Not every doctor can issue a valid medical fitness certificate for your CDC or CoC — only examiners specifically approved by DGMA can. Here's how the approval system works, how to check an examiner is genuinely on the list, and what to watch for.
If you've ever searched "seafarer medical near me" and found a dozen clinics claiming to do "maritime medicals," you've already run into the problem: not all of them are actually authorised to issue a certificate that DGMA will accept. Only medical examiners specifically approved under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000 can issue a valid Certificate of Physical Fitness for a CDC or CoC — and a certificate from anyone else, however qualified they seem, won't be accepted.
Here's what the approval actually means, and how to check before you book an appointment.
What "DGMA-Approved" Means for a Medical Examiner
DGMA doesn't just accept any registered doctor's medical certificate for seafarer purposes. To issue a Certificate of Physical Fitness that's valid for CDC issuance, CoC renewal, or STCW course enrolment, a doctor must go through a specific approval process: completing DGMA's Medical Examiner familiarisation course, maintaining valid registration with their state Medical Council, and being listed on DGMA's own published register of approved examiners.
Approval isn't permanent. It's typically granted for five years at a time, tied to the examiner's ongoing Medical Council registration, and DGMA can suspend or withdraw it if an examiner doesn't comply with the required standards — for example, not conducting the mandatory tests, or issuing certificates without a proper examination.
That means the same clinic that was on the approved list last year isn't automatically still on it today.
How Long Your Medical Certificate Is Valid For
Under the current Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, a Certificate of Physical Fitness is generally valid for a maximum of two years from the date of issue (one year if you're under 18). If your certificate expires mid-voyage, it stays valid for up to three months past expiry, or until you reach the next port where an approved examiner is available — whichever comes first.
(A draft update to these rules — the Merchant Shipping (Medical) Rules, 2026 — would introduce a shorter six-month validity specifically for certificates used for CDC or CoC renewal or STCW course enrolment. This is still a draft, not yet in force. We'll update this section once it's confirmed either way — don't plan around it yet.)
How to Check an Examiner Is Actually Approved
Before you pay for an examination, it's worth confirming the doctor or clinic is genuinely on DGMA's current list — not just displaying an old certificate on the wall or claiming approval verbally.
- Search our DGMA-approved doctor directory, filterable by city. It's built directly from DGMA's own published register, so you can check whether a specific examiner's name and approval number actually match a current, non-suspended listing.
- Check the approval number, not just the name. Names can be similar or outdated in a clinic's own marketing. The DGS approval number is the actual identifier DGMA tracks.
- Confirm the listing isn't marked suspended. DGMA does suspend examiners for non-compliance — a name still appearing in an old printout or a clinic's signage doesn't mean the approval is current.
- If in doubt, cross-check directly against DGMA's own published list at dgma.gov.in, which hosts the current source PDF.
What Happens If You Use an Unapproved Examiner
A medical certificate from a doctor who isn't on DGMA's approved list — however well-qualified they are generally — won't be accepted for CDC issuance, CoC renewal, or STCW enrolment. That means wasted time, a wasted fee, and having to get re-examined by an actual approved examiner before you can proceed. This is a completely avoidable delay if you verify first.
Before You Book
Verifying an examiner takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Check our doctor directory by city, confirm the approval number matches, and make sure the listing isn't flagged suspended — then book with confidence.
This article explains how DGMA's medical examiner approval system works in general terms and reflects the rules currently in force. It is not a substitute for confirming a specific examiner's current status directly, or for professional medical or regulatory advice.
An institute can be approved for one course and not approved for another. Always verify the specific course approval before paying any fees.
- 1Verify the instituteCheck that the institute appears in the DGS-approved list.
- 2Verify the courseConfirm the specific course is approved at that institute.
- 3Check expiry and placementConfirm the approval has not lapsed and that the institute offers placement.
- 4Check RPSL if placement promisedIf the institute promises sea-time placement, verify their RPSL licence.