The STCW Annual Report 2024 (Engineering), published by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), marks a crucial milestone in India’s ongoing reform of its maritime certification system. As maritime trade becomes more digitized and demanding, the Indian maritime administration is aligning training, assessment, and certification standards with global best practices.
From simulator-based assessments to full digitalization of exams, 2024 has been a year of transformation.
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Engineering Certification Trends: 2024 in Numbers
India’s maritime engineering certification ecosystem witnessed a major rise in CoC issuance in 2024:
| Certification Level | CoCs Issued |
| MEO Class I | 627 |
| MEO Class II | 1,107 |
| MEO Class IV | 2,542 |
| ETO | 329 |
| NCV Class III & IV | 58 (total) |
This growth highlights India’s role as a global hub for competent maritime engineers, with the DG Shipping’s assessment model gaining international recognition for its transparency and integrity.
Digital Reform: Tech-Driven Examinations
The year marked the beginning of a full-fledged end-to-end digitalized exam ecosystem, executed in partnership with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and CDAC.
Key Digital Upgrades:
- Online application, scheduling & evaluation
- Live database sync across Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs)
- Introduction of simulator-based assessments to measure decision-making in real-world maritime scenarios
This digitization ensures fairness, speed, and security in Certificate of Competency (CoC) and Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) exams.
Performance Analysis of MTIs (MEO Class I)
Performance benchmarking of MTIs helps identify strengths and gaps in training quality. Here’s a look at some top MTIs based on MEO Class I results:
| MTI Name | Appeared | Passed | Pass % |
| International Maritime Institute, Noida | 241 | 99 | 41.08% |
| HIMT Tidal Park, Chennai | 90 | 41 | 45.56% |
| Institute of Marine Engineers, Kochi | 172 | 82 | 47.67% |
| Massa Maritime Academy, Chennai | 234 | 93 | 39.74% |
Many MTIs showed pass rates between 30% and 45%, reflecting both the exam rigor and the need for quality preparation.
Want to find DG-approved institutes? Check out certified Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).
Certificates of Proficiency (CoP): Tanker and Engine Ratings
The report also tracks the Basic and Advanced CoPs issued by DG Shipping and the MMDs (Mercantile Marine Departments):
| Type of Training | 2024 Certificates |
| Basic Tanker Operations (Oil/Chem/Gas) | 10,839 (Mumbai) |
| Basic IGF Code Training | 3,395 (Mumbai) |
| Advanced Tanker Operations (All types) | 1,251 (Mumbai) |
| Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) CoPs | 69 |
| Able Seafarer-Engine CoPs | 1,893 |
NCV Grades: CoC for Coastal Operations
Near Coastal Voyages (NCV) certifications for Class III and IV roles are critical for officers in Indian coastal shipping. While participation remains lower than international-grade CoCs, 2024 saw:
- 40 NCV Class III CEO aspirants enter, with only 12 passing
- 36 NCV Class III SEO and 22 NCV Class IV CEO CoCs issued
This suggests a need for enhanced training modules focused on coastal engineering operations.
Continuous Learning: E-Learning and Exit Exams
DGS aims to modernize e-learning platforms in line with industry demands, integrating real-time feedback systems and adaptive course content. Exit exams for pre-sea and advanced STCW courses are also being restructured for uniformity and quality control.
For any STCW course or CoC issuance, ensure your medical is done only by DG-approved maritime doctors.
Conclusion
The STCW Annual Report 2024 (Engineering) positions India at the forefront of maritime competency reform. By leveraging technology, simulator training, and better data analytics, DGS is creating a future-proof certification system.
This ensures Indian marine engineers continue to be globally sought-after — a testament to the strength of the nation’s maritime institutions and seafarer commitment.
FAQs: STCW Annual Report 2024 (Engineering)
1. What is the purpose of the STCW Annual Report 2024?
The report provides an overview of examination trends, certification statistics, institutional performance, and system reforms in the Indian maritime engineering domain under STCW compliance.
2. What is the new upgrade in CoC exams for engineers?
The biggest upgrade is the inclusion of simulator-based assessments, designed to evaluate real-world decision-making skills.
3. How does DGS ensure exam fairness?
With help from NTA and CDAC, the exam process is now completely digitalized, enhancing transparency in application, evaluation, and result declaration.
4. Which MTIs performed best in MEO Class I exams in 2024?
Top performers include the Institute of Marine Engineers (Kochi), HIMT Tidal Park (Chennai), and International Maritime Institute (Noida).
5. Are NCV Class III and IV certifications still relevant?
Yes, especially for seafarers engaged in domestic coastal shipping. However, pass rates indicate a need for better preparation and training programs.