CDC Passport: Eligibility, Process, Updates & More in 2025

For international travelling, just a suitcase and a destination list are not enough. It’s equally important to understand the documentation for a traditional passport. That’s the role of the CDC passport. Whether international travellers are planning their first international trip or second, they should be updated about CDC passport requirements, how to get a CDC passport, and what is CDC passport is. It helps travellers to plan a smooth and hassle-free trip for a good experience.

Latest Facts & News 

• CDC Passport Full Form: Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-Seafarer’s Identity Document

• Application Fee: INR 700; re-application requires another fee if rejected.

• Processing Time: Typically 14 days to 2 months, depending on the issuing MMD office.

• Eligibility: Minimum 10th standard pass, Indian citizenship, valid passport, and completion of STCW courses.

• Online Application: The Entire process is digital via the DG Shipping portal.

• Medical Fitness: Mandatory certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor.

• Validity: A CDC passport is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

• Dispatch: The CDC passport India is sent via India Post with tracking available.

• STCW Courses: Five basic safety courses are required for eligibility.

• Recent Update: Kolkata SMO is currently the fastest in CDC passport processing.

Also Read: What is RPO in Passport? Experts Complete Guide

What is CDC Passport? (CDC Passport Full Form)

CDC passport stands for Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-Seafarer’s Identity Document, which is an internationally recognised document issued to seafarers. It helps applicants to obtain the permit to work on ships and verifies them by maintaining their sea service record history. It is managed and outlined by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

If travellers assume that the CDC passport is a travel document, it mainly operates as a record of seafarers. As we all know, the CDC's full form is a Continuous Discharge Certificate. It’s really important to individuals who are seeking employment on commercial or merchant ships, whether in national or international waters. 

This CDC passport not only plays a role as proof of sea service record but also acts as a mandatory credential for maritime professionals. It is mandatory in many countries, which ensures that maritime professionals meet the standards of training and certification set by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Why is the CDC Passport Important for Seafarers?

If professionals are assuming what a CDC passport is, it mainly operates like a travel work and record of seafarers, and the full form of CDC is Continuous Discharge Certificate.

A CDC passport plays a crucial role for maritime professionals who are pursuing a career at sea. A CDC passport is mandatory in many countries, including India, on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels. Individuals cannot get legal employment as seafarers without CDC Passport (Continuous Discharge Certificate).

Importance of the CDC Passport for Seafarers:

• Legal Requirement: A CDC passport is a mandatory document for seafarer employment, which DG Shipping India and internationally outline.

• Proof of Identity: A CDC passport identifies the eligibility of the document, which is set by port authorities and international maritime agencies.

• Record of Sea Service: Stamps and the ship’s master's signature on the CDC passport are essential factors for career advancement.

• Global Recognition: The CDC passport is globally recognised, which ensures legal employment for certified seafarers under the STCW Convention.

• Career Progression: Without a CDC passport, maritime professionals cannot obtain further legal certifications, seafarers' licenses, or career advancement in the maritime field.

Also Read: Passport Types in India: Expert's Latest Guide

Eligibility Criteria Of the CDC Passport India 

Understanding the eligibility criteria of the CDC passport India should be the first step when pursuing a career at sea. CDC passport full form is Continuous Discharge Certificate. A CDC passport for India is issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping). A CDC passport India is only granted to maritime professionals who meet standard training and qualification requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for CDC Passport India:

• An individual should be an Indian citizen with a valid government-issued ID proof.

• Should have completed the ASIC Safety Training (STCW courses) from a respected institute that is approved by the Maritime Training Institute.

• Must obtain a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.

• An individual should come under a valid medical fitness certificate from a doctor approved by the DG Shipping.

• There should be no criminal record for the individual.

• Age should be between 18 to 25 years, which often varies according to the institutes.

• Must have completed pre-sea training for the specific department in which is set by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Latest Step-by-Step Application Process Of Getting a CDC Passport in 2025

It is really important to understand the step-by-step application process for getting a CDC passport. The CDC passport is managed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping). Below is a detailed step that helps individuals to obtain the CDC Passport and the CDC passport full form, the Continuous Discharge Certificate.

Step 1: Complete Mandatory Training

• First, an individual should enrol in a DG Shipping-approved maritime training institute.

• Should complete STCW Basic Safety Training and pre-sea training to secure a role at sea.
  
  

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Below are the essential documents for the CDC passport:

• Valid passport

• A medical fitness certificate approved by a doctor from the DG Shipping

• STCW course completion certificates

• Pre-sea training certificate

• Passport-sized recent photographs

• Educational required 

Step 3: Register on the e-Governance Portal

• First, visit the official portal of the DG Shipping e-Governance portal

• Create your profile and obtain an INDOS number, which stands for Indian National Database of Seafarers

Step 4: Apply for the CDC Passport Online

• Create an account on the DG Shipping portal

• Go to “CDC Application” under the Seafarers department.

• Fill in the application form and upload all required documents.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

• Application fee can be paid through an online portal like net banking, credit/debit card, or other online payment methods.

Step 6: Document Verification

• DG Shipping will verify documents if they are correctly filled 

• In some cases, individuals are required to appear in person for document verification. 

Step 7: Receive Your CDC Passport

• After all verifications and submission, applicants will receive a CDC passport and be dispatched to their registered address.

• Individuals can track the status on the DG Shipping portal.

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide

Latest CDC Passport Fees Breakdown

It’s equally important to understand the CDC passport fee structure before applying for a CDC passport. The CDC passport full form is the Continuous Discharge Certificate.

Below is a table of CDC passport fees (INR) with service category:

CDC Passport India Processing Time

The CDC passport India processing time generally lies between 2 and 4 weeks. The processing time for the CDC passport India depends on document verification, application completion, and work records at DG Shipping.

Also Read: How to Write a Letter to the Regional Passport Officer Format

CDC Passport Renewal and Validity: 2025 Update

If individuals are wondering how to get a CDC passport renewal, here are the detailed requirements and steps for CDC passport renewal. Also, the CDC passport validity is for five years from the date of issue. In some cases, CDC passport validity can also be extended for an additional five years with the help of the CDC passport renewal process.

Overview of the CDC Passport Validity:

• 5 years is the initial validity

• The period of renewal validity is within 6 months before expiry

• Up to 10 years is the extended validity

• Renewal of the CDC passport is only applicable to applicants who are serving as seafarers.

Step-by-Step Process of CDC Passport Renewal

Below is a detailed process of CDC passport renewal, which helps individuals who are renewing their CDC passports after expiry.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Applicants should be seafarers with documented sea service

• The CDC passport must be within 6 months of expiry or recently expired.

Step 2: Log in to the DG Shipping Portal

• First, visit the official portal of the DG Shipping e-Governance Portal

• Log in with your required credentials and go to the "Seafarer" section in the shipping portal.

Step 3: Fill Out the Renewal Form Of The CDC Passport

• Select the renewal option for “CDC Passport Renewal.”

• Fill out the renewal form by uploading the required documents:

• Scanned copy of the existing CDC passport

• Valid medical certificate

• Latest sea service proof

• Recent CDC passport-sized photograph 

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

• Pay the CDC passport renewal fee via the available online payment methods. The CDC passport renewal fee is usually INR 700 – 1,000.

Step 5: Track & Receive Updated CDC

• After successful verification of the CDC passport renewal, the passport will be printed and dispatched.

• Track the status through your online portal of the DG Shipping dashboard

Also Read: Indian Passport Renewal Document Checklist: Latest Guide

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a CDC Passport

There are several mistakes when applying for the CDC passport that you should avoid because they can slow down your passport application and possibly lead to its rejection.

• The application requires you to use the latest version of the Annexure-M format.

• A proper inspection requires the stamp to rest directly over the photograph since it proves CDC passport authenticity.

• The submission of either an unsigned or unstamped CDC passport leaves such documentation invalid.

• Double-check that all necessary entry fields have accurate information before submission to stop delays from occurring.

• Submit an original CDC passport instead of using scanned or photocopied documents, since accepting such variants is impossible.

• The process demands that a new CDC passport be obtained after the validity expiry.

The correct implementation of these procedures will lead to a smooth application process.

How to Verify the Status Online Of a CDC Passport?

Submitting your application early enough is the key to stress-free last-minute situations and avoiding delays. The straightforward measures will help streamline your application for the CDC passport India processing time.

Apply Early

• Remember to set longer-than-needed application timeframes, especially when months are crowded.

• You should submit your application three to four weeks before the planned submission date.

• CDC passport applications take longer during the peak period.

Check Documents Twice

• Always verify that your paperwork contains no errors and that everything is correct.

• All application forms and supporting documents need a thorough verification process.

• Minimal documentation mistakes will result in application rejection or extended processes.

Respond to Queries Promptly

• Quickly address requests for additional documents or clarification from the embassy.

• Any unreasonably late response will negatively affect the CDC passport processing timeline.

• Maintain an active status on your phone and email accounts for receiving process updates.

Use a Professional Agent

• Working with a consultant will guide individuals who need clarification about CDC passport procedures.

• Their services include organising paperwork regarding stamps and signatures on the CDC passport, and document review.

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide

Conclusion

The full form of the CDC passport is Continuous Discharge Certificate. A CDC passport is not just a government-issued ID but also an essential document for professionals who are seeking to advance their careers in maritime. A CDC passport is recognised under international maritime laws. CDC legally records the experience of seafarers, and it also verifies the eligibility of commercial vessels to work abroad. If individuals are assuming what is CDC passport is and how to get a CDC passport, everything is simplified in this CDC passport blog. It plays an essential role for professionals who want to work in the shipping industry and have non-negotiable requirements.

The government is making initiatives to make the CDC passport process simpler and faster. Creating a structured online portal through the DG Shipping e-Governance portal makes it easier for applicants to register, upload their documents, make fee payments, and track application status. Also, there are some eligibility requirements regarding qualifications and medical fitness. 

To learn more about the CDC passport, visit TerraTern now.