DGS Approval of Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Service Station

DGS LSA service station approval

In this guide, we cover the complete process for DGS LSA service station approval, as laid out in Merchant Shipping Notice 08 of 2025. This notice details the full path to DGS LSA service station approval.

• What is a DGS Approved LSA Service Station?
• Who is the Directorate General of Shipping?
• Eligibility Criteria
• Types of LSA Stations
• Approval Process
• The ‘Competent Person’ Certification
• Key Compliance Mandates
• Benefits of Approval
• Required Documents
• FAQs

What is a DGS Approved LSA Service Station?

A DGS (Directorate General of Shipping) approved Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Service Station is an entity in India authorized to service inflatable LSAs, which include inflatable life rafts, inflatable rescue boats, inflatable life jackets, and immersion suits. This DGS LSA service station approval is mandatory under the Merchant Shipping Notice 08 of 2025, which aligns with international standards like the SOLAS Convention and IMO Assembly Resolution A.761 (18).

Only DGS-approved stations are permitted to carry out the periodical servicing of this equipment for any Indian Flag Vessels or foreign ship while in Indian waters. This process is a key part of India’s overall maritime compliance framework.

Who Is the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)?

The Directorate General of Shipping is India’s apex maritime regulatory authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Its responsibilities include:

• Implementing international conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea).
• Approving LSA service stations to ensure compliance with IMO standards. Achieving DGS LSA service station approval is a primary goal.
• Certifying competent personnel and conducting inspections for operational safety.

Who is Eligible to Apply for DGS LSA service station approval?

To be eligible for DGS LSA service station approval, an LSA service station must meet several key criteria:

• Must meet IMO guidelines and maintain a quality standards system.
• Must be registered with local statutory authorities.
• Must have DGS-certified competent persons attached for servicing LSAs.

What Types of LSA Service Stations Exist?

Service stations are categorized based on their authorization from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The type of authorization impacts your DGS LSA service station approval path.

How is the DGS LSA service station approval Process Done?

The DGS LSA service station approval process involves several steps:

1. Application Submission: The company must submit an application to the Nautical Wing of the DGS.
2. Verification Audit: The jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) conducts an audit for initial, renewal, and intermediate approvals.
3. Certificate Issuance: If approved, the DGS issues a certificate valid for 5 years. This requires an intermediate verification between the 2nd and 3rd anniversaries.
4. Competent Person Assignment: Each approved service station must have DGS-certified personnel attached, and their names will be on the certificate.

The ‘Competent Person’ Certification (Part-2 of Notice)

A valid DGS LSA service station approval is only possible if it has a DGS-certified “Competent Person” attached to it. The name of the Competent Person must be on the Service Station’s approval certificate, and they cannot work for more than one station.

How to Get ‘Competent Person’ Approval

The approval procedure is managed by the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) and involves:

• Application: The service station must apply on behalf of the candidate.
• Written Exam: An online or offline exam with Multiple-Choice (MCQ) and subjective questions.
• Practical Exam: A hands-on demonstration of servicing skills at the service station.

Eligibility Criteria for Competent Persons

Candidates must meet specific qualification and experience minimums:

• All candidates must have training and certification from at least three different OEMs from different countries. Note: Approval from two different OEMs from the same country is not accepted.
• Educational & Experience Requirements:
  • Engineering Degree / Marine Officer (MEO Class 1, etc.): Minimum 6 months of experience (servicing 50+ life rafts and 2 rescue boats).
  • B.Sc Degree / Diploma in Engineering: Minimum 1 year of experience (servicing 100+ life rafts and 4 rescue boats).
  • Graduate in Science / ITI Trade Certificate: Minimum 3 years of experience (servicing 150+ life rafts and 6 rescue boats).

Key Operational & Compliance Mandates

Beyond the initial DGS LSA service station approval, all DGS-approved stations must adhere to strict operational rules:

• Mandatory CCTV Recording: Service stations must have CCTV covering the entire servicing process. A copy of this recording must be given to the ship’s master, and the station must keep a copy for at least three years. Failure to maintain identifiable records can lead to suspension without notice.
• Special Rule for Passenger Vessels: For any passenger vessel, the servicing of LSA must be witnessed by the local MMD surveyor, and the certificate must be endorsed by them.
• Pyrotechnics & Consumables: All expired pyrotechnics must be disposed of according to NT Circular 01 of 2015. Accurate records must also be kept for all consumables like food rations, drinking water, and first-aid kits.

Why Should You Get DGS LSA service station approval?

Benefits of securing DGS LSA service station approval include:

• Legally authorized to service LSAs in Indian waters.
• Ensures compliance with SOLAS and IMO regulations.
• Enhances trust with shipowners and increases business credibility.
• Maintains your vessel’s overall maritime compliance framework, working alongside certifications like the Document of Compliance (DOC).

What Documents Are Required for Approval?

Essential documents for the DGS LSA service station approval application include:

• Application form (as per DGS format)
• Jurisdictional MMD verification reports
• Details of competent personnel attached
• OEM authorization (if applicable)
• Quality standards system documentation
• Payment receipt (Bharatkosh) for relevant fees

FAQs About DGS LSA service station approval

Q1: Can a non-OEM station service LSAs?

A: Yes, but with strict conditions. A DGS-approved non-OEM station can only service an LSA if an OEM-approved station is not available in that port or an adjacent port. Critically, the service must be witnessed by a local MMD or IRS surveyor who must endorse the certificate.

Q2: How long is the certificate for DGS LSA service station approval valid?

A: 5 years, with intermediate verification between the 2nd and 3rd anniversary.

Q3: Who certifies competent persons?

A: DGS, based on the recommendation of the MMD after written and practical examinations.

Q4: Can a competent person work at multiple stations?

A: No. A Competent Person must be attached to a single service station. Their name will be officially listed on that station’s Certificate of Approval, and it cannot be on more than one.

Q5: What happens if guidelines are breached?

A: Service station and competent person approvals may be suspended, with penalties under the Merchant Shipping Act 1958.

Navigating the DGS LSA service station approval process is essential for maritime compliance. Contact us for expert guidance on applications, audits, and competent person certification.