The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has withdrawn all approvals granted to M/s R R Marines Academy, a maritime training institute located at Singhu Nagar, Murlipura, Jaipur, following an investigation into alleged irregularities including examination malpractices and a purported job-for-cash scam targeting seafarers.

What Approvals Were Revoked

The academy had been authorised by the DGMA to conduct several courses critical to seafarer certification — including Basic Safety Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB), refresher programmes for PSCRB, FPFF, and PST, as well as Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties. All these approvals now stand revoked on the DGMA's e-governance system.

How the Case Unfolded

The DGMA issued a Show Cause Notice dated 14 November 2025 to the institute following complaints about alleged violations in the conduct of exit examinations. Around the same time, the Directorate General, Shipping (DGS) directed the academy to stop admitting fresh candidates pending investigation. The institute reportedly ignored this directive.

'The MTI has, however, knowingly admitted a fresh batch of candidates who would not be able to appear for the exit exams and therefore cannot be issued with the certificate of the courses to which they had enrolled,' the DGMA stated in its order. It added that the institute's response — attributing all violations to a manager — was 'difficult to comprehend and accept.'

Complaints of a Job Scam and Cash Demands

The DGMA also received complaints from three seafarers who had enrolled in basic safety courses at the academy. According to the order, the promoter of the institute allegedly promised them jobs aboard ships and demanded lakhs of rupees as a service charge. 'These seafarers claimed to have paid the promoter in cash and by electronic means. They have shared documents to support their claim,' the order noted. The directorate said the evidence available prima facie indicated serious illegality.

Investigation and STCW Board Ruling

Following suspension of the institute's approval, the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) in Kandla conducted a detailed inquiry and submitted its findings to the DGMA. The MMD recommended full withdrawal of the academy's approval. That recommendation was placed before the 72nd Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Compliance Board Meeting, which accepted it — paving the way for the final revocation order.

Implications for Enrolled Candidates

The immediate concern is for candidates already enrolled at the academy who, according to the DGMA, will be unable to sit exit examinations and therefore cannot obtain course certificates. The DGMA reiterated that its directives are meant to protect Indian seafarers, and that it monitors approved institutes to ensure compliance with established standards. Enrolled students are advised to seek guidance from the DGMA on alternative pathways to certification. The case is expected to prompt closer scrutiny of other privately run maritime training institutes across India.