MANNING OF SHIPS - Certificates of Competancy and EXAMINATIONS for Certificates of Competancy .

CHAPTER - 7

7.1 Statutory provisions: Statutory obligations in respect of manning of Indian vessels emanate from the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 1987 where in Section 75 and 76 of the principal Act (i.e. Merchant Shipping Act, 1958) have been substituted to conform to the International Convention on “Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping" for Seafarers, 1978, signed at London on the 7th Day of July, 1978, as amended time to time.

7.2 Certificate to be held by Officers of Ships :

7.2.1 Every Indian ship, other than home-trade Ship of less than two hundred tons gross engaged in coasting trade of India when going to sea from any port or place, shall be provided with officers duly certificate under this Act according to the following Scale, namely:-

(a) in every case with a duly certificate master;

(b) if the ship is a foreign going ship, with an officer holding a certificate not lower than that of

i) first mate;
ii) second mate; and
iii) navigational watchkeeping officer;

(c) In the case of a home-trade ship, with an officer holding a certificate not lower than that of

i) a mate; and
ii) navigational watchkeeping officer

7.2.2 Every home-trade ship of less than two hundred tons gross and engaged in the coasting trade of India, when going to sea, shall be provided with officers duly certificate under this Act according to the following scale, namely : (a) with a duly certificate master; and (b) with an officer holding a certificate not lower than that of navigational watchkeeping officer.

7.2.3 Every Indian ship when going to sea from any port or place shall be provided with engineers or engine drivers duly certificate under this Act according to the following scale, namely:

(a) if the ship has a propulsion power of 3000 KW or more, with at least one marine engineer officer class I designated as Chief Engineer, one marine engineer officer Class II designated as second engineer and one marine engineer officer Class IV;

(b) if the ship has a propulsion power of 750 KW or more but less than 3000 KW, with at least one marine engineer officer class II having service endorsement on his certificate of competency in such form and manner as may be prescribed, and designated as Chief engineer, one marine engineer officer class III designated as second engineer and one marine engineer officer class IV;

(c) if the ship has a propulsion power of 350 KW or more but less than 750 KW, with at least one marine engineer officer Class III designated as chief engineer and one marine engineer officer class IV or engine driver of a sea-going ship designated as second engineer;

(d) if the ship has a propulsion power of less than 350 KW with at least one engine driver of sea-going ship designated as engineer-in-charge.

7.2.4 Every Indian fishing vessel when going to sea from any port or place in India, shall be provided

(a) if the vessel is of twenty-four meters or more in length and is operating beyond the contiguous zone, with a certificate skipper grade I and a certificate mate of fishing vessel;

(b) if the vessel is of twenty-four meters or more in length and is operating within the contiguous zone, with a certificate skipper grade II and a certificate mate of a fishing vessel;

(c) if the vessel is of less than twenty-four meters in length and is operating beyond the contiguous zone, with a certificate skipper grade II; and a certificate mate of a fishing vessel;

(d) if the vessel is less than twenty-four meters in length and is operating within the contiguous zone, with a certificate skipper grade II;

(e) if the vessel has a propulsion power of 750 KW or more with at least one engineer of a fishing vessel who shall be designated as chief engineer and one engine driver of a fishing vessel;

(f) if the vessel has a propulsion power of 350 KW or more, but less than 750 KW, with at least one engineer of a fishing vessel who shall be designated as chief engineer.

(g) if the vessel has a propulsion power of less than 350 KW, with at least one engine driver of a fishing vessel who shall be designated as engineer-in-charge.

7.2.5 Every ship, whether at sea or in any port or place, shall engage such number of persons and with such qualifications as may be prescribed for maintaining watches.

Explanation - For the purposes of clauses (e) and (f) of para 7.2.4, any person holding a certificate of competency as a marine engineer officer class I or class II shall be deemed to be duly certificate engineer of a fishing vessel, and for the purposes of clause (g) of that sub-section, a person holding a certificate of competency as engine driver of a sea-going ship shall be deemed to be a duly certificate engine driver of a fishing vessel.

7.2.6 The review committee appointed by the Government under the Chairmanship of Director General of Shipping in 1991 has recommended that instead of specifying the manning scales in the Act itself as has been done in the present, section 76 may be amended to give rule making powers to the Government to prescribe different manning scales for different trades/different seasons, maintenance of communication watch, manner in which watch on board ships should be kept with provisions for specific watch periods and adequate rest period in between two watches etc. The Committee also recommended insertion of a new section 76 A to require every Indian ship, as per International practice to carry on board a safe manning scale document. Such a comprehensive rule would facilitate a change in the manning scales warranted by specific category of ships engaged in coastal waters and by specific trade requirements

7.2.7 The amendment of Section 76 and insertion of a new section 76 recommended by the Review Committee are as under 76

(1) Every Indian ship going to sea from any port or place shall be provided with duly certificate master and such other officers and engineers duly certificate under this act according to the scales prescribed in this behalf and different manning scales for different tonnage and types of ships may be prescribed.

(2) The Central Government may make rules to prescribe the manning of Indian ships by duly certificate officers and engineers for the maintenance of a continuous efficient watch at sea, in port and in engine room with provision for adequate rest period between the watches and to ensure maintenance of safety appliances machinery and safe carriage of cargoes and passengers.

(3) In particular and without prejudice to the generally of the foregoing power such rules may provide for a manning scale to take into account all or any of the following namely:-

(i) the classification of the vessels with reference to tonnage, the Propulsion power and duration of voyages
(ii) the seasons of fair weather and foul season
(iii) special requirements of particular type and trade of ships.
(iv) provision of officer and engineers for training on board to train Marine Officers and Marine Engineers and training of other seamen.
(v) maintenance of the communication watch as required under the Radio Rules and maintenance of navigational and communication equipment.
(vi) any special provision required for the purpose of

(a) mooring and unmooring of the ship;

(b) manning of unmanned engine room or any other machinery associated with it.

(c) nature of cargo carried and the means provided for loading and discharging of the same.

(d) maintenance of water tight integrity ;

(e) prevention of pollution of the sea

(f) ability to carry out search and rescue operations at sea.

76.A (1) Every Indian ship shall carry on board a safe manning document in the prescribed form specifying the minimum safe manning as provided for the manning scale prescribed in this behalf. Every such document shall include the following :

(a) a clear statement of the ship's name, its port of registry, its trading limits and its distinctive call sign ;

(b) a table showing the numbers and the grade of the personnel required to be carried together with any specific conditions for such carriage ;

(c) a statement as to limitations, if any, on the validity of the document with reference to manning and the nature of service upon which it is engaged ;

(d) the date of issue and expiry date of such document together with signature and the seal of the person appointed in this behalf.

7.3 Grades of certificates of Competency :

7.3.1 Certificates of competency shall be granted in accordance with the provisions of this Act for each of the following grades namely :

Extra master;
Master of foreign-going ship;
First mate of a foreign-going ship;
Second mate of a foreign-going ship;
Master of a home-trade ship;
Mate of a hometrade ship;
Navigational watchkeeping officer;
Extra first class engineer:
Marine engineer officer class I;
Marine engineer officer class II;
Marine engineer officer class III;
Marine engineer officer class IV;
Engine driver of a sea-going ship;
Skipper grade I of a fishing vessel;
Skipper grade II of a fishing vessel;
Mate of a fishing vessel;
Engineer of a fishing vessel;
Engine driver of a fishing vessel;
Dredger master grade I;
Dredger master grade II;
Dredger mate grade I;
Dredger mate grade II;
Dredger engineer grade I;
Dredger engineer grade II;
Dredger driver grade I;
Dredger driver grade II;

7.3.2 A certificate of competency granted for any grade of engineer or engine driver shall state whether it entitles the holder to act as engineer of ships or fishing vessels fitted with steam or motor engines or with any other type of engines and the holder shall not be entitled to act as engineer of a ship fitted with a type of engine not stated in the certificate.

7.3.3 Certificates issued to masters, mates and engineers who have to work an board ships carrying dangerous goods shall require endorsement as to the additional qualifications that may be prescribed.

7.3.4 If it appears to the Central Government that certificates of competency for grade, other than those referred to in para 7.3.1 may be granted, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify the other grades in respect of which certificates of competency may be granted.

7.3.5 A certificate of competency for a foreign going ship shall be deemed to be a higher grade than the corresponding certificate of a home-trade ship; and shall entitle the lawful holder thereof to go to sea in the corresponding grade in such home-trade ship; but no certificate for a home-trade ship shall entitle the holder to go to sea as a master or mate of a foreign-going ship.

7.3.6 A certificate of competency as extra master shall be deemed to be of a higher grade than any other certificate of competency as master or mate of a foreign-going ship or a home-trade ship or navigational watchkeeping officer.

7.3.7 A certificate of competency as extra first class engineer shall be deemed to be of a higher grade than any other certificate of competency as marine engineer officer, engineer or engine driver of a fishing vessel or engine driver of a sea-going ship.

EXAMINATIONS

7.4 I. ENGINEER OFFICER EXAMINATION

As per M.S. (Examination of Engineer Officer In Merchant Navy) Rules, 1989 (as amended).

Examinations for the following grade of Certificates of Competency are conducted in M.M.D office at Mumbai/Calcutta/Chennai every month except May.

(a) Extra First Class Engineer (In July every year at Mumbai only).
(b) Marine Engineer Officer Class I (Steam or Motor or Steam and Motor).
(c) Marine Engineer Officer Class II (Steam or Motor or Steam and Motor)
(d) Marine Engineer Officer Class III (Motor)
(e) Marine Engineer Officer Class IV (Steam or Motor or Steam and Motor)

Except (a), the other grades of the certificates of competency are issued under the International Conventions of STCW 1978.

7.4.2 Initial training requirements for joining as an Asstt. Engineer Officer. The Directorate General of Shipping has approved nearly 21 workshops for imparting Marine Engineering Training to apprentices in India

Nearly 700 persons are presently absorbed from India in Indian Shipping Companies and on foreign flag vessels every year as Assistant Engineer Officer. Such persons come from different streams as listed below and their training requirements are given in brief. For complete details the above rules viz. M.S. (Examination of Engineer Officers in the Merchant Navy) Rules, 1989, as amended need to be referred.

(a) CALCUTTA – MARINE ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE:

About 120 (10 + 2) pass in Science Stream (Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English), candidates are absorbed every year by MERI, Calcutta which is pre-sea training Institution for training of young cadets for service as Marine Engineer Officer.

The course is of 4 years duration and a degree in marine Engineering is awarded on the completion of course. The Entrance to the Institution is through the Joint Entrance Examination for the Nautical and Engineering Core Courses, normally held in the month of May every year at various centres all over India followed by viva-voice and medical examination.

Such candidates are exempted from MEO Class II and I Part A Examination.

(b) 4 YEAR APPRENTICESHIP AT APPROVED MARINE WORKSHOP

Nearly 115 candidates having pass in (10+2), science stream, undergo approved training for 4 years in any of 10 different approved marine workshops and become qualified for assistant Engineer Officer on board ships after passing MEO Class II. Part "A" Examination conducted by M.M.D., Mumbai/Calcutta/Chennai.

(c) GRADUATE MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Nearly 400 graduate mechanical engineers are absorbed every year through one of the following training patterns:

i) 12 months approved training in any of 13 approved workshops.
ii) 6 months course at CSL, Cochin followed by 9 months training at sea on board ship.
iii) 6 months course at MERI, Mumbai followed by 9 months training at sea on board ships. All graduate mechanical engineers on completion of their training are exempted from MEO Class II and Class I Part A examination.

(d) GRADUATE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

Approximately 10 graduate electrical engineers are absorbed every year and they are required to undergo 18 months approved training in any of the 13 approved workshops and also required to pass the Drawing paper of the MEO Class II Part A examination for joining as an Assistant Engineer Officer on board a ship.

(e) DIPLOMA MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

Approximately 10 diploma in mechanical engineers are presently absorbed every year and they are required to undergo 2 years approved training in any of the 13 approved workshops and are further required to pass MEO Class II Part A examination (except Mathematics)

(f) INDIAN NAVY SERVICE :

About 50 ex-Indian Navy engineering personnel are absorbed every year after assessment of their training and service in Indian Navy and after passing MEO Class II Part "A" Examination.

(g) In order to encourage deserving candidates from crews on board Merchant vessels and petty officers of Indian navy vessels, candidates holding certificates of competency as Seagoing Engine Driver (Motor or Steam) under M.S. (Examination of Engine Drivers of Seagoing) Rules, 1973 as amended are presently allowed directly to appear for MEO Class II Part A Examination to enable them to qualify for the post of Asstt. Engineer Officer on board Merchant Ships It is proposed that in future the sea Going Engine Drivers will be allowed to appear for MEO Class IV Examination to serve on near coastal voyages.

7.4.3 EXAMINATION OF ENGINE DRIVERS OF SEA GOING SHIPS

(As per- Examination of Engine Drivers of Sea Going Ships Rules 1973 as amended). In order to cater the requirement of Petty Officers in Engineering Department of Merchant Vessels, the candidates are examined under the above referred rules to qualify as sea going engine driver (Motor or Steam and Motor) Certificate of Competency.

The basic requirement is 3 years training in a marine workshop followed by 18 months sea service for “Oral” examinations.

Remissions of 9 months workshop service and 4 months sea service is available, to candidates who opt for written and oral examination.

Part of the workshop service can be assessed "Compensatory Sea Service" clause of the said rules at different rates of compensation depending upon the backgrounds of the candidates such as crew of merchant vessels, Fishing Vessels, Coast Guard and Indian Navy Vessel.

Exemption from workshop service is available to candidates holding Second Class or First Class Engine Drivers under I.V. Rules, 1917 or various Harbour Craft Rules.

Presently this examination is being conducted at M.M.D.’s of Mumbai/Calcutta/Chennai, Vizag, Mormugao and Cochin at intervals as per the needs of candidates.

7.4.4 FISHING VESSEL ENGINE DRIVER AND FISHING VESSEL ENGINEER'S EXAMINATION

To meet the need of manpower on fishing vessels, examination under- M.S. (Examination of Engineer’s and Engine Drivers of Fishing Vessels) Rules, 1973 as amended in1991 are conducted at MMDs, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Vizag, Mormugao and Cochin.

Whereas examinations for engine Driver of Motor Fishing Vessels is a “viva-voce” examination only,the examination of Engineer of Fishing Vessel comprises of 3 written papers under Part B followed by “viva-voce” examination.

For details of requirements of workshop service, sea-service, etc. and remission applicable to candidates holding certificate of competency, under I.V Rules 1917 and different Harbour Craft Rules or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, the said rules may be referred.

NOTE : All Candidates appearing for Fishing Vessel Engine Driver, Fishing Vessel Engineer examinations and S.G.E.D. examinations are required to have successfully completed an approved “basic fire fighting course” and an approved “First Aid at Sea Course”.

7.4.5 I.V. EXAMINATION

On behalf of various State Governments, on the coast of India, various Mercantile Marine Departments also conduct examination for grant of certificates of Competency as inland vessel Engineer 1st Class / II Class Engine Driver of I.V. Vessel under the I.V. Act 1917.

Thus, the Directorate has ensured that manpower requirements of the Shipping Industry, Fishing and Inland vessels are adequately met and care has been taken in drafting various rules in ensuring that opportunities exist for every seafarers in advancement of his career at sea.

7.5 II NAUTICAL OFFICERS EXAMINATION

As per M.S. (Examination of Masters and Mates) Rules, 1985 (as amended)

Examinations for the following grades of Certificates of Competency are conducted in M.M.D. Offices at Mumbai/Calcutta/Chennai:

(a) Extra Masters' Certificate of Competency
(b) Masters Certificate of Competency (F.G.)
(c) Masters Certificate of competency (H.T.)
(d) First mate Examination (F.G.)
(e) Mates Examination (H.T.)
(f) Second Mate Examination (F.G.)
(g) Navigational Watch-keeping Officers Examination
(h) Skipper Grade I of a Fishing Vessels
(i) Skipper Grade II of a Fishing Vessels
(j) Mate of Fishing Vessels
(k) Dredger Master Grade I
(l) Dredger Master Grade II
(m) Dredger Mate Grade I
(n) Dredger Mate Grade II

7.5.1 The eligibility of candidates for these examinations is given in the following rules:-

(1) M.S. (Examination of Masters and Mates) Rules 1985.
(2) M.S. (Examination of Skipper and Mate of F/V) Rules, 1986
(3) M.S. (Examination of Dredger Masters and Mates) Rules.

7.5.2 The examinations are conducted at Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai/Calcutta/Chennai on behalf of the Chief Examiner of Masters and mates, Directorate General Of Shipping.

The Examination consists of three parts namely :-

(1) Sight test
(2) Written
(3) Oral

7.5.3 The sight test examinations consist of both Form Vision and color vision test. The color vision test includes a lantern test. The lantern test is a requirement for entry into merchant navy even though most optalmologists do not cater for this test.

7.5.4 The written examination pertains to technical, theoretical aspects as per the relevant rule requirement. The oral examination pertains to various practical aspects as mentioned in the relevant rules.

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