1. Directorate is in receipt of many queries with regard to assessment of sea time for deck cadets who have joined merchant ships as a new entrant under Merchant Shipping (STCW Examination) Rules 1998. We give below the eligibility criteria requirements for such cadets under the prevailing rules for appearing in the 2nd Mate (F.G.) Competency Examination.

2. New Entrant: A seafarer who has commenced approved sea going service or an approved education and training programme or an approved pre sea training course after 31st July 1998.

3. Eligibility Criteria. Assessment of approved sea going service as 2nd Mate (F.G.) : a) Cadets with the basic education qualification of 10+2 (PCM with aggregate Marks 60% and above), having company's selection with indentures and satisfactorily completion of an approved pre sea training course for officers and additionally undergone satisfactorily, the DGS approved structured training programme supported by approved cadet's training record book is required to have an approved sea going service of 24 months including 6 months of bridge Watch-keeping. b) Cadets with the basic education qualification of 10+2 (PCM with aggregate Marks of 60% and above), having company's selection with indenture and satisfactory completion of approved pre sea training for officers is required to have an approved sea going service of 36 months including 6 months of Bridge Watch-keeping. c) Other deck cadets (cadets who do not meet the basic entry standards) shall be required to undergo an approved sea going service of 36 months including 6 months of supervised Bridge Watch-keeping and thereafter they shall be eligible for the course and examination of NWKO (NCV). After successful completion of NWKO (NCV) Examination, candidates who have a basic education qualification of 10+2 (PCM) are eligible for 2nd Mate (F.G.) Course and Examination.

4) Cadets who meet the entry standards are eligible for admission in the foundation course immediately after completing their approved pre sea training course. However, other deck cadets who do not meet the entry standards fully are eligible for such course and examination only after undergoing 6 months of sea going service.

Sd/-
(Capt. J.S.Uppal)
Nautical Surveyor