For anyone dreaming of a career at sea, obtaining a CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) is a crucial first step. The cdc course merchant navy is not just a formality—it’s the key to legally working on board a merchant vessel. Without it, your entry into the maritime world remains incomplete.

At SkillsStation, we help aspiring seafarers kickstart their careers with certified training, proper documentation guidance, and hands-on experience. This guide to the cdc course merchant navy explains everything you need to know—from eligibility and duration to benefits and long-term career growth.

What is the CDC Course in the Merchant Navy?

CDC stands for Continuous Discharge Certificate. It’s an official document issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India, that acts as a seafarer’s identity proof and service record. The CDC course merchant navy enables students to obtain this document by completing mandatory safety training and practical workshops.

The CDC is a must-have document if you plan to:

Work as a deck or engine cadet
Join a ship as a rating or trainee
Begin your onboard training after completing pre-sea courses

Why is the CDC Important for a Merchant Navy Career?

The cdc course merchant navy is more than just a certification. It is legally required to:

Join a vessel for the first time
Record your sailing experience and sea time
Apply for higher ranks and certifications in the future
Work under international shipping laws

The CDC contains your personal details, photograph, seafarer ID number, and records each vessel you’ve worked on—including duration and rank.

Eligibility for the CDC Course in Merchant Navy

Before applying for the CDC course merchant navy, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Minimum Qualification: 10th pass from a recognised board
Age Limit: 17.5 years to 25 years (varies by institute)
Medical Fitness: Must pass a DG Shipping-approved medical test
Basic STCW Training: Often part of the course or a prerequisite

Students from both science and non-science backgrounds can apply, making it one of the most accessible ways to join the maritime workforce.

Course Duration and Structure

The cdc course merchant navy generally includes:

STCW Training: Covers four basic safety modules—PST, FPFF, EFA, and PSSR
Basic Seamanship: Includes rope work, ship familiarisation, and life-saving equipment
Fire Fighting & Survival Training
Ship Visit or Onboard Practical Training (in select institutes)

📌 Course Duration: Typically 1–2 months

📌 Course Fees: ₹35,000 to ₹75,000 depending on the location and facilities

Training centres like SkillsStation ensure all modules meet DG Shipping norms for quality and safety.

Documents Required for the CDC Course

To enrol in a CDC course merchant navy, you’ll need the following:

Passport-size photos
Aadhar Card
10th/12th Marksheet
Passport (optional but recommended)
Medical fitness certificate (DG Shipping-approved)
Police clearance certificate

SkillsStation offers full support for registration, documentation, and submitting your CDC application through the e-Governance portal.

Career Opportunities After the CDC Course

With a valid CDC and STCW training, you are eligible for various entry-level merchant navy jobs such as:

Deck Rating
Engine Rating
Saloon Rating (Catering)
Trainee OS (Ordinary Seaman)
Wiper (Engine Department)

Your performance and sea time on these roles will determine your future promotions and eligibility for advanced training and certifications.

CDC Issuing Process After Course Completion

After completing the CDC course merchant navy, here’s what happens:

Institute uploads training data to DG Shipping
You apply for your CDC online
Verification and approval by DG Shipping
Physical CDC is issued and sent to your registered address

The process is smooth if you’re training through a DG Shipping-approved centre like SkillsStation.

Things to Check Before Enrolling

Before enrolling in any CDC course or merchant navy program, keep in mind:

Verify if the institute is DG Shipping-approved
Ask if placement assistance is offered
Compare fees, facilities, and reviews
Check for hidden costs or extra charges

SkillsStation ensures complete transparency and compliance, making sure students receive real value and guidance.

Conclusion

The CDC course merchant navy is the very foundation of your seafaring career. It opens the gate to training, shipboard life, and long-term growth in the maritime industry. Make sure your first step is the right one—with proper education, practical skills, and valid certification.

At SkillsStation, the best merchant navy academy in dehradun, we don’t just offer courses—we offer transformation. Our skills station approach to hands-on training, certification support, and career guidance ensures every student is fully ready for life at sea.

Rayyan Alam

11:55 27 Jun 24

I heard about Skill Station from a senior and decided to join. When I got to Dehradun, I was thrilled with the great faculty and environment. Amrinder Sir is amazing – his communication skills, style, and personality are top-notch. He's more than a teacher; he's like a friend, brother, and mentor. Joining Skill Station was the best decision I made. Unlike other places, Sir helps you until you get selected. Last year, I achieved a 5452 rank in IMUCET but didn't get any company sponsorship. However, Sir didn't leave me. He took care of us until we were selected and continued to guide us even after our selection. This year, with his guidance, I improved to a 4600 rank in IMUCET and got sponsored by ESM. Skill Station feels like a family. Thank you, Sir!

Abhinav Garwal

10:40 27 Jun 24

Thank you Team Skills Station!

For always guiding me.
For not only making a relationship as a teacher-student but also to make a bond like a family members.

Special thank to Amrinder Sir for not only helping and guiding us but also to treat us like an elder brother in our all the tough and difficult situation.

❤️Thank you to all the members of Skills Station team.
- Abhinav Garwal

aakarsh negi

08:22 27 Jun 24

One of the best institutes I have seen that not only has good results but also great management. When I joined this institute, I was a bit shy and was not able to speak in public, but now my personality has completely changed. I am confident and bold, and now I like to socialize even more. Because of the teachers and their guidance, I was able to score a good rank in IMU-CET and got sponsored by Anglo.

Kirti Mishra

08:21 27 Jun 24

I'm a student of skill station by Amrinder sir , I'm a type of student who scared to talk in front of crowd and have a lack of confidence , but after joining skill station family Amrinder sir taught me and helped me in every single step I improved my personality . Our faculties present over there are very supportive , friendly and kind hearted they always present there to help us wherever we need they motivate us to keep growing.One more thing from my side Amrinder sir's classes is not just for interview's it'll always help you further in your life how to stay , how to adjust and how to grow with limited resources. With skill station family I learnt a lot of things .
Thanks skill station family specially a great personality Amrinder sir 🙏

ARYAN KAMRA

08:14 27 Jun 24

Skills Station Is Best academy For The preparation of merchant Navy , all the teachers Are very helpful and Hardworking they have years of experience joining skills station is one of my best decision I have ever taken in my life, Specially Amrinder Sir Who helped us in every situation we have faced during Our exams or interviews thank You to all the whole team of Skills Station Family because of you I Have secured Good Rank in Imucet I highly recommend new Comers please join Skills Station.

Deepika Rohilla

07:01 26 Jun 24

This is the best institute for Merchant Navy and Communication skills. Amrinder Sir helped me to gain confidence to clear the interviews. He always focuses to develop our personality. I am more confidant and more skillful now.