Qualifying Sea service to be eligible for appearing in MEO Class IV Examination (candidates performing sea service during day or night time on harbour crafts/tugs operating in Indian ports)

**Executive Summary** The Directorate General of Shipping issued Engineering Circular No. 04 of 2018, dated 09.8.2018, to address the eligibility of candidates for the Marine Engineer Officer Class IV Certificate of Competency examination. The circular provides an alternative for candidates unable to complete the required sea-going service on merchant ships by allowing them to obtain qualifying sea service on operational harbour crafts/tugs operating in Indian ports. This circular is effective immediately. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Eligibility Based on STCW Rules:** * Eligibility for the MEO Class IV examination is governed by Rule 35 of the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules, 2014. * Candidates typically need a minimum of six months of approved sea-going service, including four months of propelling days on merchant ships. * **Alternative Sea Service on Harbour Crafts/Tugs:** * Candidates who cannot obtain sufficient sea-going service on merchant ships due to limited availability may qualify through service on operational harbour crafts/tugs registered under the M.S. Act. * The harbour crafts/tugs must have an engine power of not less than 750 kW. * **Conditions for Sea Service on Harbour Crafts/Tugs:** * Candidates must perform approved sea-going service and engine room certified watchkeeping duties under the supervision of a Chief Engineer Officer or a Certified Engineer Officer. * Evidence of at least eight hours of watch-keeping per day (excluding breaks) is required during day duties (0800 hrs to 1800 hrs), with candidates staying ashore during the night. * Night duty should account for 1/3rd of the service, with accommodation arranged by the ship-owner/company. * Each harbour craft/tug can accommodate a maximum of two engineer trainees at a time. * Qualifying sea service on harbour crafts/tugs will be counted at 2/3rd of the actual service performed. **Impact Analysis** **Candidates for MEO Class IV Examination** * **Impact**: This circular provides an alternative pathway to fulfill the sea service requirements, increasing opportunities for candidates unable to secure sufficient experience on merchant ships. * **Action Required**: Candidates should seek qualifying sea service on eligible harbour crafts/tugs, ensuring compliance with the specified conditions. They should document their service as required and stay updated. **Harbour Craft/Tug Owners/Companies** * **Impact**: Creates an opportunity to provide on-board training for aspiring marine engineers. * **Action Required**: Owners/companies must ensure compliance with the conditions outlined in the circular, including providing proper supervision, watch-keeping arrangements, and accommodation (if applicable). Limit the number of trainees to two per vessel. **Mercantile Marine Department (MMD)** * **Impact**: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the circular. * **Action Required**: MMD must ensure that candidates meet all requirements outlined in the circular before being allowed to appear for the MEO Class IV examination. **Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)** * **Impact**: Overall responsibility for maritime training and certification. * **Action Required**: Ensure the circular is widely disseminated, translated, and uploaded to the official DGS website.

Key Entities Referenced