Check what to do next to renew your COC
Click here to know what to do next:
DGS CoC Revalidation and Renewal Guide (Tool that suggests) – marineguru.in
Tool that will guide you on what to do next and How to Revalidate or Renew Your Marine CoC in India
As a mariner from India, keeping your Certificate of Competency (CoC) valid is essential for staying compliant with STCW ’95 regulations and continuing your seafaring career.
Whether your CoC is about to expire, has already expired, or you’re aiming for an upgrade, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) outlines clear pathways through its META Manual and recent circulars.
Snippet (How to Revalidate or Renew Your Marine CoC in India)
To revalidate or upgrade your Certificate of Competency (CoC) in India, you must complete an approved revalidation course and meet one of six eligibility routes, including recent sea service, equivalent shore-based roles, or passing orals. Courses must be completed within 12 months of applying, and dispensation is needed if the CoC is expired.
What is CoC Revalidation and Why is It Required?
CoC revalidation is a mandatory process every 5 years for marine engineers, ensuring their certification remains compliant with STCW 1995 standards. DG Shipping requires candidates to complete a 4-day refresher and 10-day revalidation course along with one of six approved eligibility options.
🔹 Who Needs to Revalidate Their CoC?
You must revalidate your CoC if:
- It’s about to expire within 6 months
- It has already expired
- You haven’t completed the required sea service
- You’re seeking to upgrade your CoC (e.g., from Class IV to II or I)
🔹 Six Approved Routes to CoC Revalidation in India
| Route | Eligibility Type | When Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 | 1 year of approved seagoing service in past 5 years | Before CoC expiry |
| A-2 | Equivalent shore-based service (surveyors, lecturers, superintendents) | Before CoC expiry |
| A-3 | Pass orals after completing revalidation course | Before or after expiry |
| A-4 | Complete approved simulator + preparatory course | After CoC expiry |
| A-5 | 3 months sea time in supernumerary rank (with dispensation) | After expiry |
| A-6 | 3 months in one lower rank (with dispensation) | After expiry |
🔹 What Counts as Equivalent Service for CoC Revalidation?
You may qualify under A-2 if you’ve been:
- A full-time maritime surveyor (2+ years)
- A lecturer at a DG-approved institute (2–3+ years depending on level)
- A technical superintendent or ISM Designated Person (3+ years)
❗ Independent or part-time surveyors and unapproved faculty are not eligible.
This may be you: How to Revalidate or Renew Your Marine CoC in India
What If My CoC Has Already Expired?
An expired CoC does not disqualify you from revalidation, but it limits your options and may require additional permissions (dispensation) from the Directorate General of Shipping.
You do not need to complete all three methods listed — rather, you can choose any one of the approved pathways that fits your situation, as long as you also complete the required courses.
✅ Mandatory for All Options (Even if CoC is Expired):
Before applying through any route below, you must complete:
- A 4-day Refresher and Updating Course
- A 10-day Revalidation Course
⚠️ Both courses must be completed within 12 months of the date you apply for revalidation.
Option 1: Sail in Supernumerary Capacity (Route A-5)
Who it’s for: Those who want to gain fresh sea time after their CoC has expired but cannot serve in an official rank.
Steps:
- Sail in a supernumerary role (i.e., not part of crew complement) for 3 months on vessels of:
- ≥ 750 kW (for MEO Class IV/II)
- ≥ 3000 kW (for MEO Class I)
- Apply for dispensation from DG Shipping before boarding.
- Your employer must issue a letter of intent confirming your onboard duties and space availability.
Documents Required:
- Accommodation plan
- LSA capacity and onboard headcount
- Sign on/off records after sailing
- Course certificates
Option 2: Sail in One Lower Rank (Route A-6)
Who it’s for: Those unable to rejoin in their certified rank after expiry.
Steps:
- Sail in one rank lower than your CoC for 3 months (e.g., Class II sailing as Class IV).
- Requires prior dispensation from DG Shipping.
- Same employer letter and documents as Option 1 apply.
Important: This option is meant to help you rebuild eligibility through sea service when your CoC is no longer valid.
Option 3: Pass Orals Examination (Route A-3)
Who it’s for: Candidates with expired CoC who prefer an academic route over sailing.
Steps:
- Complete the Refresher + Revalidation course (as above)
- Appear for oral exam (viva voce) at your MMD
- Topics covered include:
- Marine Engineering Practice (MEP)
- Ship Safety & Environmental Protection (SSEP)
- Latest technical and legal updates
Documents Required:
- Application using Form 15
- Orals fee (as per META Manual)
- Full set of supporting docs (Form 1, 2, 37 BC, sea service, etc.)
Are There Any Other Options?
Yes — under special cases, you can also consider:
🔸 Option 4: Complete Simulator + Preparatory Course (Route A-4)
- Must be done after expiry
- Only valid if you complete both simulator and preparatory courses specific to your CoC grade
- Needs supporting documentation and course completion within 12 months of application
What Are My Choices?
| Option | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A-5 | 3 months sailing in supernumerary rank | Requires DGS dispensation |
| A-6 | 3 months sailing in one lower rank | Requires DGS dispensation |
| A-3 | Oral exam after required courses | No sailing needed |
| A-4 | Simulator + Preparatory course | Post-expiry option |
✅ You need to choose only one of the above paths, along with the mandatory courses.
🔹 How to Apply for CoC Revalidation: Step-by-Step
- Complete Courses: 4-day refresher + 10-day revalidation course
- Choose Eligibility Path (A-1 to A-6)
- Gather Documents:
- Application form
- Proof of sea or shore service
- Endorsed pages of current CoC
- Apply at Examination District
- Must apply 6 months before expiry for hardcover issuance
- Update your INDoS profile with email and mobile
- Follow-Up & Submission
- Examiner verifies and updates INDoS Cell weekly
Special Cases & Exceptions
If your situation doesn’t fall into the above categories (e.g., partial service), your application can be forwarded to the Chief Examiner of Engineers at DG Shipping for special consideration.
Summary Table: Required Service vs. Course Validity
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CoC Validity | 5 years from revalidation course completion |
| Course Validity | Must apply within 12 months of course |
| Supernumerary Rank Sailing | Requires dispensation + employer consent |
| Lower Rank Sailing | Requires dispensation + employer consent |
Can I revalidate my CoC if I haven’t sailed in 5 years?
Yes, if you qualify under A-2 (shore-based equivalent service) or pass orals (A-3). Check Tool at the Top.
What happens if I take the course but delay applying?
Courses are valid only for 12 months from completion.
Is a DG-approved lecturer eligible for CoC revalidation?
Yes, if they have taught relevant courses continuously for 2–3 years.
Source : DGShipping
