What is the CDC?
If you are a sailor or want to be one, you may have heard of the term “CDC or Seaman’s Book”. You may wonder what it is and why it is so important. Here, we will discuss the Continuous Discharge Certificate and its importance in merchant ships. Below is an in-depth introduction to the relevant terms to further assist you in understanding the detailed information about the Continuous Discharge Certificate on the Directorate General of Maritime Transport’s website.
The full form of the CDC is “Continuous Discharge Certificate”. It is sometimes also referred to as the Seaman’s Book.
In simple terms, a Seaman’s Book is a document similar to a passport, except that it contains all the contracts signed by the seafarer and serves as an official document to calculate the seafarer’s time at sea.
It is issued by the government of the seafarer’s country of residence and proves that the person holding the document is a seafarer. Without a CDC certificate, the person will not be able to board the ship because the ship may be considered “unseaworthy” under the STCW convention. Once issued, the CDC certificate is valid for 5 years. Continuous Discharge Certificate in Seafarer’s File.
- Personal Details: Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Dependents Details, Eye and Hair Colour, Gender, Nationality, etc.
- Certificate Details: STCW Course Certificate, Certificate Name, Number, Date, and Place of Issue
- Travel Details: Ship Name, IMO Number, Official Number, Port of Registry, KW, Engagement Date and Place, Departure Date and Place
- Description of Trip – Outbound Trip / Offshore Trip / Coastal Trip, Sir Signature and Stamp.
How to Upload CDC Documents While Submitting the CDC Application?
When you are ready to apply, the required documents to be uploaded online are listed on the website. This is a mandatory step, and it is especially important to keep the correct form during the application process.
Here is a list of all the documents you need to upload online while applying for a new CDC. This list may be helpful and help you prepare specific folders in advance:
- Scanned copy of online application (PDF format)
- 2 passport size photos (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with clear background, white background, covering 70% of the face, in JPG or JPEG format
- 3 Scanned seaman’s signature (JPG or JPEG format)
- 4 Color scans of original passport (page showing personal information, photo, address information, and signature of the person authorized by the passport), PDF
- 5 Color scans of original 10th grade pass transcript/mark sheet (PDF format)
- 6. Color scans of the original medical certificate of the doctor approved by the General Security Administration (Annexure IV and V) (PDF format).
- 7 Color scans of original permanent address proof (any one of passport, Aadhaar card, Election Commission photo ID card, permanent driving license), PDF
3: How to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Once your selected HMO approves your continuous solution certification, you will receive an update in the CDC management profile as mentioned above. We will share with you a quick post #1 that can be used to track the CDC sent to you. CDC is usually shipped through the Post.
4: CDC Checker
Every official document must be valid and up-to-date. The Maritime Safety Certificate is the most important document for seafarers, and therefore it is crucial to verify its validity.
- The Directorate General of Shipping has developed various tools on its website that help seafarers verify the authenticity and identity of various documents they may have.
- These tools include the CDC Verifier, which allows sailors to gather necessary details about the CDC.
- It is particularly useful when the CDC is not available and you need access to important information.
- You can also print the same using the CDC Checker if needed.
4.1:- What do you need to know to access the CDC Checker on the DG Shipping website?
- CDC Number
- Date of Birth
- That is all you need to use the CDC Checker.
4.2:- Information provided by CDC Checker
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Document Number
- CDC Number
- Date of Issue
- Valid Until
- Place of Issue
5: Replacing CDC
Sailors are always on the move, so it is common for the CDC to be lost or damaged.
If you have lost or damaged your CDC device, don’t worry, there are ways to replace it. It takes a little more effort, but it is definitely possible.
5.1: Documents Required for Replacing the CDC
It is recommended that you create a folder on your computer containing the following documents:
- Scanned copy of the signed online application
- Passport size photo (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a clear background, white background, covering 70% of the face
- Scanned signature of Seeman
- Scanned and self-certified copy of CDC (first and last page)
- STCW certificate of recognized course (all certificates are included in one PDF file)
- Scanned and self-certified copy of citizenship document (passport or any other document).
6:- How to apply for a replacement CDC? Download the certificate in a row
- Step 1: Visit the Directorate General of Shipping website -> e-Governance.
- Step 2: Log in with your username and password.
- Step 3: Click on “Manage CDC and CoC as a Chef.”
- Step 4: Click on “Submit Application” -> “CDC Replacement”
- Step 5: Read the instructions carefully and complete the required information.
- Step 6: Pay Rs. 700
- Step 7: Submit all documents
- Step 8: Wait for CDC approval and shipment.
7: Conclusion
The process of applying for the CDC is fairly simple if you know exactly where to look. This blog will provide you with the necessary information. Submitting documents and filling in information must be done carefully to avoid unnecessary application rejection and paying fees later.
Applying for the CDC requires a Basic STCW course (BST + STSDSD). After completing these courses, you must apply to the CDC to avoid wasting time.
Different types of MMDs require different times to get CDC approval and shipment, so you should choose carefully.
