**Executive Summary**
This document is Training Circular No. 22 of 2025, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai, on May 13, 2025. The circular concerns the implementation of the revised exit examination framework for DG Shipping approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs). It mandates MTIs to install surveillance equipment, submit infrastructure details, and specifies CCTV configuration and costs. This Circular comes into force after one month from the date of issue.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Revised Exit Examination Framework:**
* Implements the revised exit examination framework for DG Shipping approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).
* Relates to the 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention, ensuring quality assurance of MTIs and competent assessment of seafarers.
* Builds upon previous DGS Training Circulars, including No. 17 of 2020, No. 21 of 2022, and No. 04 of 2025.
* **Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Virtual Guru:**
* DGS has entered into an SLA with M/s Virtual Guru Edu Limited for:
* An independent, robust oversight mechanism.
* Seamless integration of MTIs into a centralized Virtual Monitoring System (VMS).
* The SLA includes:
* Software application availability with >99.5% uptime.
* Stringent security protocols and data standards.
* Real-time proctoring and oversight.
* Dedicated support and helpdesk for MTIs.
* Structured grievance redressal for candidates.
* Centralized question bank maintenance.
* **MTI Directives:**
* MTIs are directed to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems with real-time audio-video capabilities in every designated exit examination hall.
* CCTV systems must have uninterrupted power supply and stable network connectivity.
* MTIs must submit infrastructure details to the Directorate including:
* Number of examination halls and computers per hall.
* Dimensions (in square meters) of each examination hall with photographs.
* Existing CCTV system credentials for integration with VMS.
* Virtual Guru will assess the required number of CCTV cameras per MTI based on the provided information.
* MTIs bear the cost of CCTV installation, which is INR 19,500 plus GST per unit, paid directly to Virtual Guru.
* Each CCTV unit carries a one-year warranty.
* **Annexures & Technical Resources:**
* Annex I lists modular courses mandated for exit examination.
* User support tools are available on the Directorate's portal [www.dgsexams.in](http://www.dgsexams.in)
* User Manual for MTIs
* User Manual for Students
* Grievance Redressal Portal
* Feedback Submission Portal
* **Grievance and Feedback:**
* All grievances and feedback submitted through the portal will be monitored and addressed by Directorate officers.
* **Effective Date:**
* The circular comes into force one month after the date of issue (May 13, 2025).
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: All Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs)**
* **Impact:** MTIs must adhere to the revised exit examination framework, including installing CCTV systems, providing infrastructure details, and integrating with the VMS.
* **Action Required:**
* Install CCTV systems in designated examination halls.
* Submit infrastructure details to the Directorate.
* Ensure compliance with security protocols and data standards.
* Pay the cost of CCTV installation to Virtual Guru.
**Stakeholder: Seafarers/Students**
* **Impact:** Students are subject to a standardized and monitored exit examination process.
* **Action Required:**
* Familiarize themselves with the exam protocols.
* Utilize the grievance redressal portal for issues.
* Provide feedback through the portal.
**Stakeholder: Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)**
* **Impact:** DGS is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the revised framework and monitoring its effectiveness.
* **Action Required:**
* Monitor MTI compliance with the requirements.
* Address grievances and feedback submitted through the portal.
**Stakeholder: Virtual Guru Edu Limited**
* **Impact:** Virtual Guru Edu Limited must provide services as per the Service Level Agreement (SLA).
* **Action Required:**
* Provide seamless integration of MTIs into a centralized Virtual Monitoring System (VMS).
* Provide 24/7 helpdesk mechanism for MTIs.
* Provide structured grievance redressal process for candidates.
* Maintain centralized maintenance and management of the question bank to ensure content integrity and consistency.
Key Entities Referenced
Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs): Entities delivering maritime education and training, subject to supervision and regulation.
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai: The issuing authority of this circular and the regulator of maritime training and examinations.
STCW Convention: International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, mandating seafarer training and assessment.
Virtual Guru Edu Limited: Designated service provider for implementing the Virtual Monitoring System (VMS) for exit examinations.
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DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI
F. l{o.2O- 1 1/ lO/2024-TRG-DGS IComp.No.30393l Dated:13.O5.2O25
Trainin Circular No.22 of 2o25
Sub.- Imolemeutatioa of the Revised Exit Examinatiou Framework for DG
Shiopins Aporoved Maritime Trainiag Institutes (MTIsl-ree.
Whereas the 2O1O Maaila Amendments to t!r.e International Conuention <trt
Standards of Training, Certification and" Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as
amended (hereinafter referred to as "the STCW Convention"), obligate maritime
administrations to exercise due diligence in the supervision, regulation, and quality
assurance of Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) authorised to deliver maritime
education and training; and whereas said amendments further maldate that all
seafarers be duly trained and competently assessed for the requisite proficiency
stipulated within the Convention;
2.
Whereas the Directorate General of Shipping (hereinafter "the Directorate")
has, vide DGS Training Circular No. 17 of 2O2O, promulgated guidelines for the Online
Exit Examination applicable to DG Shipping approved modular courses,
subsequently supplemented by DGS Circular No. 21 of 2O22, dated 16tt, September
2O22, detatling infrastructural and procedural guidelines for the conduct of such
examinations; further the DGS Circular No. O4 of 2O25, dated 5tt' February 2025,
provides for the discontinuation of Exit Examinations in respect of Refresher
Courses; and in continuation thereof, an Advisory dated sth March 2025 was issued
to all MTIs delineating examination protocols and mandated securilr arrangements
for the Exit Examinations.
3. Whereas, the Directorate has entered into a Service kvel Agreement (SLA)
with M/ s Virtual Catru Edu Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Virtual Guru"), a
designated service provider, for the provision of the following:
(0 An independent, robust oversight mechanism to uphold examination
integrity; and
(ii) Seamless integration of MTIs into a centralize d Virtual Monitoing System
(vMS).
4.
The SLA encompasses several key deliverables to ensure the effectiveness and
integrity of the examination process. These include:
(i)
availability of the software application with an assured uptime of over
99.Solt;
(ii) implementation of stringent security protocols and adherence to
prescribed data standards, including full compliance with relevant
statutory and regulatory frameworks;
(iii)
deployment of a rea-l-time proctoring and oversight system to detect and
prevent malpractice;
(iv)
establishment of a dedicated support and helpdesk mechanism for MTIs;
(")
provision of a structured grievance redressal process for candidates;
(vi)
centralized maintenance and management of the question bank to ensure
content lntegrity and consistency.
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5.
Whereas, now therefore, all DG Shipping approved MTIs are hereby directed
as follows:
i.
Installation of Surveillance Equipment: Each MTI shall ensure the installation
of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems equipped with real-time audio-
video capabilities in every designated Exit Examination hall. Said systems
shall be supported by an unintermpted power supply and stable network
connectivity,
ii.
Submission of Infrastructure Details: MTIs shall submit to the Directorate:
a. The number of examination halls located within their approved
premises and the number of computers within each examination hall;
b. The dimensions (in square metres) of each examination hall with
photographs;
c.
Existing CCTV system credentials for integration with VMS.
iii. CgfV Configuration and Costs: Based on the information provided, Virtual
Guru shall assess and determine the number of CCTV carneras required per
MTI. The cost for each installation shall be INR l9,SOO/- plus applicable GST,
to be borne directly by the MTI and paid to Virtual Guru. Each installed CCTV
unit shall carry a one-year warranty.
Aanexures & Technical Resourccs
6,
The following documents are annexed hereto for reference and compliance:
i. Annex I: List of Modular Courses Mandated for Exit Examination
7. The following user support tools are available on ttre Directorate,s portal
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ir.t :
i.
User Manual for MTIs
ii. User Manual for Students
iii.Grievance Redressal Portal for MTIs and Students
iv. Feedback Submission Portal
8.
A1l grievances and feedback submitted through the portal shall be monitored
and addressed by ollicers duly nominated by the Directorate.
9.
This Circular shall come into force after one month from the date of issue.
10.
This issues with the approval of the Director General of S prng.
(Deependra Bisen)
Dy. Director General ofShipping (Trg.)
To,
1. All Maritime Training Institutes.
2. All Principal Officers, MMDs.
3. Nautical Wing/Engg. Wing.
4. IT & E-Gov. BralchAnnex - I
The list of STCW and modular courses for whicb Exit Exams are mandatorv
sl.
Course
Course ID Course Name
No. Duration
Basic Training for Oil and Chemical
1 5111 Tanker C Operations 6 Days
Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo
,) 5tt2 o erations lO Davs
Advanced Training for Chemical Tanker
3. 5113 Operations 1O Days
Basic Training for Liquified Gas Tanker
1 5121 Car erations 5 Days
Advanced Training for Liquified Gas
5 5122 Tanker Cargo Operations 1O Days
Proficiency In Survival Craft and Rescue
6 62t7 Boats 5 Da.ys
7 631 r Advanced Trainingtn Fire Fighting 4 Days
8. 64tl Medical First Aid 4 Davs
9 6427 Medical Care 10 Days
10. 6511 Ship Securiff OIIicer 2 Days
Security Trng. for Seafarer with
11. 6621 Designated Security Duties 2 Days
t2. 6121 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting 3 Days
13. 611I Persona-l Survival Techniques 3 Davs
14. 6131 Elementary First Aid 2 Days
15. 6141 Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities 3 Days
Basic Training for ships operating in
16 5411 polar waters 5 days
Advanced training for service on ships
t7. 5412 operating in polar waters 5 davs
Vertical Integration Course For Trainer-
18. l0(r I VICT 10 Days
19. 6513 Port Security OIficer 3 Days
Refresher Updating Course For
20. 1118 Engineers 3 Days
27. 6512 Company Security Oflicer 3 Days
,)
1 101 Indian Maritime Legislation Course 18 Hours
Assessment, Examination ald
23. 1062 Certification of Seafarers 10 Days
Crowd Management, Passenger Safety
24. 521 I and Safety Training 3 Days
Crisis and
Management Human
25 52r2 Behaviour 1 Week
High Voltage Safety and Switch Gear at
26. 3223 Management level 5 Days
High Voltage Safety and Switch Gear at
')'7 3t23 Operational level 1 Day
Marine Boiler & Steam Engineering
28. 31'22 Course - O erational level 6 DaysMarine Boiler & Steam Engineering.
)a ?D ro Course - ent level 9 Days
Basic Training for Ships using Fuels
30 531r covered within IGF code 4Da
s
Advanced Training. for Ships usrng
31. 5312 Fuels covered within IGF code 5 Days
32. 622t Fast Rescue Boats 3
Days
Bridging Course for Existing Electrical
cJ. 3611 Officers to ETO 16 Days
34. 1063 Train the Simulator Trainer Assessor 5 Days
X
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