Sagar Mein Yog (SMY): DG Shipping’s New Mandatory Wellness & Yoga Module for Seafarers
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| A Indian merchant navy seafarer practicing a yoga posture on a ship deck during sunrise, |
Seafarer Wellness • DG Shipping • SMY LMS
Sagar Mein Yog (SMY): DG Shipping’s New Mandatory Wellness & Yoga Module for Seafarers
A practical guide to the official Sagar Mein Yog LMS, its ten wellness pillars, eligibility, free completion process, assessments, digital certificate and safe access for Indian seafarers.
At sea, wellness is rarely discussed when everything is going smoothly. It becomes visible during the fourth week of a difficult voyage, when the watch schedule has changed again, sleep has been broken into short pieces and a simple disagreement in the mess room becomes an argument. It appears in the stiff back after a long cargo watch, the quiet worry about money at home and the feeling of being far away when a family problem cannot be solved from the ship.
Seafaring demands physical effort, technical discipline and emotional steadiness. A crew can be highly trained and still be affected by isolation, fatigue, irregular hours, noise, vibration and pressure. That is why wellness is not a luxury added after safety training. It is part of the human element that supports safe decisions, respectful teamwork and long-term fitness for duty.
Sagar Mein Yog (SMY), meaning “Yoga at Sea” or “Wellness at Sea,” is the Directorate General of Shipping’s structured wellness initiative for Indian seafarers. It uses yoga, mindfulness and broader learning content to address the physical, emotional, mental, social and professional challenges of maritime life. The current LMS programme is designed to be completed online, with videos, learning material, quizzes, assessments and a digital certificate.
What Sagar Mein Yog is—and what it is not
SMY is not a replacement for medical care, counselling, a safe manning plan, proper rest hours or an onboard grievance procedure. It cannot cure depression, anxiety, injury or chronic pain, and no breathing exercise should be used to delay emergency treatment. Instead, it provides practical wellness education and habits that may help a seafarer notice stress, care for the body, communicate better and seek appropriate support sooner.
DGMA’s official overview describes the initiative under DGS Order 19 of 2024 as a comprehensive programme addressing the mental, physical and emotional challenges of seafarers. Its stated approach combines yoga, mindfulness and well-being practices at the pre-sea, at-sea and post-sea stages. The purpose is to encourage a supportive maritime environment rather than to turn every seafarer into a yoga instructor.
Who must complete the SMY LMS course?
DGMA Circular 34 of 2026 states that the SMY-LMS module applies to candidates pursuing pre-sea courses in DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institutes. Those institutes are instructed to ensure that candidates complete the modules before passing out. The circular also states that Indian seafarers holding valid Indian CDCs must complete the course. This makes SMY relevant to both new entrants and working seafarers.
The portal may use an INDoS number and registered email to identify the user. If the number is entered incorrectly, the progress record or certificate may be attached to the wrong profile. A candidate should therefore check the number, name, date of birth and email before beginning. If the details do not match, use the portal’s support route or the official DGMA contact process rather than creating multiple accounts.
| User group | Expected action | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-sea candidate | Register or access the LMS, complete the prescribed modules and assessment before passing out from the approved MTI. | Confirm that the INDoS profile and email match the institute record. |
| Indian seafarer with valid CDC | Complete the SMY LMS course within the implementation period stated by DGMA. | Check the current dashboard and official deadline notice. |
| MTI | Provide awareness, onboarding support and completion tracking for relevant trainees. | Use only the approved institute’s official communication channel. |
| Shipping company or RPSL agency | Disseminate information and encourage seafarers to complete the programme. | Do not charge an unofficial fee or promise employment for completion. |
The ten wellness pillars in the SMY curriculum
The SMY portal presents ten connected areas of wellness. This broader structure is useful because a seafarer’s health is influenced by more than exercise. Sleep, money, relationships, work culture, learning and the environment can all affect concentration and resilience.
1. Emotional wellness
Focuses on recognising feelings, managing stress, developing emotional intelligence and building resilience before and during a voyage.
2. Economic wellness
Addresses budgeting, savings, investments and financial planning. Better financial preparation can reduce avoidable pressure during long contracts.
3. Physical wellness
Encourages fitness, stretching, nutrition and practical habits that support the body in a demanding shipboard environment.
4. Occupational wellness
Connects work ethics, safety, professional development and adaptation to life at sea with a healthier working routine.
5. Social wellness
Supports teamwork, communication and conflict management in a multicultural crew where cooperation is essential.
6. Environmental wellness
Encourages awareness of sustainable practices, waste management and the relationship between ship operations and the marine environment.
7. Climatic wellness
Helps seafarers think about adapting to different climates and protecting wellbeing while moving between regions.
8. Intellectual wellness
Promotes continuous learning, problem-solving and critical thinking for personal and professional growth.
9. Cultural wellness
Builds respect, flexibility and understanding when living and working with people from different backgrounds.
10. Spiritual wellness
Introduces reflection, mindfulness, purpose and inner calm in a way that can be adapted to the individual’s beliefs and values.
How the SMY LMS works
The official SMY portal describes a digital learning ecosystem with curriculum material, audio-visual content, supporting presentations, quizzes and assessments. The programme is designed for self-paced access, which is helpful for seafarers who may be ashore, at an MTI or preparing for a voyage at different times.
The official user manual gives a straightforward learning path: open the portal, register or log in, complete the profile, open the course, study the material, take the quizzes and assessment, pass the assessment and download the certificate. A laptop or desktop is recommended for the first registration and assessment. Stable internet is important because video completion and progress tracking may be affected by repeated disconnections.
Assessment, certificate and record keeping
Completion is more than watching a video in the background. The LMS includes learning material, chapter quizzes and end-of-course or pillar assessments. The portal FAQ states that assessments contribute to completion status and that certificates are available after the required learning and assessment conditions are met. The official DGMA circular states that the platform automatically generates a digital completion certificate after successful completion of the prescribed modules and assessments.
Download the certificate and store it in at least two safe places. Keep a copy on your phone or laptop and another in secure cloud storage. If you are joining a vessel, send a copy to a trusted family member. Check that your name, INDoS number, course title and completion details are correct. If there is an error, raise it through the LMS support ticket system or the official institute channel promptly.
Is there a fee for Sagar Mein Yog?
DGMA Circular 34 of 2026 states that there will be no fee for the course. This is an important scam-prevention point. A person who asks for cash, a “certificate charge,” a job-placement fee or a personal transfer in exchange for SMY completion is not following the official no-fee instruction.
There may still be ordinary personal costs connected with internet access, a device, travel to an MTI or assistance with unrelated documentation. Those are not the SMY course fee. Ask for an official written explanation before paying anything. Never share your LMS password or allow another person to complete an assessment on your behalf.
Practical registration guide for seafarers
Start from the DGMA website or the official Sagar Mein Yog LMS link. Avoid downloading unknown applications or entering your INDoS and email details into an unofficial form.
Use your own email and the correct INDoS number. Check spelling and identity details before confirming registration.
Make sure rank, mobile number and other required information are current. If the profile is wrong, raise a support ticket before completing assessments.
Watch the content, read the material and use the quizzes as learning tools. Do not treat the programme as a certificate shortcut.
Use a stable connection, allow enough time and follow the platform instructions. If you do not pass, use the permitted reattempt process and review the weak areas.
Save the PDF, check the details and keep it with your other seafarer records.
How yoga and mindfulness can fit into shipboard life
The most useful practice is the one that can be performed safely and consistently. A seafarer does not need a large studio. Gentle stretching in an approved safe space, controlled breathing during a quiet period and a short mindfulness exercise before sleep may be easier to maintain than an ambitious routine that conflicts with watchkeeping.
Safety comes first. Do not practise on an exposed deck during bad weather, near moving machinery, in a restricted area or during an assigned watch. Avoid poses that create a fall risk or worsen an injury. Follow the Master’s, company’s and vessel’s instructions about where and when exercise is permitted. A wellness activity must never interfere with emergency readiness, rest hours or a safety-critical duty.
SMY can also support crew relationships. A voluntary group session may create a calm shared routine, but participation should remain respectful and inclusive. Crew members should not be mocked for declining, and spiritual or mindfulness content should be approached with sensitivity. Wellness works best when it builds trust rather than creating another source of pressure.
Wellness does not replace professional help
IMO has highlighted fatigue, hours of work and rest, violence, bullying and harassment as important seafarer issues. A yoga module can support self-care, but it cannot correct unsafe manning, repeated rest-hour violations, abuse, unpaid wages or a medical emergency. If you are injured, severely distressed, unable to function, having thoughts of self-harm or facing immediate danger, contact the responsible medical, emergency, company, port or government support channel without delay.
Use the onboard grievance procedure for workplace concerns. Tell a trusted officer, family member or designated support person when you need help. Seeking assistance is not a professional failure. A healthy safety culture makes it easier to report a problem before it affects a person, a team or the vessel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sagar Mein Yog mandatory for Indian seafarers?
DGMA Circular 34 of 2026 states that the SMY-LMS applies to candidates in approved pre-sea programmes and Indian seafarers holding valid Indian CDCs. Check the current implementation notice for the applicable completion period.
How much does the SMY course cost?
The circular states that there will be no fee for the course. Be cautious if anyone demands payment for access, a certificate or completion.
How many modules are included?
The official portal describes ten wellness pillars and a learning ecosystem with 43 supporting modules or learning components. Follow the current LMS dashboard because module names and completion rules may be updated.
Can I complete SMY on a mobile phone?
The portal is optimised for desktop and laptop use. A phone may be useful for communication, but a laptop or desktop with stable internet is recommended for registration, video learning and assessments.
Does SMY provide medical treatment for mental health?
No. It provides wellness education and practices. It does not replace a qualified doctor, psychologist, counsellor, emergency service or onboard medical procedure.
What if I forget my password?
Use the official password-reset option with your registered email. Do not create duplicate accounts unless the platform support team instructs you to do so.
Final checklist before you start
- I have my correct INDoS number and personal email address.
- I am using the official SMY LMS or a link reached through the DGMA website.
- I understand that the course is free and no agent should charge me for access.
- I will complete the modules and assessment honestly.
- I will download and store the digital certificate after completion.
- I will practise only in a safe place and never interrupt watchkeeping or rest.
- I know that serious physical or mental-health concerns require professional support.
The ocean can be wide enough to make a person feel alone, but a seafarer’s wellbeing should never be treated as an individual problem carried in silence. Sagar Mein Yog brings wellness into the training and digital record system used by Indian seafarers. Its lasting value will come from how honestly it is completed and how practically it is used: a short stretch before the day begins, a calmer response during a disagreement, better awareness of fatigue and the confidence to ask for help when help is needed. A safer ship begins with a crew that is supported as human beings.
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