Understanding DG Shipping’s 3-Tier Modular Course System: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In recent years, DG Shipping (India) has formalized a 3-tier modular course approach for maritime training. The shift is part of its push to modernize, standardize, and digitize how seafarers are trained, especially for STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) obligations.

If you’re a cadet, an officer, or planning maritime training, this system matters. This article walks you through:

• What the “3-tier modular courses” are
• How DG has integrated e-learning and exit exams
• The roles of basic, advanced, and refresher tiers
• Advantages, challenges, and practical steps
• How to navigate this system effectively

Let’s dig in.

What Are the Modular (STCW) Courses & Why 3 Tiers

“Modular courses” are components of STCW training that relate to specific competencies (e.g. personal survival, fire-fighting, crowd management). They are modular because each is relatively small in scope and can be taken independently (subject to prerequisites).

DG Shipping has classified these into three tiers:

1. Basic / Elementary Modular Courses — foundational courses for new entrants.
2. Advanced Modular Courses — higher level modules required for certain roles or ship types (e.g. tanker, gas).
3. Refresher & Updation / Revalidation Courses — for existing officers to keep their skills and certification up to date.
   

This 3-tier structure ensures that lifelong training continues.

The modular system ensures flexibility: rather than one huge course, you take modules as needed. DG’s website includes “Modular Courses” under its E-Learning menu.

DG also issues Training Circulars listing modular course rules, eligibility, and e-learning mandates. 

The Role of E-Learning & Digital Integration

One of the big changes with the modular approach is mandatory e-learning modules. Before physical or exit exams, candidates must complete the digital learning modules via DG’s platform. 

For example:

• The Basic Safety Training / PSSR (Personal Safety & Social Responsibility) course requires completion of its e-learning module before one can sit for the exit exam.
• DG’s “Procedures for accessing e-Learning modules for maritime STCW Modular Courses” outlines how to enroll, access, complete modules, and sync with DG systems.
• Certificates for modular courses are only issued after both the classroom credits and e-learning module are completed and assessed.
  

So the process is hybrid: digital + physical.

How the 3 Tiers Break Down

Let me explain what kinds of courses typically fall under each tier and what they aim to achieve.

Tier 1: Basic / Elementary Modular Courses

These are the foundational courses required for entry-level seafarers. Examples include:

• PST — Personal Survival Techniques
• PSSR — Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
• FPFF — Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
• PSCRB — Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boat

These modules ensure that every seafarer has the baseline skills for safety, survival, firefighting, and handling emergencies. DG’s modular list (Annexure) includes 23 STCW modular courses made available via e-learning modules. MTIs (Maritime Training Institutes) cannot issue certificates for these unless the e-learning component is also completed.

Tier 2: Advanced / Specialty Modules

These are for specialized functions or for roles on particular ship types. For example:

• Gas tanker operations
• Chemical tanker handling
• Cargo specialization modules
• Advanced firefighting

These are for those who want to serve on more demanding ships or roles.

Also Read: How to Join Merchant Navy After Electrical Engineering: A Clear Path

Tier 3: Refresher / Upgradation / Revalidation

Over time, seafarers’ certificates may expire or need updating. Tier 3 modules keep competence current.

• Officers holding older CoCs (e.g. STCW 1995) must undergo upgradation to meet STCW 2010 standards.
• Refresher training is required to maintain certification and adapt to new regulations, tech, safety norms.
• For example, DG has issued notices for refresher & updating training courses for engineer officers.

So even after you’re certified, you’ll keep returning to modules as part of lifelong maritime service.

Eligibility & Rules

To use the modular courses system:

• You must have an INDOS number (Indian National Database of Seafarers). Without it, many modules or uploads won’t register.
• The e-learning must be completed before or concurrent with physical training; DG forbids issuance of certification before e-learning module completion.
• Exit exams for each module are mandatory; failing them means you may have to repeat.
• In some institutes, batch strength minimums must be maintained, else courses may be postponed.
• DG’s training circulars contain rules about admission criteria, modular course conduct, virtual classes, eligibility, etc.
  

DG also periodically amends or updates eligibility, course lists, or certification rules via circulars. 

Advantages & Challenges of the 3-Tier / Modular Approach

Advantages

• Flexibility: You can pick and complete modules as per your schedule or ship requirements, rather than one long fixed course.
• Standardization: E-learning + exit exam ensures uniform delivery across colleges.
• Lifelong learning: Tier 3 ensures your skills remain current during your seafaring career.
• Digitally traceable: Training, exam data, certification is integrated into DG’s systems (with INDOS).
  

Challenges & Risks

• Dependence on tech/digital infrastructure: Internet, camera, devices, platform reliability matter.
• Rigour in e-learning: If modules are done carelessly, you may struggle in exit exams.
• Delays in course approval or approvals being paused: DG has occasionally suspended approvals for modular/post-sea courses.
• Batch viability: If too few candidates enroll, courses might be postponed.
• Certification linked tightly: No physical certificate unless e-learning is done, leaving less margin for error.

Also, some in the seafarer community feel the e-learning obligation burdens them. There are petitions against mandatory LMS e-learning, citing it as a roadblock.

How It Works in Practice: Step by Step

To make it concrete, here’s how a candidate would go through modular courses under the 3-tier approach:

1. Register and get INDOS number
2. Enroll in the modular course via the DG / e-learning portal
3. Complete the e-learning modules (study online, attend virtual classes, pass module quizzes)
4. Physical training in MTI, practicum, lab sessions
5. Exit Exam / Institute Exam (a final assessment)
6. Certificate issuance only after e-learning + exit exams are validated
7. If certificate expires or needs updating, you take refresher or upgradation modular course
   

DG’s “Procedures for accessing e-learning modules for maritime STCW Modular Courses” provide the official steps.