How to Apply for Certificate of Competency (COC) in India

1. What is a Certificate of Competency (COC)?

The Certificate of Competency (COC) is an official license required to serve in key officer roles onboard a ship. Without it, a seafarer cannot legally perform watchkeeping duties or advance in rank. It is recognized under the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping).

In India, the COC is issued only by DG Shipping after you pass relevant exams and submit your application through the e-Governance portal.

2. Eligibility for COC Application

You must:

• Successfully clear the prescribed examinations.
• Hold the examination form EXN-45.
• Meet training and medical fitness requirements.
  

3. Documents Required for COC Application

Prepare scanned copies of the following:

• Signed online application form.
• Passport-size photo (white background, face covers 70%).
• Scanned signature.
• Valid GMDSS Radio Operator Certificate issued by MMD.
• Self-attested Medical Fitness Certificate.
• Self-attested EXN-45 form.
• Certificates of modular courses, updating courses, and B.Sc. Nautical Science.
• Passport (first and last page).
  

4. Step-by-Step DG Shipping COC Application Process

1. Log in to the DG Shipping e-Governance portal.
2. Navigate to COC and COC-Revalidation section.
3. Review auto-filled details and update any missing information.
4. Enter valid medical certificate details.
5. Pay the required fee (INR 3,000) through the portal.
6. Return to the homepage → Select “Pay COC & COP fees, upload documents, view status.”
7. Upload the required documents.
8. Click Submit to finish the application.
   

Important: The COC is not collected physically from MMD. Once approved, it is sent to your registered address by mail.

5. How to Check COC Application Status

5.1 Query Back to Applicant

• Meaning: Your application has been checked, but the authorities found an error or missing information.
  
• Examples:
  
  1. Blurry or incomplete document uploads (e.g., passport page cut off).
  2. Expired medical certificate.
  3. Missing signature on EXN-45 form.
     
• What to do:
  
  1. Log in to the portal.
  2. Open the “Queries” section to see the remarks.
  3. Correct the issue — re-scan, update, or replace the required document.
  4. Re-upload and resubmit within the deadline given.
     
• Tip: Always use high-quality scans (JPEG/PDF) and double-check expiry dates before resubmitting.
  

5.2 Under Process

• Meaning: Your documents have been accepted and the application is being processed at the MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) office where you submitted it.
• What to do: Nothing at this stage — simply wait.
• Tip: Keep monitoring your status every 2–3 days. Processing time depends on workload, so patience is key.
  

5.3 Forwarded to DGS

• Meaning: Your file has been verified by the local MMD and is now sent to DG Shipping headquarters, Mumbai for final review.
• What to do: Still no action required — just track your status.
• Tip: If your application stays in this stage for more than 3–4 weeks, consider contacting DG Shipping or your company crewing department for updates.
  

5.4 Approved

• Meaning: Congratulations! Your COC application is successful. It has been signed off by the Chief Examiner/Head Surveyor at DG Shipping.
• What happens next:
  • The COC is printed and dispatched by speed post/courier to your registered address.
  • You will receive a tracking ID by email within about 48 hours of approval.
• What to do:
  • Check your email regularly (including spam folder).
  • Track your courier delivery until the COC arrives.
    

6. Courses Required for COC Assessment

6.1 COP in Advanced Firefighting (AFF)

• Purpose: This course prepares seafarers to lead and coordinate firefighting efforts onboard. Unlike basic firefighting, AFF focuses on advanced strategies and command skills.
• Eligibility: Candidates must have already completed the Basic Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF) course.
  
• What you learn:
  
  • Organizing a fire team and assigning duties.
  • Advanced use of breathing apparatus and firefighting equipment.
  • Fire detection and control systems onboard.
  • Fire prevention methods in engine rooms, cargo areas, and accommodation blocks.
  • Leadership in emergencies – making quick decisions under stress.
    
• Assessment: Practical drills in smoke chambers and engine room mock-ups, along with written tests.
  

6.2 COP in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB)

• Purpose: Teaches candidates how to launch, handle, and maintain lifeboats, liferafts, and rescue boats. It also includes training in search-and-rescue operations.
  
• Eligibility:
  
  • Must have completed Personal Survival Techniques (PST).
  • Minimum of 6 months’ sea service is required before certification.
    
• What you learn:
  
  • Launching and recovering survival craft under difficult sea conditions.
  • Handling engines of lifeboats and rescue boats.
  • Organizing survivors and maintaining morale during abandonment.
  • Survival at sea, signaling for rescue, and radio communication in emergencies.
    
• Assessment: Hands-on training in launching lifeboats, righting a capsized raft, and navigating with limited resources.
  

6.3 Medical First Aid Certification

• Purpose: Equips officers to manage medical care onboard until professional help is available. Ships are often far from shore hospitals, so first aid skills are essential.
  
• Eligibility: Open to officers and ratings progressing toward competency certification.
  
• What you learn:
  
  • Basic anatomy, physiology, and recognizing medical emergencies.
  • Wound management, burns, fractures, and bleeding control.
  • Administration of IV fluids and injections (under guidance).
  • CPR, AED use, and treatment of shock.
  • Handling poisoning, hypothermia, heat stroke, and common onboard illnesses.
    
• Assessment: Scenario-based training (simulated accidents, cardiac arrest, fractures) and a final practical test.
  

6.4 Engine Room Simulator Course (Operational Level)

• Purpose: Designed for marine engineers, this course develops competence in handling real engine-room situations using simulators. It builds confidence in watchkeeping duties.
  
• Eligibility: Engineers applying for operational-level COC.
  
• What you learn:
  
  • Watchkeeping procedures in engine rooms.
  • Starting, stopping, and troubleshooting auxiliary and propulsion machinery.
  • Dealing with common engine room emergencies such as power failure or oil leakage.
  • Communication and teamwork in machinery spaces.
    
• Assessment: Simulator exercises replicating real-life scenarios, followed by evaluation of response time and problem-solving.
  

Also read : How to Apply for COP and Watchkeeping Certificate in India 

6.5 High Voltage Safety and Switch Gear Course (Optional but Recommended)

• Purpose: Focuses on the safe operation and maintenance of high-voltage (over 1,000V) electrical systems found on modern vessels. While optional, it is strongly recommended for engineers aiming at higher ranks.
  
• Eligibility: Marine engineers seeking advanced qualifications.
  
• What you learn:
  
  • Risks associated with high-voltage systems.
  • Isolation, earthing, and protection devices.
  • Switchgear operation and safety precautions.
  • Troubleshooting electrical failures.
  • Case studies of onboard electrical accidents.
    
• Assessment: Hands-on practice with simulator-based switchboards and oral/written exams.