July 03rd, 2025

A Seafarer's Guide to STCW Courses & Certifications in India

In the maritime industry, your certifications are your license to operate. Proper training is the bedrock of a safe and successful career at sea, ensuring you are equipped with the skills to handle both routine operations and emergency situations. This guide provides a clear overview of the essential STCW courses and certifications required for Indian seafarers, as governed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping).

The Foundation: Pre-Sea Training & Basic STCW Courses

Before any Indian seafarer can step on board a vessel, they must complete a set of mandatory pre-sea training courses known as Basic Safety Training (BST), compliant with the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) convention.

These foundational courses include:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST): Teaches essential skills for survival at sea, including lifeboat and liferaft procedures.
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR): Covers safe working practices, human relationships on board, and understanding shipboard organization.
• Elementary First Aid (EFA): Provides basic first aid training to handle common injuries and medical emergencies.
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF): Essential training on preventing fires and using firefighting equipment correctly.

Additionally, all seafarers must complete **Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)**, which covers maritime security protocols.

Advancing Your Career: Officer-Level Certifications

As you gain sea experience and progress in rank, you will need to complete advanced courses to be eligible for your Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations. These courses build upon the basic training and prepare you for leadership roles.

Key Advanced Courses Include:

• Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF): In-depth training on commanding and organizing firefighting teams on board.
• Medical First Aid (MFA): A more advanced level of medical training beyond the elementary course.
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB): Required for those who will be in charge of launching and handling survival craft.
• Radar, ARPA, Navigation and Simulator Training (RANSCO): Essential for deck officers for safe navigation and collision avoidance.
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS): A mandatory course for deck officers covering emergency communication systems.

Specialized Training for Specific Vessel Types

Working on certain types of vessels requires specialized knowledge. The most common specialized courses are for tankers.

• Basic & Advanced Tanker Training (Oil, Chemical, Gas): If you plan to work on oil, chemical, or gas tankers, you will need to complete basic familiarization courses and later, advanced courses specific to the cargo type.

How to Choose a DG Shipping Approved Training Institute

It is critical that you complete your training at an institute recognized and approved by the DG Shipping, India. A certificate from an unapproved institute will not be considered valid.

• Verify Approval Status: Before enrolling, always check the official DG Shipping website for the most up-to-date list of approved maritime training institutes (MTIs).
• Check Course-Specific Approval: Ensure the institute is not only approved in general, but is also approved to conduct the specific course you intend to take.
• Review Infrastructure and Faculty: Look for institutes with experienced faculty (often former senior seafarers) and proper infrastructure, including simulators and practical training equipment.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Lifelong Learning

The maritime industry is dynamic, with constantly evolving technology and regulations. Your initial certifications are just the beginning. A commitment to continuous learning and regularly updating your qualifications is the best investment you can make in your career. It not only ensures compliance and safety but also opens the door to promotions and more lucrative opportunities worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often do I need to refresh my STCW courses?

Basic STCW courses like PST, FPFF, and AFF need to be refreshed every 5 years. It is the seafarer's responsibility to ensure their certificates are valid before joining a vessel.

What is a Certificate of Competency (CoC)?

A CoC is a license issued by a flag state's maritime authority (like the DG Shipping in India) that certifies a seafarer is competent to hold a certain rank on board, such as Chief Mate or Second Engineer. It is obtained after completing the required sea-time, advanced courses, and passing written and oral examinations.

Where can I find a list of approved training institutes in India?

The official and most reliable source is the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India website. They maintain a list of all approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) and the specific courses they are approved to offer.