{"id":3053,"date":"2026-08-27T04:13:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T04:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/?p=3053"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:06:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T12:06:52","slug":"meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DGMA&#8217;s MEO and ETO preparatory course requirements make a one-month offline course compulsory for MEO Class IV and ETO candidates and cut the MEO Class II course from four months to three, effective for candidates appearing on or after 1 January 2027. The MEO Class-I course stays at two months. Approved institutes can start batches from 1 November 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These changes come from <strong>DGMA EAC Branch Circular No. 49 of 2026<\/strong>, dated 15 August 2026. If you are a marine engineering cadet, a sailing junior engineer, or an ETO preparing to sit your Certificate of Competency exam, this guide walks through exactly what changed, who it applies to, and when you actually need to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#What_Is_DGMA_Circular_No_49_of_2026\" >What Is DGMA Circular No. 49 of 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Why_Did_DGMA_Introduce_New_MEO_and_ETO_Preparatory_Course_Requirements\" >Why Did DGMA Introduce New MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Which_Preparatory_Courses_Are_Now_Mandatory_and_What_Do_They_Involve\" >Which Preparatory Courses Are Now Mandatory, and What Do They Involve?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#When_Do_the_New_MEO_and_ETO_Preparatory_Course_Requirements_Actually_Take_Effect\" >When Do the New MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements Actually Take Effect?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Who_Must_Complete_the_MEO_Class-IV_Preparatory_Course\" >Who Must Complete the MEO Class-IV Preparatory Course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Who_Must_Complete_the_ETO_Preparatory_Course\" >Who Must Complete the ETO Preparatory Course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#What_Changed_for_the_MEO_Class-II_Preparatory_Course\" >What Changed for the MEO Class-II Preparatory Course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Did_the_MEO_Class-I_Preparatory_Course_Duration_Change\" >Did the MEO Class-I Preparatory Course Duration Change?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#What_Do_the_Four_Syllabi_Cover\" >What Do the Four Syllabi Cover?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Where_Can_Candidates_Take_an_Approved_MEO_or_ETO_Preparatory_Course\" >Where Can Candidates Take an Approved MEO or ETO Preparatory Course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Is_the_DGMA_E-Learning_Module_Mandatory\" >Is the DGMA E-Learning Module Mandatory?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#How_Should_Candidates_Prepare_Before_Booking_a_Preparatory_Course\" >How Should Candidates Prepare Before Booking a Preparatory Course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#What_is_DGMA_EAC_Branch_Circular_No_49_of_2026\" >What is DGMA EAC Branch Circular No. 49 of 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Is_the_MEO_Class-IV_preparatory_course_mandatory_for_every_candidate\" >Is the MEO Class-IV preparatory course mandatory for every candidate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#From_what_date_do_candidates_actually_need_to_comply\" >From what date do candidates actually need to comply?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#What_is_the_revised_duration_of_the_MEO_Class-II_preparatory_course\" >What is the revised duration of the MEO Class-II preparatory course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Has_the_MEO_Class-I_preparatory_course_duration_changed\" >Has the MEO Class-I preparatory course duration changed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Is_the_ETO_preparatory_course_compulsory_for_Electro-Technical_Officers\" >Is the ETO preparatory course compulsory for Electro-Technical Officers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Are_DGMA_e-learning_modules_mandatory_alongside_the_offline_course\" >Are DGMA e-learning modules mandatory alongside the offline course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Where_can_candidates_attend_an_approved_MEO_or_ETO_preparatory_course\" >Where can candidates attend an approved MEO or ETO preparatory course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#What_happens_to_candidates_already_partway_through_a_four-month_MEO_Class-II_batch\" >What happens to candidates already partway through a four-month MEO Class-II batch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/#Does_this_requirement_apply_to_candidates_who_already_sailed_and_are_returning_for_pending_oral_or_written_functions\" >Does this requirement apply to candidates who already sailed and are returning for pending oral or written functions?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_DGMA_Circular_No_49_of_2026\"><\/span>What Is DGMA Circular No. 49 of 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<a href=\"https:\/\/dgma.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Directorate General of Maritime Administration<\/a> (DGMA) issued Circular No. 49 of 2026 to overhaul preparatory training for Marine Engineer Officer (MEO) and Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Certificate of Competency (CoC) exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The circular was drafted by a technical committee set up under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The committee included DGMA representatives, industry experts, professional bodies, and approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs). It reviewed feedback from examiners, MTIs, ship owners and managers, and recently qualified officers before recommending the changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The circular does two things at once. It introduces brand new mandatory preparatory courses for MEO Class-IV and ETO candidates, and it revises the existing MEO Class-II and MEO Class-I syllabi and, in one case, the course duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Did_DGMA_Introduce_New_MEO_and_ETO_Preparatory_Course_Requirements\"><\/span>Why Did DGMA Introduce New MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Technical Committee flagged a pattern that will sound familiar to anyone who has sat, or examined, an entry-level CoC exam. Candidates were completing their mandatory sea service and turning up for written and oral exams with almost no structured revision behind them. Rote-learned answers held up fine on paper, then fell apart the moment an examiner asked a follow-up question in the oral round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few specific factors pushed DGMA toward mandatory courses rather than another round of optional e-learning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>STCW alignment.<\/strong> Regulations I\/6, I\/11, III\/1, III\/2 and III\/6 of the STCW Convention require training to match current competence tables, and the existing syllabi had fallen behind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Engine technology.<\/strong> Electronically controlled, dual-fuel and hybrid propulsion systems are now common on Indian-crewed ships, and the old syllabus barely touched them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alternative fuels.<\/strong> LNG, methanol, ammonia and biofuels bring bunkering and safety procedures that didn&#8217;t exist when the syllabus was last revised.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental rules.<\/strong> MARPOL Annex VI, EEXI and CII compliance now sit squarely inside an engineer&#8217;s day-to-day recordkeeping.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digitalisation and cyber risk.<\/strong> Condition-based maintenance, predictive analytics and shipboard cyber-security awareness are now examinable, not optional extras.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exam performance data.<\/strong> DGMA&#8217;s own subject-wise pass percentages pointed to specific weak spots the syllabus wasn&#8217;t addressing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In plain terms, DGMA decided that a candidate who has never had to explain <em>why<\/em> a turbocharger surges, only memorise that it can, was going to keep failing orals no matter how many attempts they got. A structured, offline course forces that revision to happen before the exam rather than after a failed attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Timeline-of-DGMA-Circular-49-2026-preparatory-course-rollout-dates-1024x512.png\" alt=\"Timeline of DGMA Circular 49 2026 preparatory course rollout dates\" class=\"wp-image-3054 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Timeline-of-DGMA-Circular-49-2026-preparatory-course-rollout-dates-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Timeline-of-DGMA-Circular-49-2026-preparatory-course-rollout-dates-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Timeline-of-DGMA-Circular-49-2026-preparatory-course-rollout-dates-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Timeline-of-DGMA-Circular-49-2026-preparatory-course-rollout-dates-1536x768.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Timeline-of-DGMA-Circular-49-2026-preparatory-course-rollout-dates.png 1774w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/512;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Preparatory_Courses_Are_Now_Mandatory_and_What_Do_They_Involve\"><\/span>Which Preparatory Courses Are Now Mandatory, and What Do They Involve?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s the full picture in one table. Note that MEO Class-IV and ETO are brand new mandatory courses, not revisions of an existing mandatory course, so there&#8217;s no &#8220;previous mandatory duration&#8221; to compare them against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Course<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Course Status<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Duration<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Contact Hours<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Compliance Date<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MEO Class-IV Preparatory Course<\/td><td>New, mandatory<\/td><td>1 month (20 working days)<\/td><td>120 hours<\/td><td>Candidates appearing for the first time, or returning after not sitting any function in 2026, on or after 1 January 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MEO Class-II Preparatory Course<\/td><td>Revised, mandatory<\/td><td>3 months, down from 4 (60 working days)<\/td><td>360 hours<\/td><td>Batches starting on or after 1 January 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MEO Class-I Preparatory Course<\/td><td>Revised syllabus, duration unchanged<\/td><td>2 months (40 working days)<\/td><td>240 hours<\/td><td>Revised syllabus applies from 1 January 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ETO Preparatory Course<\/td><td>New, mandatory<\/td><td>1 month (20 working days)<\/td><td>120 hours<\/td><td>Candidates appearing for the first time, or returning after not sitting any function in 2026, on or after 1 January 2027<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All four courses run as fully offline, classroom-based programmes at DGMA-approved MTIs. The ETO course carries one extra condition worth noting: institutes must schedule at least two hours of supervised practical lab work every single working day, directly tied to that day&#8217;s classroom subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Do_the_New_MEO_and_ETO_Preparatory_Course_Requirements_Actually_Take_Effect\"><\/span>When Do the New MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements Actually Take Effect?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the part candidates get wrong most often, so it&#8217;s worth spelling out carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DGMA-approved MTIs can start running MEO Class-IV and ETO preparatory batches from <strong>1 November 2026<\/strong>. That two-month head start exists so candidates have somewhere to enrol before the requirement becomes compulsory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The course itself only becomes a hard prerequisite for candidates who fall into one of these two groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anyone applying for eligibility assessment or sitting the MEO Class-IV or ETO written or oral exam for the very first time on or after 1 January 2027.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anyone who has not sat any function of the MEO Class-IV or ETO exam during calendar year 2026, and plans to appear on or after 1 January 2027.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> if you already sat and cleared some functions of your MEO Class-IV or ETO exam in 2026 and you&#8217;re returning purely to clear the functions you failed, you are not being asked to complete the new preparatory course just to finish those remaining papers. The requirement targets candidates who haven&#8217;t engaged with the exam process in 2026 at all, or who are starting fresh from 2027 onward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same 1 January 2027 date governs MEO Class-II and MEO Class-I, though the mechanics differ slightly there. For MEO Class-II, the three-month course applies to any batch that starts on or after that date. If you&#8217;re already enrolled in a four-month MEO Class-II batch before then, you finish under the old syllabus and duration, no changes mid-course. For MEO Class-I, the duration doesn&#8217;t move, but the updated syllabus becomes the one MTIs must teach from that date onward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Must_Complete_the_MEO_Class-IV_Preparatory_Course\"><\/span>Who Must Complete the MEO Class-IV Preparatory Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The MEO Class-IV course is aimed at candidates who&#8217;ve finished pre-sea training and their mandatory shipboard training, and are now eligible to sit for Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch. It runs 120 contact hours across four weeks and leads straight into the written and oral exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The syllabus covers general marine engineering knowledge, motor and steam plant operation, marine electro-technology, engineering practice and workshop skills, plus ship construction, stability and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Must_Complete_the_ETO_Preparatory_Course\"><\/span>Who Must Complete the ETO Preparatory Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ETO candidates face the same one-month, 120-hour structure, but the subject mix looks different because it&#8217;s built around STCW Regulation III\/6 rather than III\/1. Expect marine electrical engineering, marine electronics, automation and control engineering, high-voltage technology, instrumentation, and electrical maintenance and troubleshooting, backed by daily supervised lab time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Changed_for_the_MEO_Class-II_Preparatory_Course\"><\/span>What Changed for the MEO Class-II Preparatory Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re aiming for a Second Engineer&#8217;s ticket on ships with main propulsion machinery of 3000 kW or above, the headline change is duration: four months down to three, or 360 contact hours instead of the old longer format. That&#8217;s a real compression, and it means MTIs have to teach the same STCW III\/2 competency table in fewer weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The syllabus itself picked up new ground too, including alternative fuel operations, autonomous ship (MASS) awareness, and digitalisation topics like predictive maintenance and e-logbooks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Did_the_MEO_Class-I_Preparatory_Course_Duration_Change\"><\/span>Did the MEO Class-I Preparatory Course Duration Change?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. MEO Class-I stays at two months, 240 contact hours, for candidates working toward a Chief Engineer&#8217;s ticket. What changed is the depth of the syllabus, not the clock. Expect heavier coverage of classification society oversight, vetting programmes like SIRE and TMSA, greenhouse gas compliance under EEXI and CII, high-voltage and electrical propulsion systems, and management-level cyber-risk responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Do_the_Four_Syllabi_Cover\"><\/span>What Do the Four Syllabi Cover?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each course maps to specific STCW functions, and the depth increases as you move up the ranks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>MEO Class-IV<\/strong> covers Functions 3, 4, 5 and 6 at the operational level: watchkeeping, basic engine and boiler operation, electro-technology fundamentals, and workshop practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ETO<\/strong> covers Function 5 in depth, from basic circuits through to programmable logic controllers, high-voltage systems and OT cyber-security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MEO Class-II<\/strong> moves the same functions to the management level, adding design-stage understanding of machinery, not just operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MEO Class-I<\/strong> adds Function 1 style regulatory, legal and managerial content on top of the engineering base, since a Chief Engineer answers for compliance as much as for machinery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STCW-function-coverage-across-MEO-Class-IV-II-I-and-ETO-courses-1024x512.png\" alt=\"STCW function coverage across MEO Class-IV, II, I and ETO courses\" class=\"wp-image-3055 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STCW-function-coverage-across-MEO-Class-IV-II-I-and-ETO-courses-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STCW-function-coverage-across-MEO-Class-IV-II-I-and-ETO-courses-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STCW-function-coverage-across-MEO-Class-IV-II-I-and-ETO-courses-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STCW-function-coverage-across-MEO-Class-IV-II-I-and-ETO-courses-1536x768.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STCW-function-coverage-across-MEO-Class-IV-II-I-and-ETO-courses.png 1774w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/512;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Can_Candidates_Take_an_Approved_MEO_or_ETO_Preparatory_Course\"><\/span>Where Can Candidates Take an Approved MEO or ETO Preparatory Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All four courses must run at a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/mti\/\"> DGMA-approved Maritime Training Institute<\/a>. DGMA&#8217;s Training Branch is issuing separate Course Approval Guidelines covering infrastructure, faculty qualifications, training hours, assessment methods, attendance rules and quality assurance standards, and MTIs already approved for MEO courses have to apply separately before they can run the new MEO Class-IV and ETO batches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That quality assurance layer matters more than it sounds. DGMA has been tightening institute-level oversight generally, including through the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalbabu.com\/learn\/comprehensive-inspection-programme-dgma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> mandatory inspection programme now covering all DGMA-approved maritime training institutes<\/a>, so an institute&#8217;s approval status is worth checking directly rather than assuming from a website banner. You can cross-check any institute against the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/dgma-approved-maritime-training-courses\/\"> list of DGMA-approved maritime training courses<\/a> before paying a deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_DGMA_E-Learning_Module_Mandatory\"><\/span>Is the DGMA E-Learning Module Mandatory?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, not for MEO Class-IV candidates, and the circular doesn&#8217;t make it compulsory for any grade. DGMA encourages all CoC exam candidates to use the e-learning facility alongside their offline classes, mainly for self-assessment and progress tracking. It&#8217;s genuinely useful for officers still onboard who want to keep studying between sea phases, but skipping it won&#8217;t affect your eligibility to sit the exam. The offline classroom course is the one requirement that actually gates your exam booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"546\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Flowchart-of-mandatory-offline-course-versus-optional-DGMA-e-learning-1024x546.png\" alt=\"Flowchart of mandatory offline course versus optional DGMA e-learning\" class=\"wp-image-3056 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Flowchart-of-mandatory-offline-course-versus-optional-DGMA-e-learning-1024x546.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Flowchart-of-mandatory-offline-course-versus-optional-DGMA-e-learning-300x160.png 300w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Flowchart-of-mandatory-offline-course-versus-optional-DGMA-e-learning-768x410.png 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Flowchart-of-mandatory-offline-course-versus-optional-DGMA-e-learning-1536x819.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Flowchart-of-mandatory-offline-course-versus-optional-DGMA-e-learning.png 1717w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/546;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Should_Candidates_Prepare_Before_Booking_a_Preparatory_Course\"><\/span>How Should Candidates Prepare Before Booking a Preparatory Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work through this before you hand over any course fees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check your candidate category.<\/strong> Work out whether you&#8217;re in the mandatory-from-2027 group or the transitional group still finishing pending 2026 functions. It changes whether you need the course at all right now.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm the institute&#8217;s approval status<\/strong> for the specific course you need, not just its general MTI approval, since MEO Class-IV and ETO approvals are being issued separately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Update your sea service and INDOS records<\/strong> before you try to book an exam slot. If you haven&#8217;t renewed your Continuous Discharge Certificate recently, our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/how-to-apply-for-cdc-online-full-guide\/\"> guide to applying for a CDC online<\/a> walks through the portal process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ask for the batch&#8217;s start and end dates in writing<\/strong>, particularly for MEO Class-II batches straddling the 1 January 2027 cutover, so you know which syllabus and duration you&#8217;ll actually be taught under.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check attendance requirements up front.<\/strong> All four courses mandate full attendance at offline sessions, and institutes can refuse a completion certificate for poor attendance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Checklist-for-candidates-before-booking-MEO-or-ETO-preparatory-course-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Checklist for candidates before booking MEO or ETO preparatory course\" class=\"wp-image-3057 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Checklist-for-candidates-before-booking-MEO-or-ETO-preparatory-course-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Checklist-for-candidates-before-booking-MEO-or-ETO-preparatory-course-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Checklist-for-candidates-before-booking-MEO-or-ETO-preparatory-course-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Checklist-for-candidates-before-booking-MEO-or-ETO-preparatory-course.png 1024w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 683px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 683\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747235884\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_DGMA_EAC_Branch_Circular_No_49_of_2026\"><\/span><strong>What is DGMA EAC Branch Circular No. 49 of 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It&#8217;s the circular that introduces mandatory one-month preparatory courses for MEO Class-IV and ETO CoC candidates, shortens the MEO Class-II course from four months to three, and revises the MEO Class-I syllabus without changing its two-month duration.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747262446\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_MEO_Class-IV_preparatory_course_mandatory_for_every_candidate\"><\/span><strong>Is the MEO Class-IV preparatory course mandatory for every candidate?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It&#8217;s mandatory for candidates appearing for the first time, or returning after skipping the exam entirely in 2026, on or after 1 January 2027. Candidates actively clearing pending 2026 functions are not required to complete it just for those remaining papers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747277903\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_what_date_do_candidates_actually_need_to_comply\"><\/span><strong>From what date do candidates actually need to comply?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>1 January 2027 is the compliance date for all four courses. Institutes can start running MEO Class-IV and ETO batches from 1 November 2026, so candidates have time to complete the course before the requirement bites.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747291803\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_revised_duration_of_the_MEO_Class-II_preparatory_course\"><\/span><strong>What is the revised duration of the MEO Class-II preparatory course?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Three months, or 360 contact hours, down from four months. This applies to batches starting on or after 1 January 2027. Candidates already enrolled before that date finish under the old four-month format.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747306519\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Has_the_MEO_Class-I_preparatory_course_duration_changed\"><\/span><strong>Has the MEO Class-I preparatory course duration changed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, it remains two months, or 240 contact hours. The syllabus content has been revised and takes effect from 1 January 2027, but the course length itself is unchanged.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747322151\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_ETO_preparatory_course_compulsory_for_Electro-Technical_Officers\"><\/span><strong>Is the ETO preparatory course compulsory for Electro-Technical Officers?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, under the same conditions as MEO Class-IV: mandatory for first-time candidates and for those who didn&#8217;t sit any ETO exam function in 2026, appearing on or after 1 January 2027.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747343653\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_DGMA_e-learning_modules_mandatory_alongside_the_offline_course\"><\/span><strong>Are DGMA e-learning modules mandatory alongside the offline course?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. E-learning stays optional for every grade. DGMA encourages candidates to use it for self-assessment, but only the offline classroom course affects your eligibility to book an exam.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747356256\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_can_candidates_attend_an_approved_MEO_or_ETO_preparatory_course\"><\/span><strong>Where can candidates attend an approved MEO or ETO preparatory course?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Only at a Maritime Training Institute holding current DGMA approval for that specific course. General MEO course approval doesn&#8217;t automatically cover the new MEO Class-IV or ETO batches, so check separately before enrolling.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747369559\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_to_candidates_already_partway_through_a_four-month_MEO_Class-II_batch\"><\/span><strong>What happens to candidates already partway through a four-month MEO Class-II batch?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>They continue under the existing four-month duration and syllabus. The three-month format only applies to batches that start on or after 1 January 2027.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1787747383127\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_this_requirement_apply_to_candidates_who_already_sailed_and_are_returning_for_pending_oral_or_written_functions\"><\/span><strong>Does this requirement apply to candidates who already sailed and are returning for pending oral or written functions?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Only if they didn&#8217;t sit any function of the exam at all during 2026. Candidates actively working through pending functions from an exam they already began don&#8217;t need the new preparatory course purely to finish those functions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DGMA&#8217;s MEO and ETO preparatory course requirements make a one-month offline course compulsory for MEO Class IV and ETO candidates and cut the MEO Class II course from four months to three, effective for candidates appearing on or after 1 January 2027. The MEO Class-I course stays at two months. Approved institutes can start batches &#8230; <a title=\"What Are the MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/meo-and-eto-preparatory-course-requirement\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about What Are the MEO and ETO Preparatory Course Requirements?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[169,224,226,184],"class_list":["post-3053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marine","tag-dgma","tag-dgma-eac-branch-circular-no-49-of-2026","tag-eto","tag-merchant-navy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3053"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3053\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3144,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3053\/revisions\/3144"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3053"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3053"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.indosearch.in\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}