Competency Courses
Course overview
Competency Courses are mandatory professional courses for seafarers seeking promotion to higher ranks in the Merchant Navy. These courses are regulated by the Directorate General of Shipping (D.G. Shipping), Govt. of India and are required to obtain or upgrade your Certificate of Competency (CoC). Without these courses, you cannot appear for your MMD competency exams for the next rank.
Whether you are a Deck Cadet aspiring to become a Second Mate or a Marine Engineer aiming for MEO Class-I, Competency Courses build your advanced knowledge in Navigation, Cargo Work, Ship Stability, Marine Engineering, Safety, and Leadership.
List Of Competency Courses
DG Shipping Approved - Deck & Engine Officer Career Pathway
Second Mate Function (SFU)
Chief Mate Phase I & II
Masters Advanced Shipboard Management (ASM)
MEO Class II Preparatory (PCT)
MEO Class I Engineering Management (EM)
Rating to Officer - Second Mate (FG) Pathway
Second Mate Function (SFU)
Second Mate Function (SFU) is a 4-month DG Shipping approved preparatory program for Navigating Officers. This course is mandatory for Deck Cadets after completing required sea-time to appear for Second Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency exam.
It covers Navigation, Chart Work, COLREGS, Cargo Handling & Stowage, Ship Stability, Meteorology, and Bridge Watchkeeping. Training includes ECDIS and Bridge Simulator for practical exposure to become a certified Officer-in-Charge of Navigational Watch.
Chief Mate Phase I & II
Chief Mate Phase I & II are 3 months each - management level courses for promotion to Chief Officer. PH1 focuses on Advanced Navigation, Cargo Operations, Ship Handling and PH2 focuses on Controlling the Operation of Ship, Maritime Legislation and Personnel Management.
As per STCW II/2, this progressive module prepares Second Mates to take over as Chief Mate, the second-in-command and head of deck department on merchant vessels.
Masters Advanced Shipboard Management (ASM)
Masters Advanced Shipboard Management (ASM) is a 1.5-month command level course for Chief Mates aspiring to become Captain. It is the final step before Master (FG) CoC exam.
Course emphasizes Command Navigation, Ship Maneuvering in all conditions, Emergency Preparedness, Maritime Law, Voyage Planning and Leadership & Team Management. This training grooms officers to take full command responsibility of the vessel as per IMO and DG Shipping standards.
MEO Class II Preparatory Course for Training (PCT)
MEO Class II Preparatory Course for Training (PCT) is a 4-month course for Marine Engineering Officers who have completed Class IV sea-time. It prepares you for Second Engineer rank.
Syllabus includes Marine Engineering Knowledge, Naval Architecture, Thermodynamics, Electrotechnology, Engine Room Management and Safety. With Engine Room Simulator and workshop training, this DG approved course is essential to clear MEO Class II written and oral exams conducted by MMD.
MEO Class I Engineering Management (EM)
MEO Class I Engineering Management (EM) is a 2-month top-level management course for promotion to Chief Engineer - the highest rank in engine department. Designed for Class II engineers with required sea-time, it covers Advanced Marine Engineering Systems, Ship Management, ISM Code, MARPOL, Risk Assessment, and Engineering Leadership.
This course makes you eligible for MEO Class I CoC exam to take overall in-charge of entire engine department.
Rating to Officer - As per DG Circular 26 of 2026
As per DG Shipping Circular No. 26 of 2026, this is a new alternative pathway for experienced Deck Ratings (with 36 months sea-time) to become Second Mate (FG). This 6-month intensive competency course allows GP Ratings, ABs and Bosuns to directly appear for Second Mate CoC exam without DNS course.
It covers all functions of Navigating Officer including Navigation, Cargo Work, Stability, and Bridge Procedures, creating a fast-track promotion from Rating to Officer rank.