FAQ for Deck officers

Frequently Asked Questions by the Masters and Deck officers

as prepared by Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai – Examination, Assessment and Certification Branch

 

1. Question: My Certificate of Competency (COC), issued under STCW 95, in hardcover booklet form has expired recently. How do I revalidate and upgrade my COC to STCW 2010?

 

Answer:    The COC of a seafarer can be revalidated in a simple way by submitting an application form to the MMD Mumbai on any working days between 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Application to be submitted along with the fees and necessary supporting documents to prove the ‘Continued Professional Competence’ as stated in M.S. (STCW) Rules, 2014. You also need to submit your Original COC booklet for necessary endorsement.

 

The format of application and the checklist, detailing the list of documents required and the criteria, for revalidation can be downloaded from the website of MMD. http://mmd.gov.in:7778/downloads.html

 

2. Question: How many days will it take to revalidate my COC?

 

Answer: If you have a booklet COC, and submitted the application with all the necessary documents to the MMD Mumbai, then the process of revalidation will be completed within a maximum of two working days.

 

3. Question: Can you please elaborate the requirements for revalidation and up-gradation of my COC, if I have a COC booklet issued under STCW 95?

Answer: The requirements for establishing ‘Continued Professional Competence’ under the M.S. (STCW) Rules, 2014 are as follows:

1. A) Record of sea service in the relevant capacity for a period of at least one year in the preceding five years; OR
2. B) Original experience certificate from the employer for equivalent services performed ashore (e.g. officers working in marine related jobs, such as: maritime surveyors, faculty, superintendents, cargo superintendents, port officers, port engineers, officers serving on offshore rigs and platforms, FPSO, FSO, Chartering, Brokering or Commercial operations, vetting inspectors, ISM auditors, Port State and Flag State inspectors, Shipboard Training Officers, pilots, etc. ) for a period of at least two years in the preceding five years. OR
3. C) Record of approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate held, for a period of at least 3 (three) months in total during the preceding 6 (six) months immediately prior to expiry of the certificate OR
4. D) Successfully completing an approved training course or courses, such as: competency course for the grade of CoC concerned or one grade higher OR
5. E) Record of seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate held, for a period of not less than three months in a supernumerary capacity, or in a lower officer rank than that for which the certificate held is valid immediately prior to taking up the rank for which it is valid*

Additionally, the following requirements to be met for revalidation and up-gradation of COC issued under STCW 95 to ensure compliance with 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended.

1. Copy of valid Medical Fitness Certificate

2. Refresher and Updating training course for Masters and Deck officers (5 days for operational level / 11 days for Mgmt level)

3. Indian COC as GMDSS Radio Operator or UK GMDSS issued up to 31st Dec 2002 with valid endorsement.

4. Refresher training course in PST & PSCRB, only if the original course certificates are more than 5 yrs old.

5. Refresher training course in FPFF and AFF, only if the original course certificates are more than 5 yrs old.

6. SSO course Certificate of Proficiency for Management level COCs OR STSDSD / SSO for operational level COCs

7. DGS approved ECDIS course

 

4. Question: I have a medical certificate which was issued by the DGS approved doctor prior joining my last ship, which is still valid. Can I submit a copy of it while applying for revalidation or do I have to get another medical certificate?

 

Answer: You need to submit only the photocopy of valid medical certificate for the purpose of revalidation. No need to get another new medical certificate for the purpose of making an application to the MMD.

 

5. Question: I have a UK GMDSS certificate with valid endorsement. Will that be acceptable for the purpose of revalidation of my Indian COC?

 

Answer: Yes. Any UK GMDSS certificate obtained prior to 31^st Dec 2002, with valid endorsement from UK MCA, will be accepted for the purpose of revalidation of Indian COC. However if your UK GMDSS is due to expire shortly then you need to renew your UK GMDSS first prior to making an application for revalidation of Indian COC.

 

6. Question: I had revalidated my COC in 2013/2014 after complying with all the requirements such as RUT course, refresher course and other courses. However my COC was revalidated up to 31^st Dec 2016 only, due to some administrative reasons. How can I extend the validity of my COC to full five years?

 

Answer: Prior to 1^st Jan 2015, all the certificates were issued or revalidated up to 31^st Dec 2016 only. However, subsequent to the notification of M.S. (STCW) Rules 2014, from 1^st Jan 2015 onwards, all the certificates are being issued with a validity of full five year period.

 

In your case, the validity of the COC can be extended up to five years from the date of completion of Refresher and Updating (RUT) training course, by the MMD, without doing any additional courses. But you need to obtain the ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ if the same was not obtained earlier.

For example if you had completed your RUT course on 15^th November 2014 then the validity of your COC will be extended up to 14^th November 2019.

You need to submit the same application form for ‘Revalidation of COC’ as mentioned in Question No.1, which can be downloaded from the MMD Website. http://mmd.gov.in:7778/downloads.html

 

7. Question: I am presently undergoing a RUT course in one of the DGS approved institute. Is it compulsory to submit the application for revalidation of COC only through the institute? OR Can I submit the application to the MMD directly upon completion of the RUT course?

 

Answer: If you have already completed all the other training requirements such as ECDIS course, refresher courses in PST, PSCRB,FPFF and AFFF, etc., then it is compulsory to submit your final application for revalidation through the institutes only to avoid crowding at the MMD. The concerned institute will be required to pay the applicable fees (collected from the candidates) in the Syndicate Bank and submit all the applications to the MMD together.

 

However, if you still need to complete some essential courses after completion of the RUT course then you may also submit an application to the MMD directly whenever you are ready with all the documents. The basic principle is you need to come to MMD only once for the purpose of revalidation.

 

8. My Certificate of Competency (COC) is expiring after 5 months and I have done my revalidation/up-gradation courses as per STCW 2010 now. Will my COC be revalidated for 5 years from the date of expiry of my present COC or it will be from the date I completed my revalidation course?

 

Answer: Normally the COCs are being revalidated for a period of five years from the date of completion of Refresher and Up-gradation course (RUT) under STCW 2010. However, in order to encourage renewal of COC before its expiry date, under the revised provisions of STCW, currently COCs are being revalidated for a period of five years from the date of expiry of COC, if an officer is applying for revalidation within six months prior to its expiry.

 

Hence in your case the COC will be re-validated for a further period of five years from the date of expiry marked in the COC and not from the date of completion of RUT course.

 

9. Question: At present I have the valid GMDSS COP issued by the Ministry of Communications and STCW endorsement of GMDSS (valid or expired) issued by the MMD few years back. How do I get the new ‘Indian COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ which is essential for revalidating my COC as Master or Deck officer?

 

Answer: Firstly you need to ensure your GMDSS COP issued by the Ministry of Communications is valid. If it is not valid, you should make an application to the WPC wing for renewal of GMDSS certificate. Please bear in mind that normally it takes around 30 days for obtaining a renewal sticker for GMDSS from WPC.

 

If your GMDSS COP is valid then you can make an application to the MMD Mumbai on any working days between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

 

The format of application and the checklist detailing the list of documents required and the criteria to be met for obtaining the new ‘Indian COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ can be downloaded from the website of MMD. http://mmd.gov.in:7778/downloads.html

 

• Question: My GMDSS certificate is valid. Can you briefly explain the requirements for obtaining the ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ from MMD?

 

Answer: You need to have the following:

1. Valid GMDSS COP issued by the WPC wing of the Ministry of Communications. (Provisional certificate can also be accepted in case of newly certified officers.)
2. Copy of valid medical fitness certificate
3. Evidence of Minimum one year of sea service in the preceding five years performing Radio Communication duties. In absence of sea service, evidence of equivalent service ashore performing Radio Communication duties can also be accepted.

Alternatively, If you do not have the required sea service or equivalent service ashore in the last five years then you need to complete the GMDSS course again and submit the course completion certificate for obtaining or renewing your ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator.’

 

• Question: How many days will it take to obtain my COC as GMDSS Radio Operator?

 

Answer: If you have submitted your application with all the necessary documents to the MMD Mumbai, then the certificate will be issued within a maximum of two working days.

 

• Question: I need to revalidate my Master’s COC. For that I need to get my GMDSS COC also. Is it possible for me to apply both at the same time to avoid multiple visits to the MMD Mumbai?

 

Answer: Yes. If you have already complied with all the other requirements such as RUT course, refresher courses, ECDIS course, SSO/STSDSD course, etc., then you can submit the application for revalidation and application for GMDSS COC simultaneously at MMD Mumbai. You will get both the revalidated COC and Indian GMDSS COC within two working days together.

 

13. Question: Presently, I have valid STCW GMDSS endorsement which will expire only in 31^st Dec 2016. Do I still need to get the new Indian COC, as GMDSS Radio Operator, for the purpose of revalidating my COC as Master or Deck officer?

 

Answer: Yes. In order to revalidate and upgrade your COC with validity beyond 31^st Dec 2016, it is essential to obtain the new ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ now. Your existing STCW GMDSS endorsement will be cancelled upon issuance of ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator.’

 

14. Question: I have a UK GMDSS certificate. Can I obtain a ‘COC as GMDSS Radio operator’ from India?

 

Answer: No. You should renew your GMDSS endorsement from UK MCA only. Also, there is no need for you to obtain ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ from India.

 

15. Question: What is the difference between ‘STCW endorsement on GMDSS’ which was issued before, and the ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ which is being issued now?

 

Answer: As far as seafarers are concerned, the purpose of both remains same. Subsequent to the ‘2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention,’ the status of GMDSS qualification has been elevated from ‘Certificate of Proficiency’ to ‘Certificate of Competency.’ Hence the nomenclature of the certificate has been changed to ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator.’ From 1^st Jan 2017, all the deck officers must hold ‘COC as GMDSS Radio Operator’ instead of ‘STCW endorsement on GMDSS.’

• Question: I have a level two (Management level) DCE for the ship type ‘Oil tanker’ which is expiring shortly or which has expired few months ago. How do I revalidate my DCE?

 

Answer: The familiar name of the Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (DCE) level 2 has now been changed to ‘Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Training for Oil/Chemical/Gas Tanker Cargo operations.’

 

The procedure for renewal of DCE or issuance of COP for tanker operations is almost the same as before, except few minor changes. You can make an application to the MMD Mumbai on any working days between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

 

The format of application and the checklist detailing the list of documents required and the criteria to be met for obtaining the new ‘COP in Advanced Training for Tanker Operations’ or renewal of DCE can be downloaded from the website of MMD. http://mmd.gov.in:7778/downloads.html

 

17. Question: I have a level one (operational level) DCE for the ship type ‘Chemical tanker’ which is expiring shortly or which has expired few months ago. How do I revalidate my DCE?

 

Answer: The familiar name of the Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (DCE) level 1 has now been changed to ‘Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Training for Oil/Chemical/Gas Tanker Cargo operations.’

 

The procedure for renewal of DCE or issuance of COP for tanker operations is almost the same as before, except few minor changes. You can make an application to the MMD Mumbai on any working days between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

 

The format of application and the checklist detailing the list of documents required and the criteria to be met for obtaining the new ‘COP in Basic Training for Tanker Operations’ or renewal of DCE can be downloaded from the website of MMD. http://mmd.gov.in:7778/downloads.html

 

18. Question: How many days will it take to obtain a new COP for tanker cargo operations (erstwhile called as DCE) or renew my DCE?

 

Answer: If you have submitted your application with all the necessary documents to the MMD Mumbai, then the certificate will be issued within a maximum of two working days.

 

19. Question: I have multiple DCEs i.e. for more than one type of tankers. Can I renew all of them at the same time? OR I need to apply for DCEs for more than one type of tankers. Can I apply for multiple DCEs at the same time?

 

Answer: Yes. You can apply for multiple DCEs i.e COPs for more than one type of tankers at the same time using same form. However you need to pay the additional fees for each COP separately or collectively.

 

20. Question: Do I need to submit the copy of medical fitness certificate to the MMD for obtaining the DCE or COP in Tanker cargo operations?

 

Answer: No. You need not submit any medical certificate for obtaining the Certificate of Proficiency in Tanker Cargo operations.

 

21. Question: I have a COC issued by UK or other countries recognized by India. Can I get a COP in Tanker cargo operations (erstwhile DCE)?

 

Answer: No. You are required to obtain the COP in tanker cargo operations only from the country which has issued your COC.

However, if you have been issued with Indian COE for sailing onboard Indian ships then COP in Tanker Cargo operations will be issued by the MMD for the purpose of sailing onboard Indian Tankers only. Currently this provision is applicable for Management level officers only.

 

22. Question: I did my PSCRB and AFF in the year 2012. Do I need to do the refresher courses for PSCRB and AFF now, for the purpose of revalidation of COC?

 

Answer: No. Refresher courses for the PSCRB, PST, AFF and FPFF are required only if the courses were done five years ago.

In your case, the refresher courses to be done in 2017 only. You need not undergo the refresher courses for the purpose of revalidation or certification.

Also note that henceforth, seafarers need to undergo the refresher courses in PST, FPFF, PSCRB and AFF (as applicable) at the intervals not exceeding five years. Shipping companies need to ensure that seafarers have undergone refresher training as per STCW at five yearly intervals, prior placing them onboard ship.

 

23. Question: I have done my sea service through non-RPSL agencies. Can you please confirm whether the service performed through such agencies are acceptable for the purpose of revalidation or issuance of COCs?

 

Answer: No. According to the directives issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, the seafarers should join the ship only through RPSL agencies approved by the DGS. Hence the sea service performed through non-RPSL agencies will not be recognized by the MMD.

 

24. Question: I am holding a COC of 2^nd Mate (FG). I have a sailing experience on Tankers. Can I get a COP in Advanced Training for Tanker cargo operations (Level 2 DCE)?

 

Answer: Yes. If you have a minimum of three months sailing experience on Tankers as certified deck officer, within the last sixty months, then you are eligible to get a COP in Advanced Training for Tanker cargo operations (For a Type of tanker corresponding to your sailing experience). Additionally, you should have completed the relevant advanced tanker safety course, advanced fire fighting course and other applicable courses listed in the checklist.

 

25. Question: I need to apply for the Level 2 Chemical Tanker DCE (COP in Advanced Training). Is it required to complete the Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS) Course for obtaining a Chemical Tanker Level 2 DCE?

 

Answer: No. The Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS) course is required only for obtaining the Level 2 Oil Tanker DCE. Also the LCHS course is applicable only for the Master and deck officers. Therefore LCHS course is not required for obtaining the Level 2 DCE for Chemical Tankers or Liquefied Gas Tankers.

 

26. Question: What is the difference between LCHS operational level and LCHS Management level course? Which course is required for obtaining the Oil Tanker DCE?

 

Answer: The LCHS operational level course is no more a DGS approved course. For obtaining the COP in Advanced Training (Level 2 DCE) for Oil Tankers cargo operations, all the deck officers are required to complete only the Full Mission LCHS course (Management level – 5 days). The LCHS course is not mandatory for obtaining the COP in Basic Training for Tanker cargo operations (Level 1 DCE).

 

27. Question: I have been sailing as Master on Oil Tankers for many years. I am also having the level 2 DCE for Oil Tankers. In the past I have not done any LCHS course. Can I revalidate my level 2 DCE without the LCHS course?

 

Answer: Yes. If you have been regularly sailing on Oil Tankers with Level 2 DCE then there is no need for LCHS course for revalidation of DCE.

 

28. Question: I have a Level 2 DCE in Oil Tankers. But during the last five years I have been sailing on bulk carriers OR I did not sail in Oil Tankers during the last five years. How do I revalidate my Level 2 DCE in Oil Tankers?

 

Answer: If you do not have the required minimum period of three months of sailing experience onboard Oil Tankers during the preceding sixty months then you will have to undertake the Advanced Tanker Safety course (TASCO) and LCHS course again for revalidation of Level 2 DCE in Oil Tankers.

 

29. Question: I have a Level 2 DCE in Chemical / Liquefied Gas Tankers. But during the last five years I have been sailing on Containers OR I did not sail in Tankers during the last five years. How do I revalidate my Level 2 DCE in Chemical / Liquefied Gas Tankers?

 

Answer: If you do not have the required minimum period of three months of sailing experience onboard Chemical / Liquefied Gas Tankers during the preceding sixty months then you will have to undertake the Advanced Chemical Tanker Safety course (CHEMCO) or Advanced Gas Tanker Safety Course (GASCO), as applicable, again for revalidation of Level 2 DCE in Chemical / Liquefied Gas Tankers.

 

30. Question: I have been sailing as Second Officer onboard ‘OIL/CHEM Tankers’ during the past six months. But in this period, we had carried only clean products and did not get a chance to load any chemicals. Can I get a Level 2 DCE for Chemical Tankers based on this experience?

 

Answer: No. Although you have sailed on ‘OIL/CHEM Tankers,’ you are not eligible to obtain the Level 2 DCE for Chemical Tankers. For obtaining Level 2 DCE in Chemical Tankers, you should have an experience of carriage of chemicals, listed under IBC code, for a minimum period of three months. Alternatively, one month experience in a supernumerary capacity with three loading and three discharging of chemicals, documented in a Training Record Book, may also be accepted.

 

31. Question: I have a COP in basic training for tanker cargo operations (Level 1 DCE). But I did not get a chance to work onboard tankers during the past five years. How do I revalidate my COP in basic training for tanker cargo operations (Level 1 DCE)?

 

Answer: You can revalidate the COP in basic training for tanker cargo operations (Level 1 DCE) either by undertaking the Basic Tanker familiarization course or Advanced Tanker Safety course again.

 

32. Question: I am a deck cadet or deck rating. What are the requirements for obtaining the COP in basic training for tanker cargo operations (Level 1 DCE)? Can I apply to the MMD for getting this COP?

 

Answer: The requirements for obtaining the COP in basic training for tanker cargo operations (Level one DCE) remain same for the officers / trainees / ratings. However, currently, the MMD Mumbai accepts applications only from the certified officers.

 

If you are a petty officer, deck cadet or deck rating then you can make an application to the Facilitation Centers established by the INSA / MASSA / FOSMA / ICCSA / CMMI / IMEI, depending upon the company in which you are sailing at present or you will be joining soon.

 

33. Question: I have passed the Chief Mate (FG) written and oral examinations last month. I did my Second mate FG competency course with the new syllabus i.e. in 2011. Subsequently I did my First Mate FG Phase-I and Phase-II courses in 2014 with the new syllabus. Do I still need to undergo the Refresher and Updating training (RUT) of 5 days / 11 days for submitting an application for COC?

 

Answer: No. The RUT course is not required for all those candidates who have completed their Second Mate FG course with the STCW 2010 syllabus i.e. courses completed after March 2011.

 

34. Question: I have completed my First Mate FG grade Phase-I and Phase-II classes recently under STCW 2010 revised syllabus. But I got my Second Mate FG COC prior to 2011 i.e. attended Second Mate FG classes under the STCW 95 (old) syllabus. Do I have to complete the RUT course of 5 days or 11 days duration, to obtain my First Mate FG COC under STCW 2010 with 5 years validity?

 

Answer: Since you had attended the First Mate FG competency course as per the new (STCW 2010) syllabus, you need to attend only the first 5 days of the RUT course, applicable for operational level officers.

 

35. Question: My CDC or Passport got expired last month. I had already applied for renewal. Is it compulsory to have valid CDC or Passport for the purpose of revalidation of COC or obtaining any other certificate from MMD?

 

Answer: No. You need not wait for renewal of CDC or Passport for making an application to the MMD for any certification. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that all the necessary documents such as CDC, Passport are valid prior joining any ship.

 

36. Question: I have applied for revalidation of my COC or renewal of my DCE /GMDSS at the MMD in the morning working hours. Is there any specific time do I have to come for collection of my certificate after revalidation or issuance of new certificates?

 

Answer: The stipulated time for issuance of certificates at MMD Mumbai is only between 4 PM and 6 PM. Hence you should come only at 4PM on the assigned date for collection of your certificates.

 

37. Question: I have applied for my GMDSS COC today morning. My company has told me that I need to fly in the afternoon for joining ship. Is it possible to get the certificate immediately?

 

Answer: No. Please note that MMD Mumbai issues more than 100 certificates every day in the shortest possible time frame i.e. within two working days. In order to give due respect to other applicants and to maintain equality, MMD will not issue certificates out of turn to any individuals. Nevertheless, if you need to join the ship immediately then MMD can issue the certificate to your company representative based on your letter of authority. We will not insist for your presence at the time of issuance of the certificates.

 

38. Question: Can you explain the method of payment of fees for obtaining certificates from MMD Mumbai?

 

Answer: Currently MMD Mumbai accepts fees only through the Syndicate Bank. You can get the challan from the MMD office and pay the fees directly at the Special Counter of Syndicate Bank located in the ground floor of MMD examination centre, Nau Bhavan, Ballard Estate, Mumbai.’

 

39. Question: Is it necessary to update my DG Shipping online profile for making an application to the MMD Mumbai? How do I create and update my profile in the DGS website?

 

Answer: Yes. According to the Directives of the DG Shipping, it is compulsory for all the seafarers to register with the e-Governance cell of the DG Shipping and update their profile at regular intervals. Please note that the process of registration is very simple.

 

You need to go to the website www.dgshipping.gov.in and click the ‘Seafarers registration’ section under the main heading ‘E-Governance.’ Upon completion of registration, you can update your profile using the simple steps stated in the website.

 

Please note that the ‘Seafarers Registration’ process can be completed easily, if you use ‘Internet Explorer’ browser.

 

40. Question: I need to apply for my COC revalidation. Somebody told me that I need to get the documents ready only through few of the Photocopy shops located near MMD Mumbai otherwise my application will be delayed. Is it true?

 

Answer: Totally false. Do not believe in such baseless rumors. MMD deals directly with seafarers only. The process of all the above certification is very simple.

You can download the application from the MMD Website, fill it up, attach the supporting documents, pay the fees using challan and submit to the MMD directly.

If you are meeting the requirements then you should get the certificate within two working days. If you have any difficulty in obtaining the certificate from MMD Mumbai then you may contact the concerned surveyors directly or send an email to the Principal Officer, MMD Mumbai.

Contact details of MMD officials are given in the MMD Website/Contact us section: http://mmd.gov.in:7778/contact.html

 

 

 

 

 

Note: If you are a deck officer and have any more questions which are not listed above then you may send an email to MMD Mumbai examination centre: exam@mmd.gov.ina