DGMA Circular 56 of 2025: Revised Form-I, Form-IA & Form-IB for Seafarer Verification 

The maritime industry operates across borders, making the timely movement of seafarers and other vessel personnel an essential part of global shipping operations. Every stage of a crew member’s journey, from recruitment and deployment to joining a vessel, involves coordination between several stakeholders and regulatory authorities. As the industry continues to evolve, regulatory frameworks also need to keep pace with operational and administrative requirements. 

In line with this evolving framework, the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has introduced DGMA Circular 56 of 2025, bringing revisions to the forms used for immigration verification. The circular is particularly relevant to seafarers, RPSL companies, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders involved in crew movement. 

What is DGMA Circular 56 of 2025?

DGMA Circular 56 of 2025 was issued by the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on 11 December 2025 to introduce revised Form-I, IA and IB for uniform verification at Immigration Check-Posts. The revised forms apply to different categories of seafarers and recruitment agencies, including Indian seafarers working on foreign-flag vessels, Indian-flag vessels and non-seafarers. 

The circular aims to standardise documentation and strengthen the verification process during crew movement through Indian immigration checkpoints. It also provides a structured mechanism for verifying the employment and recruitment details submitted by RPSL agencies, shipowners and other concerned stakeholders. 

What are the Key Changes Introduced by DGMA Circular 56 of 2025?

DGMA Circular 56 of 2025 introduces revised documentation and verification requirements to streamline immigration procedures, improve transparency, and ensure accurate verification of seafarer and recruitment-related information. Here are the key changes introduced by DGMA Circular 56: 

• Introduces revised Form-I, IA and IB for immigration verification at Indian Immigration Check-Posts.
• Establishes a uniform format for verifying seafarer and employment-related details during immigration clearance.
• Strengthens the requirement to provide accurate recruitment and placement information by RPSL agencies.
• Helps Immigration authorities verify submitted documents more efficiently and identify discrepancies before permitting crew movement.
• Places greater responsibility on concerned stakeholders to ensure that the information submitted in the prescribed forms is complete, accurate and up to date.

What are Form-I, Form-IA and Form-IB Under DGMA Circular 56 of 2025?

DGMA Circular 56 of 2025 introduces three revised, standardised forms for uniform verification of Indian seafarers and other personnel at Immigration Check-Posts. Each form applies to a specific category based on the vessel’s flag and the nature of the personnel’s engagement. 

Form	Whom Does It Concern?
Form-I	Indian seafarers recruited through RPSL companies for joining foreign-flag vessels.
Form-IA	Indian seafarers recruited through RPSL companies or Indian shipowners for joining Indian-flag vessels.
Form-IB	Non-seafarer personnel, including supernumeraries, technicians, auditors, surveyors, OEM personnel, hotel crew on cruise ships and other personnel covered under MSN 05 of 2020.

How to Generate and Download Form-I?

For foreign-flag vessels: Indian seafarers recruited through RPSL companies for joining foreign-flag vessels.

As per DGMA Circular 56 of 2025, Form-I can be generated and downloaded through the DGMA e-Governance module by the concerned RPSL agency. The steps are:

1. Go to the official Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) website.

2. Log in to the DGMA e-Governance system using the User ID and Password provided to the authorised RPSL agency.

3. Navigate to Seafarer → Recruitment and Placement Services.

4. Select Foreign Ship Engagement → Sign-On/Sign-Off.

5. Enter the seafarer’s INDoS Number and click on “Continue.”

6. Identify the relevant Form-I record and click on “View” under the “View Details” column.

7. The system will display the available Form-I details submitted for the concerned seafarer.

8. The generated Form-I will open on the screen, from where the RPSL agency can download or take a printout of the form.

9. The RPSL company must ensure that the correct Form-I is issued to the seafarer before sending them to the airport for joining the vessel.

How to Generate and Download Form-IA?

For RPSL companies (Form–IA): Indian seafarers recruited through RPSL companies or Indian shipowners for joining Indian-flag vessels.

For Form-IA, the procedure differs slightly depending on whether the details were submitted by an RPSL agency or a shipping company.

1. Go to the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) website and open the e-Governance section.

2. Log in using the User ID and Password provided by DGMA.

3. Navigate to Recruitment and Placement Services.

4. Go to Others → View Application Status.

4. Select “Articles of Agreement” as the Application Type from the dropdown menu and click “View.”

5. The system will display the list of submitted application(s).

6. Click the “Acknowledgement” link under the “Application” column to take the printout of Form-IA.

For Shipping Companies (Form–IA): Technical ship management companies and registered ship owners authorised by the DG Shipping to recruit and place seafarers on Indian-flag merchant vessels.

1. Go to the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) website and open the e-Governance section.
2. Log in using the User ID and Password provided by DGMA.
3. Navigate to Seafarer → Recruitment and Placement Services.
4. Go to Others → View Application.
5. Select “Articles of Agreement” as the Application Type from the dropdown menu and click “View.”
6. The system will display the list of submitted applications.
7. Click the “Acknowledgement” link under the “Application” column to take the printout of Form-IA.

How to Generate and Download Form-IB?

For Non-RPSL Agencies(Form-IB): For placement of Non-seafarer personnel, including supernumeraries, technicians, auditors, surveyors, OEM personnel, or maritime security officers on foreign flag vessels.

The procedure for Form-IB depends on whether the details were submitted by a non-RPSL agency or a shipping company.

1. Go to the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) website and open the e-Governance section.

2. Log in using the User ID and Password provided by DGMA.

3. Navigate to Seafarer → Recruitment and Placement Services.

4. Go to e-Migrate for Repair Technician → Data Submit for e-Migrate.

5. Enter the concerned person’s Passport Number and click “Continue.” The system will show the list of details submitted.

6. Click the “View” link under the “View Details” column to take the printout of Form-IB.

How Can You Verify Whether Form-I Is Genuine?

To verify whether a Form-I is genuine, check the following:

1. Verify the e-Migrate Reference Number: Ensure that the e-Migrate Reference Number is a 9-character alphanumeric number (for example, SF8888888).
2. Check the sender’s email address: If you have received a copy of Form-I by email, carefully verify that it has been sent from the official DG Shipping email ID: sys-egovernance@dgshipping.org.
3. Beware of fake emails: Seafarers should be particularly cautious of fraudulent job offers. Scammers may create email addresses that closely resemble official DGMA email IDs and send fake Form-I documents designed to appear genuine.

NOTE:

Always verify the e-Migrate Reference Number and the source of the Form-I before making any payment or proceeding with travel or joining formalities.

What Is an e-Migrate Reference Number?

An e-Migrate Reference Number is a unique 9-character alphanumeric number (for example, SF8888888) generated through the e-Migrate System by authorised entities, including registered RPSL agencies, Non-Seafarers Licence holders, shipping companies, foreign employers and Recruiting Agents (RAs).

The reference number is generated in connection with the placement of Indian nationals for employment abroad, including the placement of seafarers and non-seafarers on foreign-flag merchant vessels, wherever applicable.

The e-Migrate System is integrated with the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), enabling authorised maritime entities such as RPSL agencies, Non-Seafarers Licence holders and eligible shipping companies to generate e-Migrate Reference Numbers for applicable crew and employment-related transactions. In the maritime sector, this reference is commonly associated with Form 1.

The e-Migrate Reference Number can subsequently be verified by immigration authorities at Indian airports through the e-Migrate System during the immigration process.

What is the Impact of DGMA Circular 56 of 2025 on Seafarers and RPSL Companies?

DGMA Circular 56 of 2025 strengthens immigration verification by introducing revised forms and standardised procedures, directly affecting how seafarers, RPSL companies, RPSL licence holders, shipowners and other concerned stakeholders manage crew documentation.

1. Standardised Documentation: Seafarers must carry the correct revised form and document of compliance, ensuring a uniform immigration verification process and reducing discrepancies in crew movement records.
2. Stricter Verification: Immigration authorities can verify employment, recruitment and vessel-related information through standardised forms, improving transparency during crew movement.
3. Greater RPSL Responsibility: RPSL companies must accurately submit information, generate applicable forms and provide them to seafarers before their departure.
4. Reduced Documentation Errors: Digitally generated, non-editable forms help minimise manual alterations, incorrect information and inconsistencies in immigration-related documentation.
5. Better Compliance Monitoring: The revised system enables authorities to maintain more structured records and facilitates verification of seafarer and recruitment details.

What Should You Do If a Job Scammer Cheats You by Showing a Fake Form-I?

If you have been cheated by a job scammer using a fake Form-1, take immediate action. Visit the nearest police station with a Cyber Crime Branch cell and file a complaint. Carry all available evidence, including payment receipts, bank transaction details, WhatsApp chats, emails, fake Form-1, phone numbers, and any other documents or communication received from the scammer.

You should also report the fraud through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting may help the authorities take steps to freeze or block the fraudster’s bank account or linked mobile number, subject to the applicable procedure.

If the scam involves a seafarer recruitment or RPSL agency, you should also verify the agency and relevant details on the official DGMA portal and report the matter to the appropriate DG Shipping authority if you suspect that an RPSL agency or its personnel are involved.

Way Ahead: Stay Compliant with the Revised DGMA Form Requirements

DGMA Circular 56 of 2025 introduces a more structured approach to seafarer and non-seafarer verification through revised Form-I, Form-IA and Form-IB. The revised procedures place greater responsibility on RPSL companies, shipowners and other concerned stakeholders to ensure accurate documentation and timely generation of the applicable forms. Proper compliance can help minimise discrepancies during immigration checks and support smoother crew movement. Therefore, concerned entities should understand the applicable form, follow the prescribed DGMA e-Governance procedure and ensure that the correct form is issued before travel. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for generating Form-I?

The concerned RPSL agency is responsible for generating and providing Form-I to the seafarer.

2. Can the revised forms be manually edited?

No, the digitally generated forms are non-editable, helping prevent unauthorised alterations and documentation discrepancies.

3. What identification is required to generate Form-IB?

The concerned person’s Passport Number is required to retrieve and generate the submitted Form-IB details.

4. What happens if incorrect information is submitted?

Incorrect information may create discrepancies during immigration verification and potentially delay the seafarer’s crew movement.

5. Why are revised forms important for immigration verification?

They establish standardised documentation, facilitate digital verification and improve consistency in seafarer movement records.

A copy of Form-IA 

DGMA Circular 56 of 2025