The Basic Safety Training course (BST) is the mandatory STCW certification every seafarer needs before joining a ship. It bundles four modules, survival techniques, firefighting, first aid, and personal safety, into one certificate you earn at a DGMA-approved maritime training institute. It stays valid for five years. If you are planning a career at sea, … Read more
DGMA Circular No. 51 of 2026 defines the NCV Engine Cadet Scheme as a structured pathway that lets General Purpose (GP) Rating holders qualify for the Marine Engineer Officer Class-IV (NCV) Certificate of Competency. Candidates need a qualifying education, a completed GP rating course, and 6 to 12 months of approved seagoing service as an … Read more
Minimum safe manning requirements for Indian flag vessels are set out in DGMA Circular No. 54 of 2025, which fixes the exact number and rank of crew every Indian ship must carry, from a small harbour craft to a large tanker on international trade. The scale changes with vessel size, area of operation, and cargo … Read more
The minimum safe manning scale for international voyages sets the nautical crew every Indian ship must carry under DGMA Circular No. 54 of 2025, Annexure A. A vessel under 200 GT needs a master, one deck officer, and four ratings. A ship above 3000 GT needs up to 11 nautical crew, plus separate engine room … Read more
