DG Shipping was established on 03rd September, 1949 as a attached office the then MoC, GoI dealing with matters of Merchant Shipping. MMD, Kandla as allied office of the DG Shipping was commenced on 25.11.2003 as the office of the Surveyor In Charge. Thereafter, upgraded to the office of the Principal Officer, MMD, Kandla in January, 2007.

Prior independence MMD, Mumbai was in existence to discharge duties & responsibilities under MS Act, 1923 prior establishment of DG Shipping.

In 1961, after separation of Greater Bombay into Maharashtra & Gujarat, there was a need of subordinate office, that lead to creation of a Surveyor In Charge (SIC), MMD, Jamnagar office in 1962-63 under the jurisdiction of the Principal Officer, MMD, Mumbai. After upgradation of MMD, Kandla as a office of the Principal Officer, the office of the SIC, Jamnagar came under the jurisdiction of MMD, Kandla.

MMD, Kandla office has constructed new building in 2013 with 11 Nos. Residential quarters for officers & staff.

MMD, Kandla is an Examination center for Nautical Grade and BSID facilitation center to cater the facilities under the region.

Sanctioned strength & functions of MMD, Kandla: Organizational structure & Initial functions at time of creation of this office were as follows:-