Students currently enrolled in maritime academies, particularly those pursuing international studies in the UK, Australia, or Singapore, should double‑check the eligibility criteria of Indian ports. The Indian Shipping Ministry has recently announced a pilot programme offering joint certification paths for students whose courses are accredited by the Indian Board of Technical Education.

Expert Advice and Practical Guidance

According to Dr. Priya Patel, a maritime law specialist at the Maritime Law Institute, “Verification is the first line of defense. Always cross‑validate any CoC against the official DG Shipping portal or contact the issuing authority directly.”

Here are actionable steps for students and recruiters alike:

1. Use the Official DG Shipping Portal: Log in at dgshipping.gov.in to check the authenticity of a certificate by entering the booklet number.
2. Verify Examination Participation: Confirm that the candidate has sat for the prescribed examination by requesting a mark sheet or examination report from the Marine Training Authority.
3. Avoid Third‑Party Agents: Stick with recognised maritime recruitment agencies that are registered under the DG Shipping’s merchant agents list.
4. Document the Process: Keep digital copies of all communication, exam results, and official correspondences. Should a dispute arise, these records serve as evidence.
5. Maintain Continuous Education: Stay updated on changes to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and any Indian amendments.

For students abroad, it’s wise to establish a direct line of inquiry with the Indian Commission or Embassies, which can verify the legitimacy of candidate credentials through the DG Shipping’s export‑certification channels.

Looking Ahead

DG Shipping is launching a comprehensive database audit slated for the end of 2026, during which all existing CoCs will be re‑verified. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has pledged to enhance IT safeguards, including two‑factor authentication for all login IDs, and blockchain‑based timestamping to prevent future tampering.

Simultaneously, the Indian Maritime University plans to institute a digital verification module in its curriculum, ensuring that future graduates graduate with irrefutable credentials. International bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have expressed support for India’s initiatives, citing the need for stronger compliance mechanisms worldwide.

Maritime recruiters and institutions worldwide should also collaborate on a global anti‑fraud task force. By sharing data on known forgeries and suspicious patterns, the industry can protect both its workforce and the public from dangerous, unqualified candidates.

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