Non-Seafarers Licence: Latest DGMA Rules for 2026

by kamalroykk
Updated October 16, 2026
14 mins read

License for Placement of repair technicians (non-seafarers) on foreign flag ships

Table of Contents

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has introduced a major regulatory change for companies recruiting and placing non-seafarers, including repair technicians, surveyors, ship-security personnel and other prescribed technical categories.

Under DGMA Circular No. 68 of 2026, dated 13 October 2026, the enhanced Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) Module became operational from 15 October 2026. DGMA has discontinued fresh applications for separate e-Migrate authorisation for non-seafarers under Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2018.

Existing entities that hold non-seafarer authorisations but do not hold an RPSL licence have been directed to transition to the applicable RPSL licensing framework within three months from the date of the circular.

This update changes how recruitment and placement businesses must approach licensing, online applications and compliance for non-seafarer personnel.

What Has Changed Under DGMA Circular No. 68 of 2026?

The circular introduces the following key changes:

No fresh separate authorisations: New applications for separate non-seafarer e-Migrate authorisation under Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2018 are no longer accepted.
Three-month transition period: Existing authorisation holders that are not RPSL licence holders must transition to the applicable licensing framework within three months from 13 October 2026.
Enhanced RPSL Module: The upgraded digital platform supports fresh RPSL applications, unified licence applications, renewals, inspections and other licensing-related services.
Unified licensing framework: The enhanced module provides for a unified licence covering recruitment and placement of seafarers and applicable non-seafarer or technician categories.
Compliance obligations continue: Entities must comply with applicable licensing, inspection, bank guarantee, fee, reporting and other requirements under the Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2026.

Companies should review their existing authorisations and determine which licensing action is applicable to their current status.

What Is a Non-Seafarers Licence?

A non-seafarers licence was previously associated with separate e-Migrate authorisation for entities recruiting and placing certain categories of personnel who do not serve as regular seafarers.

Depending on the nature of their work and the applicable regulatory classification, these personnel may include:

Repair and maintenance technicians
Engineers and technical specialists
Surveyors
Ship-security personnel
Riding squad personnel
Other prescribed non-seafarer categories

These individuals may be deployed onboard vessels for specific technical, repair, maintenance, survey or security assignments rather than as part of the vessel’s regular crew.

Important: The previous separate authorisation route has now been discontinued for fresh applications. Businesses must assess their eligibility and applicable requirements under the enhanced RPSL licensing framework.

Can You Apply for a New Non-Seafarers Licence?

No. Under paragraph 2.3(i) of DGMA Circular No. 68 of 2026, fresh applications for separate e-Migrate authorisation for non-seafarer categories under Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2018 will no longer be accepted.

The enhanced RPSL Module provides an application route for a unified licence covering recruitment and placement activities relating to seafarers and applicable non-seafarer or technician categories.

Companies intending to recruit and place technicians, supernumeraries, surveyors, ship-security personnel or other prescribed non-seafarer categories on foreign-flagged vessels must apply for the appropriate licence through the enhanced RPSL Module and comply with the applicable regulatory requirements.

The appropriate application depends on whether the business already holds an RPSL licence or operates under an earlier separate authorisation.

What Must Existing Non-RPSL Companies Do?

Companies, firms, proprietorships and other entities holding separate non-seafarer authorisations under Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2018, but not holding an RPSL licence, must transition to the applicable licensing framework.

Three-month transition deadline

The bank guarantee requirement for obtaining a non-seafarer license is based on the proposed number of non-seafarers to be RECRUITED per year.

The circular specifies a period of three months from its issuance date of 13 October 2026.

Accordingly, the transition deadline falls on 13 January 2027, subject to any subsequent clarification or direction issued by DGMA.

Affected entities should:

Review their existing non-seafarer e-Migrate authorisation and current business activities.
Assess the requirements for the appropriate RPSL licence under the Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2026.
Prepare the prescribed application and supporting documents.
Arrange the applicable bank guarantee and fees.
Complete the applicable licensing, inspection and reporting formalities.
Ensure that recruitment, placement, deployment and applicable e-Migrate processing are carried out through the profile of the duly licensed entity in the enhanced RPSL Module.

Companies should not assume that an earlier non-seafarer authorisation automatically becomes an RPSL licence. They should follow the prescribed transition process and obtain confirmation of their applicable status.

Please note that the number of recruitments is determined based on the number of eMigrate reference numbers generated, regardless of whether the respective crew members actually join the vessel or not. Kindly do not confuse this with the calculation used for the RPSL licence, where the bank guarantee amount is based on the number of seafarers onboard at any given time. In this case, the count is solely based on the eMigrate reference numbers you generate.

Sr. No.	A number of Non-Seafarers	Amount (Rs)
1	0 to 50	25 lakhs
2	51-250	40 lakhs
3	251-500	55 lakhs
4	501-750	70 lakhs
5	751-1000	85lakhs
6	1001 and above	1 Crore

What If Your Company Already Holds an RPSL Licence?

The enhanced RPSL Module introduces a unified licensing route for recruitment and placement activities involving seafarers and applicable non-seafarer or technician categories.

This is relevant to existing RPSL companies that also undertake technical recruitment, repair work placements or other prescribed non-seafarer deployment activities.

Under the applicable licensing framework, companies should review whether their current licence and digital profile cover the intended categories and activities before proceeding with recruitment or placement.

The availability of a unified application facility does not, by itself, establish that every existing licence automatically covers every category. Companies should confirm the scope of their authorisation and any additional conditions prescribed by DGMA.

What about the existing non-seafarer bank guarantee?

Companies that have submitted a separate bank guarantee under the earlier non-seafarer authorisation should verify the applicable DGMA procedure before requesting its release or adjustment.

Circular No. 68 of 2026 requires compliance with the applicable bank guarantee provisions but does not expressly specify the procedure for withdrawing an existing non-seafarer bank guarantee or combining it with an RPSL bank guarantee.

Therefore, the release, adjustment or clubbing of bank guarantees should not be treated as automatic solely on the basis of this circular. Companies should obtain confirmation from DGMA and their bank regarding the applicable requirements.

Does the Unified RPSL Licence Cover Indian-Flagged and Foreign-Flagged Vessels?

The enhanced RPSL Module provides for a unified licence covering recruitment and placement of seafarers and applicable non-seafarer or technician categories.

The circular specifically directs entities intending to recruit, place or deploy prescribed non-seafarer categories on foreign-flagged vessels to apply for the appropriate licence through the enhanced module.

For businesses intending to undertake recruitment and placement on both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels, the applicable scope of authorisation and operational conditions should be verified before commencing activities.

A unified application facility should not be interpreted as an exemption from vessel-specific, personnel-specific or other applicable regulatory requirements.

What Is the Enhanced RPSL Module?

The enhanced RPSL Module is DGMA’s upgraded digital platform for licensing and managing recruitment and placement services.

According to Circular No. 68 of 2026, the module was initially launched in beta form with effect from 15 October 2026.

The available application and service functions include:

Application for a fresh RPSL licence
Application for a unified licence covering applicable seafarer and non-seafarer categories
RPSL licence renewal
Annual inspections and other applicable inspections
Change in the name of a licensed recruitment and placement service
Change in business location or address
Changes in top management where the functionality is enabled
Creation and management of RPSL holder and shipping company profiles
Correction and updating of profiles and associated records, subject to status, system permissions and prescribed procedures

Recruitment agencies should review the enhanced module and ensure that their profiles and records are accurate.

What Are the Compliance Requirements Under the New Framework?

The circular states that entities covered by the new licensing framework must comply with applicable requirements under the Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules, 2026, and directions issued by DGMA.

These requirements include, as applicable:

Appropriate licensing and authorisation
Prescribed bank guarantees
Applicable licence and inspection fees
Required documentation
Inspection and reporting obligations
Maintenance of accurate digital profiles and records
Applicable procedures for recruitment, placement, deployment and e-Migrate processing

The precise requirements depend on the applicant’s status, the categories of personnel being recruited, the activities proposed and the applicable regulatory provisions.

What do you mean by non-seafarers?

Non-seafarers refer to individuals who are not part of the regular crew of a ship. They may include technicians, surveyors, and ship security personnel who are deployed on ships for specific tasks but do not perform the routine duties of seafarers. These individuals typically work ashore and are temporarily assigned to ships for specialized purposes such as repair work, security, or surveys.

Is DGMA still issuing separate non-seafarers licences?

No. DGMA Circular No. 68 of 2026 discontinues fresh applications for separate e-Migrate authorisation for non-seafarer categories under Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2018.

What is the deadline for existing non-RPSL companies?

Existing holders of separate non-seafarer authorisations who are not RPSL licence holders must transition to the applicable licensing framework within three months from 13 October 2026. The corresponding date is 13 January 2027, subject to subsequent DGMA directions.

Are non-seafarers covered under vessel P&I?

Non-seafarers are not covered under vessel P&I (Protection and Indemnity) insurance. Only vessel operations crew members are covered under vessel P&I. Separate insurance coverage must be purchased to cover medical expenses, death benefits, and disability compensation for non-seafarers.

Is it required to obtain MLC certification for placing repair technicians on ships?

Non-seafarers are outside the scope of the MLC. However, ship owners usually prefer to source crew from an MLC-certified crewing agency to place repair technicians on ships. MLC certification is not mandatory for obtaining a non-seafarer pacement.

Can a company with an existing non-seafarer authorisation continue without an RPSL licence?

The circular directs affected non-RPSL authorisation holders to transition within the specified period. They should confirm the applicable requirements and their operating status with DGMA rather than assume that the earlier authorisation provides indefinite permission under the new framework.

Which types of vessels on which non seafarers are usually placed?

Persons working on the following types of ships/crafts in various capacities in international waters for shorter durations, typically less than 180 days. They can obtain departure clearance at the Indian immigration checkpoint for joining these vessels:

Oil platforms/rigs
Harbor ships/crafts operating within harbor limits
Sailing vessels or fishing vessels
Inland vessels at foreign countries
Pilot vessels
Lighthouse/navaid tenders
Defense department vessels
Trawlers
Mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs)
Individuals working on the above types of vessels are not required to hold CDC/CoC/STCW certificates. Consequently, they fall outside the purview of the Maritime Labour Convention. Although they must go through the e-Migrate system to obtain departure clearance at the Indian immigration checkpoint for joining these vessels, the emigration reference number is generated by the company holding the RPSL license and is verified at the immigration checkpoint.

Who are considered non-seafarers or riding squad personnel?

Non-seafarers or riding squad personnel generally include temporary personnel deployed onboard a vessel for specific repair, maintenance, fabrication, electrical, or technical work, rather than serving as regular seafarers.

Do riding squad technicians need an STCW Certificate of Competency (CoC)?

Riding squad technicians who are engaged as temporary technical personnel and are not serving in positions requiring an STCW-compliant CoC may not require an STCW CoC. However, they must meet all applicable safety, security, immigration, visa, and emigration requirements.

Are non-seafarers covered under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006?

Non-seafarer personnel engaged temporarily for specific technical or repair work are generally not treated as seafarers covered by the MLC, 2006, based solely on such temporary deployment. The applicability of MLC requirements depends on the person’s actual duties, status, and the applicable national and international regulations.

Are non-seafarers covered under the STCW Convention?

Personnel who are not serving in capacities covered by the STCW Convention may not be required to hold STCW-compliant certification. However, any safety or training requirements applicable to their particular duties and vessel assignment must still be complied with.

What types of workers are commonly deployed as riding squads?

Riding squads may include welders, fabricators, electrical technicians, repair technicians, fitters, and other specialised technical personnel temporarily deployed onboard a vessel to undertake specific maintenance, repair, installation, or fabrication work.

Can a person without an STCW-compliant CoC work onboard a vessel?

Yes, a person may be permitted to work onboard in a non-seafarer or riding squad capacity where the position does not require an STCW-compliant CoC. Such personnel must nevertheless comply with the applicable vessel, port, immigration, visa, safety, security, and emigration requirements.

What compliance requirements apply to non-seafarers?

Although non-seafarers may not be governed by the MLC, 2006 or STCW Convention in the same manner as seafarers, they must comply with applicable safety, security, visa, immigration, and emigration requirements before and during their deployment.

Why is it important to correctly classify riding squad personnel?

Correct classification is important because the applicable documentation, certification, licensing, safety, immigration, visa, and emigration requirements may differ between seafarers and temporary non-seafarer personnel. Misclassification can result in compliance issues for the personnel, employer, vessel owner, or recruitment/placement agency.

Do non-seafarers require safety training before going onboard?

Yes. Even where a person is not required to hold an STCW-compliant CoC, appropriate safety training and familiarisation may be required based on the person’s duties, vessel requirements, and applicable regulations.

What is the difference between a seafarer and a riding squad technician?

A seafarer generally works as part of the vessel’s regular crew and performs duties connected with the operation, navigation, or maintenance of the ship. A riding squad technician is generally deployed temporarily for a specific technical, repair, maintenance, fabrication, or other specialised assignment and may not form part of the vessel’s regular crew.

Are riding squad technician covered under vessel P&I?

No, riding squad technicians are not covered under riding squad technicians unless ship owners specifically pay an additional premium to add them; also, they are not part of the IMO crew list.

Who should apply for Form-IB?

Form-IB is applicable to non-seafarer personnel travelling or working on board a vessel, including supernumeraries, technicians, auditors, surveyors, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) personnel, hotel crew on cruise ships, and other similar personnel.

Is separate approval for riding squads and repair technicians no longer required?

The circular establishes a unified licensing route for applicable non-seafarer and technician categories. It does not expressly state that every separate approval previously applicable to riding squads or technicians has been abolished. Companies should verify the requirements for their particular category and deployment.

Can an existing RPSL company recruit both seafarers and non-seafarers?

The enhanced module provides for a unified licence covering seafarers and applicable non-seafarer or technician categories. Companies should confirm that their licence scope and profile cover the intended activities.