India's update on certification and curriculum for Marine Engineer Officers (MEO) NCV Grade

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published DGS Order No. 9 of 2024 updating certification and curriculum for Marine Engineer Officer (MEO) Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) Grade Certificates, aligning with industry standards.

This order was published on 24 May 2024.

Alignment with International Standards: The order emphasizes the need to align the certification process with the updated Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention and the STCW Code introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010. This alignment ensures that Indian maritime regulations remain in harmony with global standards, facilitating international cooperation and recognition.

Introduction of New Grades and Courses: Following the Manila amendments to the STCW Convention, the Government of India (GoI) introduced newer grades of NCV Certificates of Competency through the Merchant Shipping Rules of 2014. The document delineates the structure and curriculum for these new courses, such as the Marine Engineer Officer Class II (NCV) and Chief Engineer Officer (NCV) grades.

Transition Schemes for Existing CoC Holders: Recognizing the need to facilitate the advancement of existing Certificate of Competency (CoC) holders, the order introduces transition schemes allowing them to upgrade to higher propulsion power levels. This ensures that experienced seafarers can adapt to technological advancements and assume higher responsibilities aboard vessels.

Revised Entry Criteria and Intake Standards: The document discusses the revised entry criteria for the NCV stream on the engineering side, broadening the intake categories to provide more opportunities for seafarers to progress to higher levels. This reflects a concerted effort to nurture talent within the industry and encourage career advancement.

Detailed Syllabus and Course Structure: A significant portion of the document is dedicated to outlining the syllabus and course structure for the MEO NCV SEO Part 'B' course, covering a wide range of topics essential for marine engineers. This includes technology of materials, cargo handling equipment, deck machinery, and emergency procedures, among others. The comprehensive syllabus ensures that MEO candidates receive thorough training in relevant areas of marine engineering.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

MEO NCV Grade Certificates of Competency- Review of the Course Curriculum, Eligibility, Examination, Assessment and Certification