INDoS Number: How to Apply (Complete Guide)

If you are planning to start a career in the merchant navy or want to work on merchant ships, you will quickly hear about two essential documents. These are the Continuous Discharge Certificate, known as the CDC, and the Indian National Database of Seafarers number, commonly called the INDoS number.

The INDoS number is the very first step in your maritime journey. Without it, you cannot enroll in mandatory safety courses or get your CDC. This guide explains everything you need to know about the INDoS number, why you need it, and how you can apply for it step by step.

What is an INDoS Number?

The INDoS number is a unique eight character alphanumeric identification code issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, also known as DGMA or DG Shipping. It acts as a central electronic record for every registered Indian seafarer.

When you get an INDoS number, all your personal and professional details are stored safely in one national database. This includes your:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport details
• Residential address
• Photographs and signature
• Educational qualifications and training certificates

Why Do You Need an INDoS Number?

The INDoS number was introduced to bring safety and structure to the maritime sector. It serves several important purposes for both you and maritime authorities.

• Prevents Certificate Forgery: It ensures that all your qualifications are genuine and verified. This stops fraudulent claims and keeps fake certificates out of the industry.
• Eases Document Management: Since your details are saved online, you do not need to carry all your original documents everywhere once your identity is verified in the system.
• Speeds Up Verification: Shipping companies, port state officials, immigration personnel, and foreign flag states can quickly check your background and credentials using a single database.
• Mandatory for Courses: You cannot get admission to DGMA approved modular or pre sea courses without an INDoS number.
• Required for CDC Application: The CDC is your primary seafarer identity book used for joining a ship. You must have an INDoS number before you can apply for a CDC.

Who Needs an INDoS Number?

You must get an INDoS number if you fall into any of these categories:

• All aspiring Indian seafarers planning to work on merchant vessels.
• Candidates enrolling in DGMA approved pre sea training programs.
• Trainees taking modular STCW safety courses to enter the maritime industry.
• Existing seafarers who hold a Certificate of Competency or an Indian CDC.

Prerequisites Before Applying

Before you start the application process, you must gather all the required documents. Ensure every detail on your educational certificates matches your passport exactly.

Essential Documents Required

• Valid Passport: You must possess an active passport.
• 10th Class Certificate: You need a 10th standard pass certificate or mark sheet from a recognized board, unless exempted by specific DGMA circulars.
• Recent Photograph: Provide a clean photograph with a white background. The photo dimensions must be 35 mm by 35 mm, with your face covering 70% to 80% of the image. Save it as a high quality JPG file.
• Digital Signature: Sign in blue ink on a piece of paper. The image size should be approximately 3.5 cm by 1.5 cm and saved as a JPG file.

Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for an INDoS Number

You cannot apply for an INDoS number completely on your own from home as a new candidate. The application must be processed through a DGMA approved Maritime Training Institute, also known as an MTI, such as HIMT.

Here is the exact step by step process to get your number smoothly.

Step 1: Pre Registration and Reference Number Generation

You start by registering your basic details into the DGMA system. You can do this directly or with the help of the MTI staff.

• Once you submit your initial details, the system generates a Reference Number.
• This Reference Number is valid for a period of 3 months from the date of issuance.
• You must present this Reference Number to your chosen MTI to proceed with the application. If you fail to apply within 3 months, you must re register to get a new Reference Number.

Step 2: Physical Visit to the Institute

You must physically visit the maritime training institute campus with all your original documents. For example, you can visit the HIMT Kilpauk campus in Chennai near Aysha Hospital or the HIMT campus in Vizag. Visiting hours are typically from 10:30 AM to 03:00 PM on working days from Monday to Saturday.

Step 3: Document Verification at the Help Desk

When you arrive at the campus, the admin help desk will verify your original passport and 10th class mark sheet. They will check that your name, date of birth, and spelling match perfectly across all papers. The institute will keep copies of your documents and return the originals to you.

Step 4: Signing the Undertaking

You will be asked to sign a standard undertaking on an A4 sheet. The institute will provide the exact format for this paper at the campus counter.

Step 5: Online Fee Payment

A fee is charged for processing your INDoS application as per DGMA norms. You can complete this payment directly on the designated government payment portal using:

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Net Banking

Always save your payment receipt and transaction reference number for future records.

Step 6: Application Submission and Number Generation

After verifying your original papers and confirming the fee payment, the institute will upload your details, photograph, and signature to the DGMA e-governance system. The INDoS number is generated once the MTI submits the application. The entire verification and admission clearance process generally takes 2 to 3 working days.

What Happens After Getting Your INDoS Number?

Once your INDoS number is generated and active, you can move forward with your maritime training.

• Book Your Training Courses: You become eligible to book your Basic STCW Training, also known as BST, and Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties, known as STSDSD.
• Complete Mandatory Modules: The BST course consists of four essential modules:
  • PST: Personal Survival Techniques
  • FPFF: Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
  • EFA: Elementary First Aid
  • PSSR: Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• Apply for Your CDC: After completing your STCW courses and clearing your medical fitness checks, you can apply for your Indian CDC on the DGMA portal. Once processed, your CDC will be dispatched directly to your home address by the respective Shipping Office.

Important Tips to Avoid Application Delays

• Use Capital Letters: When filling out forms online or on paper, always write your details in capital letters.
• Match Passport Details: Ensure your name, surname, and date of birth are identical across your passport, mark sheets, and application forms.
• Check Photo Quality: Do not upload low quality selfies or scanned photos with dark backgrounds. Follow the 35 mm by 35 mm size rule with a clear white background.
• Carry Originals: The institute will not generate an INDoS number without seeing your physical original documents.

How to Check Your INDoS Status Online

If you want to view your profile or verify that your INDoS number is active, follow these simple steps on the official website:

1. Visit the official Directorate General of Shipping website.
2. Select the E-Governance option from the menu.
3. Choose the INDoS option under the Search tab.
4. Enter your INDoS Number and your Date of Birth.
5. Click on Search to view your complete seafarer details on the screen.

How to View and Print Your INDoS Certificate

If you need a soft copy of your certificate for your records, you can retrieve it directly online:

1. Go to the DG Shipping portal and click on the E-Governance tab.
2. Log in using your User ID and Password. If you are a new user, you can create an account in a few minutes.
3. Go to the Seafarer section and select the Examination option.
4. Click on the option that says Click to View and Print INDoS Certificate.
5. Your computer generated certificate will appear on the screen, ready to download or print.