नौवहन महानिदेशालय
Directorate General of Shipping
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Government of India
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Smt. Droupadi Murmu

Smt. Droupadi Murmu

Hon’ble President of India

Shri Narendra Modi

Shri Narendra Modi

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

Hon’ble Cabinet Minister

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Shri Shantanu Thakur

Shri Shantanu Thakur

Hon’ble Minister of State

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Welcome to Directorate General of Shipping

Established in September 1949, the Directorate General of Shipping is the apex maritime authority of the Government of India, functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. As India transitions towards a modern and facilitative maritime governance framework under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the Directorate is evolving into the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), reflecting its expanded mandate and strategic orientation.

The Directorate is responsible for the implementation of national shipping policy and legislation, encompassing the safety of life and ships at sea, prevention of marine pollution, and the promotion of maritime education and training in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its regulatory purview extends to the registration, survey and certification of vessels, examination and certification of Merchant Navy Officers, regulation of seafarer employment and welfare, development of coastal shipping, augmentation of India's shipping tonnage, and the supervision and control of allied offices, including the Mercantile Marine Departments and the Seamen's Employment Offices, under its administrative jurisdiction.

 

What's New

Latest News

The Latest News section serves as an official platform for sharing recent updates, circulars, advisories, policy decisions, and important announcements issued by the maritime administration. It provides timely information to seafarers, shipping companies, maritime institutes, and other stakeholders on regulatory changes, compliance requirements, safety measures, and administrative developments.

Acts & Rules Highlights

Acts and Rules form the legal framework within which government bodies and institutions operate. An Act is a law passed by the Parliament or State Legislature that provides the legal authority and foundation for governance in a specific area. Once an Act is enacted, the concerned department or ministry may frame detailed Rules and Regulations under it to define procedures, responsibilities, and operational guidelines. While Acts lay down the broad principles or provisions, Rules serve as the practical tools to implement those provisions effectively.

DGS Orders Highlights

Orders are formal instructions or decisions issued by government authorities, regulatory bodies, or competent officials to enforce policies, implement provisions of law, or direct specific actions. Unlike circulars, which mainly clarify or guide, orders are binding and often pertain to enforcement, administrative changes, appointments, or specific actions that must be carried out. They derive their authority from relevant Acts or Rules and are essential for translating legal provisions into actionable steps.

DGS Circulars Highlights

Circulars are official communications or directives issued by government departments, regulatory bodies, or organizations to provide instructions, clarifications, or policy-related updates. They are not laws but serve to explain, interpret, or guide the implementation of existing Acts, Rules, or procedures. Circulars help ensure that all concerned parties—such as field offices, institutions, or stakeholders—have a consistent understanding of the applicable regulations and operational guidelines.

MS Notices Highlights

Notices are official announcements or written communications issued by government departments, authorities, or institutions to convey information, instructions, or warnings to individuals, organizations, or the general public. They serve as a formal method of communication for matters such as deadlines, meetings, legal actions, public disclosures, or changes in procedures. Notices ensure transparency and provide affected parties with adequate time or information to respond or comply.

Tenders Highlights

Tenders are formal invitations issued by government departments, public sector undertakings, or private organizations to invite bids from vendors, contractors, or service providers for the supply of goods, execution of works, or provision of services. The tendering process is designed to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in public procurement. It typically involves publishing a tender notice, accepting bids, evaluating proposals based on technical and financial criteria, and awarding the contract to the most suitable bidder.

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Allied Offices & Autonomous Bodies

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