Table of Contents
What is the COP (Certificate of Proficiency)?
The COP is a formal certificate issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, India. It proves that a rating has met the minimum sea service and training needed for promotion or to take higher responsibilities on board. Typically it is sought by ratings who have completed required sea time and training.
Eligibility is 18 months of sailing (minimum).
Must-have documents for a COP
Bring originals and copies where stated. The list below groups items by importance:
Immediate / always required
- INDOS receipt or INDOS certificate.
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) — all stamped pages.
- Passport — all stamped pages.
- Original watchkeeping certificate.
- Tar book (training record) — original, filled and signed (needed especially if sea time is 12 months).
- Medical certificate from a DGS-approved doctor (taken within the last 12 months).
- Recent colour passport photographs — 3 copies.
Training & refresher items (only if applicable)
- FPFF (Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting) or refresher (if original FPFF > 5 years old).
- PST (Personal Survival Techniques) or refresher (if PST > 5 years old).
- PSCRB (Personal Safety & Crisis Response Basics) or refresher (if > 5 years).
- EFA, PSSR, STSDSD (where applicable).
Other
- Copy of contract / articles of agreement (especially for Indian owners).
How COP is applied for (simple)
- Collect all documents listed above, in original form where requested.
- Give the documents to the company you last sailed with (your last employer). The company usually prepares and files the application on your behalf. If you want to check the application status yourself, use the DG Shipping e-governance portal:
- Visit the DG Shipping website and go to E-governance.
- Log in to your INDOS account (user ID + password).
- Under Seafarer, click Update Seafarer Profile.
- Open the Master Checker tab and check Rating [Watch keeping/AB].
- In View, if issued, a link to download your COP will appear.
What is a Watchkeeping certificate?
A Watchkeeping certificate verifies that you’re qualified to perform watch duties on the bridge or in the engine room. It is usually issued before the COP in a seafarer’s progression and certifies competence for specified duties.
Eligibility
- Engine side: at least 183+ days of sea service.
- Deck side: at least 9 months of sea service.
Documents required for Watchkeeping
- Filled original Application Form.
- Copy of passport data pages.
- Colour passport photograph (light or white background).
- Medical fitness certificate (use the “Indian D.G.” medical form; physician must be recognised by a White List country).
- Training certificates: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety & Social Responsibility, Ship Security Awareness (with duties).
- Copy of valid Seaman Book and valid company experience certificates.
- Training Record Book (Tar Book).
How to apply for Watchkeeping (simple)
- Gather documents above and hand them to the company you last worked with. They will apply to DG Shipping for the certificate on your behalf.
- Follow application status on DG exactly as for COP (INDOS login → Update seafarer profile → Master checker → Rating [Watch keeping/AB]). If issued, the certificate number appears next to your grade and the watchkeeping certificate is emailed to your registered DG Shipping email address.
Also read: How to Become a Seafarer in India: A Complete Guide for Aspirants
Common mistakes & tips
- Medical expired: many applications are held because the medical is older than 12 months — renew it early.
- Missing pages in CDC/passport: include all stamped pages; incomplete copies cause delays.
- Training validity: if a course (e.g., PST, FPFF) was done more than five years ago, you will need a refresher — don’t assume the old certificate is enough.
- Tar Book accuracy: incorrect or unsigned tar book entries are a common blocker — ensure all entries are complete and signed by authorised persons.
- Company filing: the company you last worked with usually files the application. If you changed employers, keep copies of experience letters and AOAs to avoid confusion.
