Second Mate Eligibility Criteria
Table of contents
The 2nd Mates examination, like other examinations, has certain eligibility criteria that one should know about. The D.G Shipping of India sets the Eligibility criteria for all courses and exams.
In this Blog, we aim to provide a detailed analysis of the 2nd Mate(F.G) exam eligibility and all other associated cou
1. 2nd Mate Exam Pattern:-
We are going to talk about DNS and a B.Sc(Nautical Science) separately as there are some minor differences between the requirements for the two.
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2. 2nd Mate Exam Eligibility:-
| Topic | DNS Cadet | BSC Cadet |
| Age Criteria | Min 18 Years | Min 18 Years |
| Minimum Seatime Required | 18 Months | 12 Months |
| Function course(4 Month) | Required | Not Required |
| 7 Advanced STCW & Modular Courses | Required | Required |
| 2nd Mate Assessment | Required | Required |
3. 2nd Mate Foundation Course Eligibility:-
3.1. Key Information:
- It is a 4 Month Duration Course
- It is only applicable to DNS Cadets and exempted for BSC Cadets
- It is a required preparatory Course, that is aimed at preparing the DNS Cadets to appear for the 2nd Mate COC Examination
| Minimum Eligibility | DNS Certificate 18 Months Seatime SSTP (To be issued before Course Certification) |
| Documents Required | Passport CDC sailing Pages (For 2nd Mates Function) SSTP (For 2nd Mate Exams) Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate from MasterSea time Uploaded on DGS E-Governance by RPSL |
4. Modular course Eligibility for STCW:-
4.1. Key Information:
- These courses are usually short courses(5-10 days)
- They are essential courses that need to be completed by every seafarer as per the STCW convention
- E-learning needs to be completed separately at the D.G Shipping Website
| Course Name | Minimum Eligibility | Documents Required |
| AFF(Advanced Fire- Fighting) | FPFF course must have been completed., Sea time of at least 6 months., Medical fitness certificate & INDOS Number | CDC Medical Fitness Declaration FPFF REFRESHER STCW 2010 (If Applicable) Old FPFF Certificate Passport CDC – 6 months Sea time pages |
| MFA(Medical First-Aid) | EFA Certificate, Sea time MIN 6 months INDOS Valid SID. | Passport CDC EFA Certificate CDC – 6 months Sea time pages |
| PSCRB(Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats) | PST CertificateSea time Min 6 months INDOS Number | CDC PST Certificate Medical Fitness Declaration Passport CDC with sailing |
| ROSC- (Radar Observer Simulator Course) | Candidates should have a Minimum of 12 Months of Seatime | Passport CDC CDC sailing Pages (For 2nd Mates Function) |
| ARPA- Automatic Radar Plotting Aids | Radar Observer Course (ROC) Certificate Candidates should have a Minimum of 12 Months of Seatime | Passport CDC CDC sailing Pages (For 2nd Mates Function) ROC/ROSC Certificate |
| ECDIS- Electronic Chart Display & Information Systems | Certificate of ROSC, ARPA At least three months of sea service associated with bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of a qualified officer COC, CDC, Passport, INDOS Number. | Passport CDC ROC / ROSC Certificate3 Months – Bridge watchkeeping certificate by Master (Master Sailing Exp Letter) – Minimum ARPA |
| GMDSS- (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System) | CLASS 12th Pass Certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics Passport Valid SID. | Passport CLASS 12 CERTIFICATE CLASS 10TH CERTIFICATE CDC Sailing Page (For GMDSS) |
5. MMD Signalling Exam Eligibility:-
- It is an examination that tests a cadet’s proficiency in Morse code signaling
- MMD Assessment should be completed to be eligible for the examination
6. Takeaways:-
- The Eligibility criteria for all of the exams are stated in this blog
- From a Bird’s Eye View, Function Courses, Advanced Courses, and Assessments are the cornerstones of the 2nd Mate COC Exam (Written+Orals+Signal Exam)
- Studying these criteria should give you a clear idea of what your future steps should be in the journey of clearing your 2nd Mates Exam
- Check out our comprehensive 2nd Mate Exam Guidance Series.
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