Nautical Wing
Examination, Assessment and Certification
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration administers India's maritime officer certification system through the Examination, Assessment and Certification (EAC) Branch of the Nautical Wing. Examination, assessment and certification of nautical officers is conducted at Mercantile Marine Departments across India under the authority of the Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates. India's certification system is in full compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978 as amended), and India is on the IMO White List of Parties confirmed to give full and complete effect to the STCW Convention.
Certificate of Competency
Navigation Examination
INDoS and e-Samudra
The Nautical Officer Certification Pathway
From Cadet to Master FG1
Pre-Sea Training
B.Sc. Nautical Science / DNS at a DGS-approved MTI. Structured Shipboard Training Programme (SSTP) and Trainee Record Book (TRB).
2
Sea Service
Minimum qualifying sea service with bridge watchkeeping time under STCW-qualified officer supervision, documented in TRB.
3
Modular Courses
Advanced modular STCW courses at DGS-approved MTIs. GMDSS GOC/ROC, tanker endorsements, BRM, ARPA as applicable to grade.
4
Application via e-Samudra
Online eligibility assessment on e-Samudra portal. Form 29 generated. Documents verified at MMD. Seat allotted for written and oral examination.
5
Written and Oral Examination
Function-based written papers and oral assessment at MMD. Examiner of Masters and Mates assesses all STCW functions applicable to grade.
6
CoC Issued
Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates endorses. CoC dispatched to candidate's home MMD. Recorded in INDoS. Revalidation every 5 years.
Certificates of Competency Issued by DGMA
Nautical Certificates of Competency Issued by DGMA
MS (STCW) Rules 2014 / STCW Regulations II/1, II/2, II/3| Grade of Certificate | STCW Reference | Minimum Sea Service and Qualification Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Second Mate of a Foreign Going Ship Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (500 GT+, international) |
STCW Reg. II/1 | B.Sc. Nautical Science or DNS from approved MTI; minimum 12 months sea service with 6 months bridge watchkeeping; completion of all required STCW advanced modular courses including ARPA, BRM, ECDIS; GMDSS GOC; medical fitness per MS Medical Rules 2000. |
| First Mate (Chief Mate) of a Foreign Going Ship Chief Mate on ships 500 GT and above, international voyages |
STCW Reg. II/2 | Hold 2nd Mate FG CoC; minimum 18 months approved sea service as watchkeeping officer; completed approved education, training, examination and assessment per STCW Code Section A-II/2 for ships of 3,000 GT and above. |
| Master of a Foreign Going Ship Master on ships 500 GT and above, international voyages |
STCW Reg. II/2 | Hold Chief Mate FG CoC; minimum 3 years sea service as officer in charge of navigational watch (may be reduced to 30 months by Chief Examiner if at least 1 year served as Chief Mate); completed approved ship management course and simulator training in ship handling; STCW A-II/2 standard of competence. |
| Extra Master Certificate of Competency Issued in addition to Form 3 Master FG |
STCW Rules | Hold Master FG; passed the Extra Master examination set by the Chief Examiner; covers advanced navigation theory, law, meteorology, stability and ship management. The Extra Master is a mark of professional distinction and is used by DGS for appointments to examiner and surveyor posts. |
| Navigational Watchkeeping Officer (NCV) Officer in charge of navigational watch, 500 GT+, Near Coastal Voyages |
STCW Reg. II/1 | Approved sea service of 18 months (or 3 years as part of approved training programme meeting STCW A-II/1 NCV standards); bridge watchkeeping duties for at least 6 months; completion of GMDSS ROC; satisfies STCW A-II/1 for NCV. Candidates with less than 500 GT service credited at two-thirds actual sea service. |
| Chief Mate of a Near Coastal Voyage Ship Chief Mate, 500–3000 GT, NCV |
STCW Reg. II/2 | Hold Form 5 (NWKO NCV); approved sea service as watchkeeping officer on NCV of at least 3 years, or 30 months if served as Chief Mate on NCV ships; completed approved ship management course; approved simulator training in ship handling or 90 days sea service as Chief Mate NCV. |
| Master of a Near Coastal Voyage Ship Master, 500–3000 GT, NCV |
STCW Reg. II/2 | Hold Form 6 (Chief Mate NCV); approved sea service as watchkeeping officer on NCV of at least 3 years; satisfies STCW A-II/2 standard for ships between 500 and 3,000 GT; approved ship management course and simulator training. |
Certification Functions and STCW Competence Areas
STCW Examination Functions for Nautical Officers
STCW Code Section A-II / MS (STCW) Rules 2014Function 1: NavigationSTCW A-II/1 (Operational) / A-II/2 (Management)
- Voyage planning and navigation for all conditions including ECDIS and paper chart passage planning
- Celestial and terrestrial position fixing; use of electronic navigation systems (GPS, GNSS, DECCA)
- Compass error determination; terrestrial and astronomical observation techniques
- Meteorology and oceanography; tidal theory; current and leeway allowances
- Bridge resource management (BRM); collision avoidance; COLREGS 1972 in full
- ARPA and ECDIS operations to applicable performance standards
- Anchor work; pilotage; ship handling and manoeuvring in port and confined waters
Management Level Additional Topics
Function 2: Cargo Handling and StowageSTCW A-II/1 (Operational) / A-II/2 (Management)
- Cargo planning; stowage factors; cargo segregation and securing principles
- Dangerous goods carriage under IMDG Code, IMSBC Code, IMDG amendments
- Timber deck cargo; refrigerated cargo and controlled atmosphere techniques
- Tanker familiarisation; oil and chemical cargo characteristics at operational level
- Container weights; weight distribution; stability impact of high stacks
- Cargo damage surveys; hatch cover integrity; bilge system operations
- Bulk carrier loading; sequence planning; stress monitoring calculations
Tanker Endorsements
Function 3: Ship Operations and Care for Persons on BoardSTCW A-II/1 (Operational) / A-II/2 (Management)
- Stability calculations; flooding and damage stability; use of stability booklet and loading computer
- Emergency procedures; muster and abandon ship drills; SAR coordination duties of Master
- Life-saving appliances; fire detection and firefighting systems; fixed installations
- Medical care under STCW A-VI/4; ship's medical guide; telemedicine facilities
- ISM Code; SMS familiarisation; shipboard audits and non-conformity reporting
- ISPS Code; Ship Security Officer duties; security level procedures
- Leadership and managerial skills; personnel management; fatigue management
Management Level Additions
Radiocommunications (GMDSS)STCW Reg. IV/2 / MS (STCW) Rules 2014
- General Operator's Certificate (GOC): ships operating in Sea Areas A2, A3 and A4 on international voyages; 12-day course plus 5-day examination at MMD
- Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC): ships operating exclusively in Sea Area A1; shorter course and examination through WPC Wing and DGS jointly
- GMDSS examination conducted jointly by WPC Wing (Wireless Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Communications) and DGS Nautical Surveyors
- Part I written examination: 60 marks (Section A MCQs 30; Section B descriptive 30); minimum pass: 18 in each section
- Part II practical and oral: 70 marks; covers EPIRB, SART, DSC simulator, commercial log copying, MF/HF/VHF practicals; must pass Part I before Part II
- GMDSS CoC mandatory before final CoC issue, per DGS Exam Circular No. 02 of 2021
- 8,916 GMDSS CoCs issued in 2025 across all MMDs
WPC and DGS Joint Examination
Certificates of Proficiency (COP) and Modular CoursesSTCW Regulations V and VI
- Basic Safety Training (BST): Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR); mandatory for all seafarers
- PSSR Amendment 2026: Prevention of and Response to Violence and Harassment module (6 hours, integrated effective 15 December 2025 per DGS STCW Circular 05/2025); LMS e-learning Course ID 957 for those already certified
- Advanced Firefighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Medical First Aid, Medical Care, SAR Coordination for Masters
- Bridge Resource Management (BRM), Ship Security Officer (SSO), Company Security Officer (CSO), Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
- Polar Code training: Basic Polar (121 COPs in 2025) and Advanced Polar (27 COPs in 2025); applicable to ships in polar waters under MS Act 2025
- IGF Code (LNG/LFG fuel ships); Passenger Ship courses; High Voltage; ECDIS Generic and Type-Specific; Dynamic Positioning
- All COP-issuing courses to be conducted only at DGS-approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) per DGS Circular No. 31 of 2025
New 2025–2026 Requirements
CoC Revalidation and Certificate of EndorsementSTCW Reg. I/11 and I/10 / MS (STCW) Rules 2014
- Every CoC must be revalidated every 5 years to maintain validity under STCW Regulation I/11; revalidation by establishing continued professional competence through approved sea service or approved refresher training
- Certificate of Endorsement (CoE) under STCW Regulation I/10: issued by DGS to Indian seafarers for recognition of foreign administration CoCs for service on Indian-flagged vessels; to foreign nationals for service on Indian ships
- India has bilateral mutual recognition agreements (STCW I/10) with: UK, UAE, Australia, Ireland, Iran, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada and certain other White List countries
- DGS Circular No. 08 of 2025: Indian seafarers holding foreign CoCs must declare them to DGS; verification with the issuing flag state; employment on foreign ships with undeclared foreign CoCs may attract CDC suspension and INDoS deactivation
- DGS Circular No. 31 of 2025: RPSL agencies prohibited from placing Indian seafarers with CoCs or course certificates from non-approved administrations or institutes; fraudulent certificates attract CDC cancellation and minimum 2-year debarment
- Revalidation applications to be submitted through the e-Samudra portal; checklist for revalidation (Annexure 3 of EAC Quality Manual) to accompany application to the MMD
Mutual Recognition CoC
EAC Quality Manual, TEAM Manual and Examination Process
Examination, Assessment and Certification Process
EAC Quality Manual / TEAM Manual / MS (STCW) Rules 2014The Examination, Assessment and Certification process for nautical officers is governed by the EAC Quality Manual maintained by the Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates at DGMA, and by the Training, Examination, Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Manual. These documents standardise examination procedures, Form 29 processing, eligibility assessment, function-based written and oral examination conduct, and certificate dispatch across all five MMDs. All applications are processed through the e-Samudra portal at e-governance.dgshipping.gov.in. The Signal Examination (for Masters' signals knowledge) is conducted monthly at MMD Noida.
Step 1
Eligibility Assessment via e-Samudra
Candidate logs into the e-Samudra portal and applies for examination eligibility assessment. Sea service data from RPSL companies and training certificates from MTIs are updated in INDoS. The system performs automated eligibility check against STCW sea service and course requirements. On approval, Form 29 is generated and printed for submission to the MMD with original documents.
Step 2
Document Verification at MMD
Candidate submits Form 29 with originals to the EAC Section of the MMD. Documents including sea service certificates (dual-endorsed by Indian Embassy/Consulate or flag state authorities abroad), training certificates, medical fitness certificate from a DGS-approved doctor, and CDC are scrutinised by the Section In-charge. On satisfactory verification, a seat is allotted for the examination.
Step 3
Written Examination
Function-based written papers set and supervised by the Examiner of Masters and Mates. Papers cover all STCW functions applicable to the grade being examined: navigation, cargo handling, ship operations, and management-level topics at the appropriate level. Signal examination (Morse, flag signals) conducted at MMD Noida monthly. Minimum pass marks and the specific paper pattern are prescribed in the EAC Quality Manual.
Step 4
Oral Examination and Assessment
Conducted by the Examiner of Masters and Mates (Principal Officer or designated examiner at the MMD). Covers all functions not yet passed in writing and any function requiring practical demonstration. Oral assessors may use approved simulation equipment. Assessment grades are entered in Form 29 in accordance with the EAC Quality Manual grading standards. A candidate who fails orals may re-sit after the prescribed waiting period.
Step 5
Chief Examiner's Endorsement
On completion of all functions in a grade, the MMD's DGS Final Register sheet is sent to the Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates at DGMA Headquarters monthly (preferably computer-generated). The Chief Examiner reviews compliance with STCW requirements and endorses the recommendation for CoC issue. The certificate of competency is prepared by DGMA, dispatched to the MMD and collected by the candidate in person. CoC dispatch lists are published on the DGMA website regularly.
Eyesight Test
Medical and Eyesight Standards
Medical fitness per MS (Medical Examinations) Rules 2000 by a DGS-approved medical examiner. Eyesight test by the Examiner of Masters and Mates (distant and colour vision), per MS Notice No. 25 of 2011. Colour vision tested by Ishihara test; Lantern test used at appellate stage. Sight Test Certificate (Form B) valid for 2 years. Appeal cases forwarded to Principal Officer; special cases to Chief Examiner; DGS-approved doctor lists on DGMA website.
Mercantile Marine Department Examination Centres
DEDICATED Examiners of Masters and MatesMumbai
Maharashtra
Principal MMD and largest examination centre. Full range of FG and NCV nautical examinations. EAC Quality Manual primary custodian.
Chennai
Tamil Nadu
Major examination centre for south India. FG and NCV nautical and GMDSS examinations. Comprehensive inspection programme oversight for MTIs in the region.
Kolkata
West Bengal
Examination centre for east India and Bay of Bengal region. River-Sea Vessel and NCV certifications. Dredge Engineer grade examinations.
Kochi
Kerala
Examination centre for Kerala and south-west coast. FG and NCV grades. Significant GMDSS examination throughput. Offshore vessel certifications.
Kandla / Noida
Gujarat / Delhi NCR
Kandla: west coast examinations. Noida (MMD Examination Centre): Signal Examination conducted monthly; engineering and nautical examinations for north India candidates.
Certification Statistics and STCW Compliance
Certification Statistics and India's STCW Compliance
DGS Annual Report 2024–25 / STCW White List4,433
Total Nautical CoCs issued in 2025
+21.1% increase over 3,660 in 2024
4,333
Foreign Going grade CoCs issued in 2025
100 additional NCV (Near Coastal Voyage) CoCs
8,916
GMDSS CoCs issued in 2025 across all MMDs
GOC and ROC combined; multiple ranks eligible to renew
19
Certificates of Equivalence (COE) issued in 2025
Foreign officer licences recognised for service on Indian-flagged vessels
IMO White List and STCW ComplianceSTCW Convention / IMO MSC
- India is on the IMO White List of Parties confirmed to give full and complete effect to the STCW Convention, as confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee
- Inclusion on the White List entitles other Parties to accept, in principle, that Indian-issued CoCs are in compliance with the revised STCW Convention (1995/2010 as amended)
- India's STCW implementation is periodically reviewed by IMO through the Independent Assessment (IA) process; India participates actively in IMO's STCW-related correspondence groups and intersessional meetings
- India's submission of STCW compliance information follows the format prescribed by IMO Circular MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.16, covering legislation, training institutes, examination procedures, and certification arrangements
- India actively seconds officers and officials to IMO technical cooperation programmes and participates in IMSAS audits of other flag states, including as auditors
INDoS, e-Samudra and DGS LMSe-Governance Framework
- INDoS (Indian National Database of Seafarers) is the centralised database maintained by DGS that records all Indian seafarers' CDC details, sea service, training certifications, medical fitness, and CoC history
- e-Samudra portal is the single window for all seafarer services including CoC applications, eligibility assessment, revalidation, INDoS updates, photo/signature changes and examination seat allotment
- Sea service is updated by RPSL companies; training certificates by MTIs; medical fitness by approved doctors; the seafarer is personally responsible for verifying correctness of INDoS entries
- DGS Online Learning Management System (LMS) offers STCW modular courses in e-learning format, approved by the Chief Examiner; courses are accessible at dgsstcw.aduacademy.in for STCW modular and dgsmtt.aduacademy.in for written examination preparation
- DGS LMS Course ID 957 for the PSSR Violence and Harassment module (effective 15.12.2025); LMS is accessible globally and is used by Indian seafarers currently sailing aboard foreign vessels
Portals
Pilot Licence and ExaminationsSection 79, MS Act 2025 / Pilotage Rules
- Licences for compulsory pilots are issued by the Director General of Shipping under section 79 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025; examination conducted by the Examiner of Masters and Mates appointed under the same section
- Pilotage examination covers: local knowledge of the port and its approaches, tidal information, navigational marks and aids, port regulations, ship handling in confined waters, and VHF communications procedures
- Candidates for pilot licence must hold a minimum of Master FG (Form 3) or Chief Mate FG (Form 2) CoC and have prescribed qualifying sea service in the relevant port approaches
- Pilot licence is port-specific and issued for the notified pilotage waters under the relevant major port trust or state maritime board; endorsements required for each distinct area of pilotage
- Renewal examinations for existing pilots are prescribed at intervals determined by the licensing authority; renewal requires continued medical fitness per prescribed standards
Authority
Key Circulars, Syllabi and Examination Notices
Key Instruments Governing Nautical Examination and Certification
The nautical examination and certification function is governed by a consolidated suite of circulars, orders, training manuals and syllabi issued by the Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates and the Nautical Wing. The most important current instruments are listed below. All circulars are available at the DGS website (dgma.gov.in) under the Examination, Assessment and Certification branch.
DGS STCW Cir. 04/2025
Revised NCV Syllabus: Chief Mate (NCV) Phase-I and Phase-II
Revises the syllabi for Chief Mate (NCV) Phase-I and Phase-II Courses under STCW Regulation II/2. Updated syllabus incorporates all amendments to the STCW Convention including the 2010 Manila Amendments. Updated syllabi for 19 competences covering navigation, cargo, stability, emergency procedures, leadership and simulator training. Effective from Annual Schedule of Courses and Examinations published on DGMA website. Issued by Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates.
DGS STCW Cir. 05/2025 (DGS Cir. 53/2025)
PSSR Violence and Harassment Module
Mandates integration of a 6-hour module on Prevention of and Response to Violence and Harassment (PVHSA) into BST, PSSR and related courses, with effect from 15 December 2025. Certificates issued after this date bear an annotation confirming completion. DGS LMS e-learning Course ID 957 for seafarers already certified. Aligns India with ILO Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 and STCW amendments.
DGS NT/ENG Cir. 31/2025
Certification Integrity: Foreign CoC and Training Institute Verification
RPSL agencies must verify that all CoC and COP certificates are from DGS-approved MTIs or STCW I/10 bilaterally recognised countries. Fraudulent certificates attract minimum 2-year debarment and CDC suspension. Approximately 80% of Indian seafarers are employed on foreign ships; the circular is directed at preserving India's STCW White List standing and protecting seafarer welfare from fraudulent intermediaries.
DGS Cir. 08/2025
Foreign CoC Declaration Framework for Indian Seafarers
Indian nationals holding foreign CoCs must declare them to DGS. A declaration form with CoC copy, validity, issuing country and employment details is submitted online. DGS verifies with the issuing flag state. Employment on foreign ships using undeclared foreign CoCs may attract CDC suspension and INDoS deactivation. Sea-time on foreign CoCs eligible for upgrade only under strict scrutiny.
EAC Quality Manual
Examination, Assessment and Certification Quality Manual
Maintained by the Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates. Contains application procedures, Form 29 instructions, document checklists (Annexure 3 for revalidation), examination standards, grading criteria for oral and practical assessments, and dispatch procedures for CoCs. All MMDs must follow the procedures in this manual for uniformity and quality assurance. The MMD Standard Operating Procedures supplement the Quality Manual for service delivery.
Nautical Circular 17/2024
Syllabus Revision for CoC Examination Courses
Revised syllabi for nautical competency courses leading to CoC examinations, incorporating all STCW 2010 Manila Amendments and subsequent updates. Covers all 19 competences for relevant grades including voyage planning, watchkeeping, compass errors, SAR coordination, cargo operations, stability and leadership. Effective from the examination cycle following publication. Issued with approval of Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates.
Nautical Examinations
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