Seafarers Urged to Stay Alert on Suspended DG-Approved Doctors

Maritime News, Mumbai, India :  In a move to uphold safety and credibility in India’s maritime medical framework, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has released a list of 16 suspended DG-approved doctors across India. While the action reinforces the system’s checks and balances, it also signals an important message to India’s nearly 2 lakh active seafarers — stay informed, stay safe.

Why It Matters for Seafarers

Your medical fitness certificate is your ticket to the sea. A single signature from a now-suspended doctor could delay your joining, disrupt your income, and affect your credibility — unknowingly.

“It’s not just about passing a test. It’s about ensuring your report stands valid when you’re miles away at sea,” shared a Seafarer, currently sailing in the Mediterranean.

Who’s Been Suspended?

Doctors from key port cities — Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Jaipur, Pune, Kochi, Malappuram, Kolkata, and Kakinada — are among those whose approvals have been temporarily suspended or discontinued for administrative and compliance reasons.

A few were flagged due to:

• Clinic address changes
• Exceeding doctor quotas at one clinic
• Pending verification or document mismatch

Important Note: These suspensions are precautionary and do not imply wrongdoing unless verified through DGS investigations. The whole list can be found at the bottom of the news.

What Seafarers Should Do

To protect yourself and your career, every seafarer is encouraged to take the following steps:

1. Double-Check the DGS Website

Visit the DGS website’s medical section before booking a medical. Look for the updated list of approved doctors and check for recent suspension notices.

2. Ask Your RPSL Company or Maritime Institute

Most reputed companies have an internal list of approved doctors. 💬 Ask them: “Is this doctor currently approved by DGS?”

3. Share and Educate

Spread the word among batchmates, crew, and alumni WhatsApp groups. Post a reminder before medical season — your one message could save someone thousands of rupees and weeks of stress.

4. Verify Your Certificate Online

Some clinics offer a QR code or ID number to verify your report’s authenticity. If it’s not verifiable, report it to DGS or your RPSL manager.

Awareness is Power

“We often focus on physical fitness. Now it’s time we add medical process awareness to our checklist,” says a maritime safety trainer.

Remember: The sea demands discipline — so should your documentation.

What DGS Can Do (Suggested by Seafarers)

To further empower seafarers and uphold trust in the system, the community urges DGS to consider:

• Push notifications or emails to inform seafarers of suspensions.
• Launch of a “Med-Check” mobile app to instantly verify doctors.
• Standardizing costs and reporting formats across India.
• A 24/7 helpline for medical certificate concerns and grievances.

Anchoring Confidence for Tomorrow

India is emerging as a global maritime manpower leader — and medical integrity must be its cornerstone. While DGS ensures regulatory action from the top, the power to prevent personal loss lies with every individual seafarer.

“The ocean respects preparedness. So should we, before we step aboard.”

Before your next medical — Verify, Validate, and Voice Out.
Your awareness ensures not just your own career safety — but also anchors the welfare of India’s entire seafaring brotherhood.

List of 16 suspended DG-approved doctors across India