Continuous Discharge Certificate (C.D.C.) or A Certificate of Continuous Discharge is the identity document of a seafarer, issued by his nation. This document certifies that,the person holding it is a seaman,in accordance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeepinging for Seafarers (STCW), as amended in 1995.
While on board, each seafarer must bring this document, which is also an official and legal record of his marine experience.
The vessel’s master signs the document every time a seaman is signed off from the vessel certifying his experience on board.
A C.D.C. given under STCW regulations shall be applicable for ten years and may be renewed on expiration or six months before the expiration date, upon request by the holder, for a further period of up to ten years at a time if the holder is a serving seaman and his C.D.C. has not been cancelled, withdrawn or suspended under these regulations.
If a seamen’s CDC’s validity period expires during the voyage, it will be valid until the end of the trip.
Different nationality seafarers have a CDC equivalent document issued by their shipping ministry. Seaman Service Book issued by the government of Pakistan. A merchant mariner credentials is issued by the united states.
Amendments for Applying for Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate
As per M.S. Notice 1 of 2018, applications for the Indian CDC will now have a simplified requirement and procedure.
- Elementary First Aid/Medical First Aid/Medical Care
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting/ Advanced Fire Fighting
- Personal Survival Techniques/ Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.
- Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties/ Ship Security Officer
Or
All of the above courses are combined into one course as
1. Basic STCW Safety Training
● Applicant must not be under the age of 18.
●Applicant must have passed Class X.
And Of course, an Indian passport would be required and would also be deemed medically fit.
