**Executive Summary**
This circular, issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on August 11, 2020, provides updates on the resumption of oral examinations and future plans for written and signal examinations following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Oral examinations for nautical disciplines have resumed, and a booking window for eligible candidates opens from August 17-27, 2020. The resumption of written and signal examinations is dependent on the lifting of restrictions by Central and State Governments.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Impact of COVID-19 on Examinations:**
* The Directorate had deferred all written competency examinations from March 24, 2020, due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
* During the lockdown, the Directorate worked to introduce exit exams and develop an online oral examination process, and assess the feasibility of conducting written examinations online.
* **Resumption of Oral Examinations:**
* Oral examinations for the nautical discipline were resumed, subject to compliance with local regulations and social distancing norms.
* Examinations were resumed for candidates who could not appear in March 2020 and those who had booked for April 2020 after passing written functions. More than 475 candidates have appeared for oral examinations physically up to July 31, 2020.
* **Oral Examination Booking and Fee Refunds:**
* Candidates who had booked for the examination in April 2020 and have not yet replied to MMD must contact the respective MMD immediately.
* If a candidate cannot appear at the booked examination centre, they should inform the centre to facilitate fee refunds.
* **Upcoming Oral Examination Booking:**
* Booking for oral examinations will be open from August 17, 2020, to August 27, 2020.
* Candidates eligible to appear for oral examinations (after completion of written/signal examinations and modular courses) may book seats.
* Candidates ineligible for oral examinations should not book seats, as their fees will be forfeited.
* **Resumption of Written/Signal Examinations:**
* The booking of written examinations and the conduct of signal examinations will resume once restrictions imposed by Central and State Governments are lifted.
* Candidates are advised to monitor the DGS website for updates.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder:** Seafarers
* **Impact:** Resumption of examinations impacts their ability to progress in their careers and certifications. The circular provides clarity on the status and process for oral, written, and signal examinations.
* **Action Required:** Check the DGS website regularly for updates on written/signal examination resumption, contact MMD if they have not replied regarding April oral examination bookings, and book oral examination seats if eligible between August 17-27, 2020.
**Stakeholder:** Examination Centers
* **Impact:** Examination centers can resume with physical oral examinations. They must comply with local regulations and social distancing norms.
* **Action Required:** Facilitate the conduct of oral examinations and the refund of fees for candidates unable to appear.
**Stakeholder:** Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
* **Impact:** Responsible for overseeing and managing the examination process during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
* **Action Required:** Provide timely updates on examination schedules and procedures, manage online examination processes, and maintain the DGS website with relevant information.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai: The primary regulatory body issuing the circular and responsible for maritime affairs, including examinations.
NT Exam Circular 02 of 2020: The specific circular outlining the rescheduling and resumption of competency examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DGS Order 02 of 2020: The earlier order which initially deferred the written competency examinations.
STCW modular courses: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers courses, a requirement for booking oral examinations.
MMD: Mercantile Marine Department, the organization candidates need to contact for completing their April oral examination.
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DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI
F. No.: 7-NT (36)98-Vo1-II Date: 1 1.08.2020
NT Exam Circular 02 of 2020
1. The Directorate vide DGS Order 02 of 2020 dated 16.03.2020 had deferred the conduct of
all written competency examinations with effect from 24.03.2020 due to the lockdown imposed to
deal with COVID-19 pandemic.
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2. During the lockdown period, this Directorate has taken ."u".uf steps to deal with various
aspects pertaining to shipping and certifications of seafarers. This includes introduction of exit
exam for STCW modular courses and tender for the developing online oral examination process.
In addition, discussion & trials are being carried out to assess feasibility of conducting written
examinations in online mode.
3. While the pandemic has resulted in substantial changes to various processes, seafarers
will, however, need to continue to work physically in the maritime sector. In view of the sarne and
to. ensure that Indian seafarers continue to be able to function effectively even in the current
pandemic situation, oral examinations were resumed for the nauticai discipline at the examination
centres subject to compliance with local regulations and social distancing nonns.
4. Oral examinations were resumed for candidates who couid not appear for oral
examinations in March 2020 due to the lockdown and also for candidates who had passed all the
written functions and had booked for the oral examination to be held in April 2020. More than
475 candidates have already appeared for oral examination physically at all examination centres
un to 31" Julv 2020.
5. Candidates who had booked for the examination in April 2020 atd have not yet replied to
MMD for appearing in the oral examination are required to contact the respective MMD
immediately so that the pending oral examinations of April can be completed at the earliest. If the
candidate is unable to appear at the booked examination centre, they may inform the examination
centre accordingly, so that process for refund of their fees can be processed along with refund of
fees of other candidates.
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who are eligible to appear for oral examinations ( i.e after completion of written and signal
examination and modular courses) may book their seats for oral examinations. Date for booking
oral examination in respect of other candidates will be intimated subsequently. Candidates who
are not eligible for appearing in oral examination may not book their seat as their fees would be
forfeited.
7. The booking of written examination and conduct of signal examination will be resumed
once the current restrictions imposed by Central and State Governments are lifted. Candidates are
advised to monitor the DGS website for information regarding the resumption of written and
examinations.
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8. This is issued with approval of the Chief Examiner of Master and Mates and the Nautical
Advisor to the Government of India (i/c).
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(Cnbt.G.P.Shenoy)
Nautical Surveyor cum DDG(Tech)
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