Clarification regarding endorsement of signatures in Continuous Discharge certificate (CDC) Booklets of Masters/Shipping Masters and promulgation of guidelines in the Matter-reg

Applicable to: All Seafarers, Shipping Companies, RPS Agencies, Associations, and Unions

Effective Date: 2026-09-24

Superseded Circulars: Merchant Shipping (Continuous Discharge Certificate) Rules, 2017

Key Changes and Requirements

1. CDC Booklet Signatures

The CDC Booklet should be signed/endorsed by the Master only once, at the time of signing-off of the seafarer. There is no requirement for a separate signature/endorsement at the time of signing-on.

2. CDC Booklet Endorsements

No other authority, including any Consular, Shipping company, RPS Agency, Association, or Maritime union, shall have the authority to make any endorsement or certification in the CDC Booklet in respect of the sea service of the seafarer/candidate.

Note: The format of the CDC Booklet is being revised to eliminate ambiguity and ensure clarity with regard to the endorsement of sea service and signatures therein.

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