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For Indian seafarers holding a Certificate of Competency (COC) in the nautical discipline, revalidating the certificate periodically is crucial to continue professional maritime service under the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) regulations. This guide walks you through the comprehensive steps required for COC revalidation in India, ensuring regulatory compliance with STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) conventions and DG Shipping mandates.
Understanding COC Revalidation
The Certificate of Competency issued to seafarers confirms their capability and qualification to serve in specific maritime roles. Revalidation is mandatory every five years to verify that the seafarer has maintained their professional competence through required sea service, refresher courses, or training. It safeguards maritime safety by ensuring seafarers are updated with latest practices and skills.
Pre-Requisites for COC Revalidation
- Valid INDOS (Indian National Database of Seafarers) number as unique identity.
- Completion of required refresher and updating training courses approved by DG Shipping.
- Documented sea service or equivalently recognized shore service during the preceding five years.
- Medical fitness certification as per DG Shipping norms.
- Updated profile details, photographs, and signatures available on DG Shipping’s online portal.
Step-by-Step Revalidation Process
Web Browser Setup
Use Mozilla Firefox browser recommended for best compatibility with DG Shipping’s e-governance portal.
Accessing DG Shipping e-Governance Portal
Visit the official DG Shipping website and login with your INDOS credentials.
Profile Update
Verify and update your seafarer profile, including personal details, photographs, and scanned signatures as per specified guidelines.
Application for COC Revalidation
Navigate to the “Certificate of Competency (COC) and Revalidation” section and select the application for revalidation. Fill in necessary details carefully.
Uploading Supporting Documents
Upload proof of sea service (Continuous Discharge Certificate pages), relevant training certificates, and medical fitness documents.
Selection of Mercantile Marine Department (MMD)
Choose the MMD office where you want your application processed, preferably the one where previous examinations or certifications were conducted.
Training and Examinations
Complete the DG Shipping-approved refresher and updating training course (usually 4 days), followed by a revalidation training course (often 10 days). Some cases may require passing the oral examination based on the META manual requirements.
Fees Payment
Pay the mandated revalidation fee online as part of your application process.
Submission and Application Number
Review all details, agree to the declaration, submit the application, and note the generated application number for tracking.
Application Verification
MMD officials review submitted documents, verify original certificates if required, and assess sea service records. Any discrepancies must be resolved via formal channels.
Certificate Revalidation Approval and Dispatch
Upon successful fulfillment of all conditions, DG Shipping issues a revalidated COC valid for five years, dispatched to your provided address.
Additional Important Points
- If you have insufficient sea service in the last 5 years but have shore-based marine service, this can be counted towards revalidation.
- Keep track of any inquiries or incidents that occurred during your sea service, as you may need to declare these during application.
- Ensure all uploaded documents, photos, and signatures meet DG Shipping’s quality and format standards to avoid rejection.
- In cases of eligibility queries or missing sea service records, liaise with respective MMD examiners with all original documents and prescribed fees.
Conclusion
Ensuring your Certificate of Competency remains valid through timely revalidation is essential for every Indian seafarer committed to a successful and compliant maritime career. By following the structured process detailed above—updating your INDOS profile, completing mandatory refresher training, submitting accurate sea service documents, and navigating the DG Shipping online portal, you safeguard both your professional qualifications and the safety standards expected in international shipping as mandated by maritime conventions.
Staying informed and proactive about the COC revalidation process not only opens doors to continued seafaring opportunities but also reinforces your dedication to maintaining industry best practices. Take the necessary steps today to keep your certification current and continue sailing confidently toward your career goals.
FAQ’s on Indian COC (Nautical) Revalidations
How long is the Indian COC valid, and when should I apply for revalidation?
The COC is valid for five years. You can apply for revalidation up to six months before or after the expiry date. If applied within six months prior to expiry, the revalidation extends the certificate validity from the original expiry date for another five years.
What are the mandatory training requirements for COC revalidation?
You must complete the Refresher and Updating Training (RUT) courses approved by DG Shipping, which typically include refresher training in personal survival techniques, safety responsibilities, fire prevention and firefighting, and ship security awareness under the STCW 2010 code.
Can I submit my application for COC revalidation directly to MMD or only through a training institute?
Applications can be submitted online directly through the DG Shipping portal by the seafarer. It is not mandatory to apply only through the institute where you completed your refresher course.
What documents are required to be uploaded for the COC revalidation application?
You need to upload your current valid COC, continuous discharge certificate (CDC) pages as proof of sea service, certificates of completed refresher training courses, and medical fitness certificates.
How long does it take to process the COC revalidation application?
Typically, if all documents are correctly submitted, the revalidation process is completed within two working days after application submission at the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD).