🚨 BSc Nautical Science Students: Can You Still Get CDC After New DGS Circular? (2026 Official Update) ⚓

 Hey there, future officer! 👋

If you're in the final semester of your BSc Nautical Science and you're panicking about whether you can still get your CDC after hearing about the new DGS circular — take a deep breath.

I'm going to clear up ALL your confusion right now. 💯

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## 🚨 The Big Question Everyone's Asking

*"I've completed my STCW courses. Can I still apply for CDC as a BSc Nautical Science student?"*

Here's the straight answer:

✅ **YES. You ARE eligible for CDC.**

Let me explain exactly why, with official DGS references.

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## 📜 What's This New DGS Circular About?

You're probably hearing about **Draft DGS Order XX of 2025** (dated December 14, 2025).

**What it says:**

The order proposes to STOP issuing CDCs to people who:

❌ Only completed 5 basic STCW courses (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, STSDSD)

❌ Have NO formal maritime education

❌ No proper training pathway

**Why this order exists:**

To stop fraud. 🚨

There are ~3,25,000 people who were lured by agents into taking just STCW courses, promised seafaring jobs, and are now unemployed waiting for their first vessel.

This order protects aspirants from exploitation.

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## ✅ Who CAN Still Get CDC? (You're In This List!)

According to the official Draft Order, CDCs will continue to be issued to:

### 🎯 Category 1: Pre-Sea Course Candidates

People who completed approved pre-sea training like:

- GP Rating course

- DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)

- **B.Sc. Nautical Science** ← **YOU ARE HERE** ✓

- B.E. Marine Engineering

- Other DG Shipping approved programs

**PLUS** the five Basic STCW courses

### 🤝 Other Categories:

- Agniveer candidates (with discharge certificate + STCW)

- Hospitality sector (hotel management + OCCP + STCW, cruise only)

- Ex-Indian Navy personnel (with discharge certificate + STCW)

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## 🎯 Why BSc Nautical Science Students Are NOT Affected

Let's be crystal clear:

✅ You're in a **3-year DG Shipping approved program**

✅ Your STCW courses are **part of mandatory curriculum**

✅ You're following a **structured, official training pathway**

✅ You're enrolled with **Indian Maritime University (IMU)**

✅ You fall under **"Pre-Sea Course Candidates"** category

The circular only targets people who did STANDALONE STCW courses with no proper education.

That's NOT you. ✓

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## 📄 What You Need to Apply for CDC

**When to Apply:**

- After completing your shore-based (pre-sea) training

- Before joining your first ship for sea training

- Your institute will coordinate this

**Required Documents:**

1. ✅ Educational certificates (10th, 12th with PCM 60%, English 50%)

2. ✅ IMU-CET scorecard

3. ✅ B.Sc. Nautical Science enrollment/completion certificate

4. ✅ All 5 STCW course certificates

5. ✅ Medical fitness certificate (DG-approved doctor)

6. ✅ Eye sight certificate (6/6 vision, no color blindness)

7. ✅ Valid Indian passport

8. ✅ Community certificate (if SC/ST)

9. ✅ Training Record Book (TRB)

10. ✅ Birth certificate/age proof

**Processing Time:** ~2 months via Speed Post

**Medical Standards:**

- Height: Minimum 151 cm

- Age: 17+ years

- Vision: 6/6 in each eye without aids

- No color blindness

- DGS medically fit

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## ⏰ Timeline: When Does This Order Take Effect?

**Important dates:**

- **Published:** December 14, 2025

- **Comments deadline:** December 21, 2025

- **Proposed implementation:** April 1, 2026

- **Current status:** DRAFT (not yet finalized)

**For you (final semester student in January 2026):**

✅ You completed STCW as part of approved program

✅ You're protected under Pre-Sea Course Candidates

✅ **ZERO impact on your CDC eligibility**

Don't worry. You're good. 👊

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## 🚀 What Happens After You Get CDC?

Your journey continues:

1️⃣ **Join ship as Deck Cadet** (18-24 months sea training)

2️⃣ **Complete Training Record Book (TRB)**

3️⃣ **Gain required sea service**

4️⃣ **Appear for Second Mate examination**

5️⃣ **Get Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Third Officer**

That's your pathway. Clear and structured. ⚓

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## 💡 Still Have Doubts? Here's What You Should Do

### 👉 Action Step 1: Get Personalized Guidance

I've built an AI mentor called **SailorGPT** (powered by GPT-4) specifically for students like you.

It can answer:

• Specific questions about YOUR situation

• Documentation requirements

• Timeline concerns

• Career pathway clarity

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Ask anything 24/7. No judgment, just real help. 🤖

### 👉 Action Step 2: Confirm with Your Institute

Your maritime training institute knows the latest procedures. Confirm your CDC application timeline with them.

### 👉 Action Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Start gathering all required documents NOW. Don't wait until the last minute.

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## ❓ Common Questions Answered

**Q: Does this circular stop CDCs for all STCW holders?**

A: NO. Only for standalone STCW-only candidates with no proper maritime education.

**Q: I'm in final semester. Should I be worried?**

A: NO. You're in an approved BSc program. You're fully eligible.

**Q: When will this order be finalized?**

A: It's currently a DRAFT. Final version expected around April 2026.

**Q: What if I haven't started sea training yet?**

A: That's normal. You get CDC BEFORE joining your first ship.

**Q: Can I still become a deck officer?**

A: YES. Absolutely. This doesn't affect your officer training pathway at all.

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## 🎯 Key Takeaway

The new DGS circular **PROTECTS** genuine maritime students like you.

It eliminates fake pathways and ensures only properly trained seafarers get CDCs.

You're in a **legitimate, DG Shipping approved B.Sc. Nautical Science program**.

You're **100% eligible** for CDC application.

**Stop worrying. Start preparing.** ✅

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## 📌 Your Immediate Action Plan

**Today:**

✅ Confirm CDC application timeline with your institute

✅ Check all STCW certificate expiry dates

✅ Register on Graphy to access SailorGPT for ongoing guidance

**This Week:**

✅ Complete medical examination (DG-approved doctor only)

✅ Verify passport validity (minimum 6 months)

✅ Start gathering all required documents

**Before Joining Ship:**

✅ Receive CDC

✅ Complete pre-joining formalities

✅ Prepare your Training Record Book

✅ Understand shipboard training objectives

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## 🚀 Need More Help? We've Got You Covered

🔗 **Join Sailor Success on Graphy:** <a href="https://sailorsuccesss.graphy.com">sailorsuccesss.graphy.com</a>

**What you get:**

✅ Access to SailorGPT (AI Mentor available 24/7)

✅ Latest DGS circular updates and explanations

✅ Company-wise salary data and career insights

✅ Exam preparation resources

✅ Community of serious maritime aspirants

✅ Real answers, no fluff

Don't navigate this alone. Get the guidance you need. 🧑‍✈️

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## 📚 Official References

- Merchant Shipping (CDC) Rules, 2017

- Draft DGS Order XX of 2025

- STCW Convention 1978 (Manila Amendments)

- IMU B.Sc. Nautical Science Guidelines

- Merchant Shipping Act, 1958

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## 💬 Final Words

Look, I get it.

You're in final semester. You've worked hard. And suddenly there's this circular creating confusion.

But here's the truth: **You're on the right path.**

The circular isn't targeting students like you. It's protecting the industry from fake training centers and protecting aspirants from fraud.

You've done everything right:

✓ Qualified IMU-CET

✓ Enrolled in approved BSc program

✓ Completed STCW as part of curriculum

✓ Following official pathway

Now just complete your documentation, get your CDC, and start your sea training.

The merchant navy is waiting for officers like you. ⚓

**Stay focused. You've got this.** 👊

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*P.S. - If this cleared your confusion, share it with your batch mates. Let's help everyone understand the real facts, not rumors.*

*P.P.S. - For personalized guidance on YOUR specific situation, register free on Graphy and ask SailorGPT directly: <a href="https://sailorsuccesss.graphy.com">sailorsuccesss.graphy.com</a>*