Renew an expired CDC to avoid delays and compliance issues. Keeping your Continuous Discharge Certificate valid is essential for every seafarer. Whether you are working onboard vessels in the UAE or planning to join a ship from Dubai, Fujairah, or any other GCC port, an expired CDC can delay your joining, create documentation problems, or even lead to contract cancellations.

This 2025 guide explains how to renew an expired CDC in the UAE, documents required, common pitfalls, GCC-specific tips, and a ready-to-use renewal checklist.

What Is a CDC, and Why Does Renewal Matter?

A Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is an identity and service record book for seafarers. It allows you to:

• Legally join a vessel
• Record your sign-on/sign-off and sea service
• Prove your seafarer status to authorities and employers

An expired CDC is not accepted during immigration checks, port inspection, or joining formalities. Renewal keeps your documents compliant and prevents joining delays.

Step-by-Step Guide: Renewing an Expired CDC in UAE (2025)

Step 1: Prepare All Required Documents

The first step is to gather all updated documents. In GCC renewals, incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays.

Documents Required:

• Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
• Expired/old CDC (all pages: bio + stamped service entries)
• Passport-size photos (as per flag-state requirements)
• Updated sea-service records
• STCW certificates (valid & updated)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Emirates ID / UAE visa (if required by your agent or application portal)
• Digital copies of all documents (JPEG/PDF)
  

Step 2: Ensure Your Sea Service & Training Are Updated

Your sea-service entries must be:

• Stamped by the Master
• Legible and complete
• Matching your company’s sea-service letter (recommended)
  

Mandatory Training Certificates:

• STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness / SDSD
• Crowd Management / Passenger Vessel certificates (if applicable)
• Tanker Familiarization or Advanced Tanker (if required)

If any STCW certificate expired, renew it before applying for CDC renewal, or the application may be rejected.

Step 3: Apply for CDC Renewal (Flag-State Specific Process)

The CDC renewal process depends on your flag state. Most seafarers in the UAE/GCC sail under:

• Indian CDC (DG Shipping)
• Philippines Seaman’s Book (MARINA)
• Panama CDC
• Liberia / Bahamas / Belize / Other open-registry flags

Below is the simplified process.

Indian CDC Renewal (DG Shipping – eGov Portal)

• Log in to the DG Shipping portal
• Update INDOS details
• Fill out the CDC renewal form
• Upload scanned copies of required documents
• Pay the renewal fee
• Processing time: 7–12 working days
• Renewal usually comes as a sticker to affix inside your CDC

Philippines (MARINA) Seaman’s Book Renewal

• Book an appointment online through MARINA
• Submit passport, contract, CDC, and STCW certificates
• Physical appearance may be needed depending on service type
• Processing time: 5–10 days

 Panama CDC Renewal (Through UAE-Authorized Agents)

• Submit documents to a licensed maritime agent in the UAE.
• Provide passport, STCW, medical fitness, sea service, and photos
• Fast-track processing available
• Processing time: 3–7 working days

 Liberia, Bahamas, Belize & Others

• Renewal done via authorized UAE maritime agents
• Requirements similar: passport, CDC, STCW, medical, photo
• Some issue a digital CDC first, followed by hard copy
  

Step 4: Track the Application

After submission:

• Keep checking your portal/agent status
• Respond quickly to queries for missing documents
• Provide accurate courier details for delivery
• If a renewal sticker is issued, affix it properly on your CDC
  

Step 5: Verify Your Renewed CDC

Once you receive your renewed CDC or sticker:

• Check name spelling
• Verify passport number
• Confirm validity dates
• Ensure stamping/signature is correct
• Keep both digital and physical copies safely
  

What If Your CDC Has Already Expired?

Don’t worry—expired CDCs can still be renewed in most cases.

However:

• You may face additional verification
• STCW or medical certificates may need refreshing
• Processing time may be slightly longer

Renewing before the joining date is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute complications.

Common Mistakes That Delay CDC Renewal

Avoid these to ensure faster approval:

CDC Renewal Checklist (2025)—For UAE/GCC Seafarers

✔ Personal Documents

• Passport
• Photos
• Emirates ID / UAE visa (if applicable)
  

✔ Sea Service

• Updated CDC entries
• Sea-service letter from company
• Discharge certificates
  

✔ Training Certificates

• STCW Basic
• Security Awareness/SDSD
• Any vessel-specific certificates
  

✔ Medical Fitness

• Valid medical certificate from approved doctor
  

✔ Digital Copies

• JPEG/PDF versions of all documents
  

✔ Flag-State Specific Requirements

• DG Shipping portal (India)
• MARINA appointment (Philippines)
• Approved UAE agent (Panama, Liberia, Belize, etc.)
  

Tips for Faster CDC Renewal in UAE

• Start renewal 2–3 months before expiry
• Keep all documents scanned & stored in cloud
• Use a reliable, approved maritime agent
• Always verify new CDC details immediately
• Request fast-track service if your joining date is near
  

 Key Takeaways for Seafarers

Renewing an expired CDC in the UAE is a straightforward process when your documents are complete and updated. With a valid CDC, updated STCW training, and a current medical certificate, your renewal can be completed quickly—often within a few working days, depending on your flag state.

This guide ensures you stay compliant, avoid delays, and join your next vessel without issues.