**Executive Summary**
MS Notice 08 of 2022, dated 20.07.2022, announces the recognition of the 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency issued by the Directorate General of Shipping as equivalent to a B.Sc. (Nautical Science) degree by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This decision, effective from June 29, 2022, allows seafarers holding this certification to pursue higher academic qualifications. 2nd Mate CoC [FG] holders can approach AIU to obtain an equivalence certificate.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Equivalence Recognition:**
* The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has recognized the 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency as equivalent to a B.Sc. (Nautical Science) degree.
* This equivalence was approved by the AIU Governing Council in its 369th Meeting held on June 29, 2022.
* **Background:**
* Indian seafarers holding the Certificate of Competency (CoC) have faced difficulties in pursuing higher academic qualifications due to non-acceptance of the CoC by all universities.
* The matter was taken up with the AIU, highlighting the rigorous training and certification program for navigating officers, including practical and theoretical learning and assessment to international standards (STCW Convention).
* **Application Process:**
* 2nd Mate (FG) certificate holders desiring to obtain an equivalence certificate may approach the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
* Applicants must submit the prescribed documents and applicable fees to the AIU.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder:** Indian Seafarers holding 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency
**Impact:**
* Can now pursue higher academic qualifications at universities that previously did not accept the 2nd Mate (FG) CoC.
* Benefits from formal recognition of their competency as equivalent to a B.Sc. (Nautical Science) degree.
**Action Required:**
* Approach the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to apply for an equivalence certificate.
* Submit the required documents and pay the applicable fees to the AIU.
**Stakeholder:** Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
**Impact:**
* Responsible for processing applications and issuing equivalence certificates to eligible 2nd Mate (FG) CoC holders.
* May receive increased applications for equivalence of qualifications.
**Action Required:**
* Process applications for equivalence, collect fees, and issue equivalence certificates.
* Ensure application process aligns with their existing procedures for foreign qualification equivalence.
Key Entities Referenced
Association of Indian Universities [AIU]: An organization granting equivalence to 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency to B.Sc. (Nautical Science) degree.
2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency: A certificate of competency for navigating officers, recognized as equivalent to B. Sc. (Nautical Science) degree by the AIU.
Directorate General of Shipping: The issuing authority of the 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency and part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, 1978, as amended [STCW Convention]: International standards for the competence of seafarers.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The government ministry responsible for the Directorate General of Shipping.
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DIRECTORATE GBNERAL OF SHIPPING. MUMBAI
MS Notice 08 of 2022
File No: 25-13012/1/2022-NT - DGS Date:20.07.2022
Sub.: Resognition of 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency by Association of Indian
Universities as equivalence to B. Sc. (I.{autical Science) degree - reg.
Indian seafarers of the nautical discipline have been facing difficulty in pursuing higher
academic qualifications as the Certificate of Competency [CoC] issued by the Indian Maritime
Administration was not accepted by all Universities.
2.
The matter was therefore taken up with the Association of Indian Universities [AIU] as
navigating officers undergo rigorous training and certification programme which includes unique
blend of book learning and on the job practical learning on board merchant ships. Further, the
competence of seafarers is assessed to intemational standards specified in the Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, 1978, as amended ISTCW Convention]
and only those who demonstrate the required competence are issued with Certificate of
Competency.
4.
The syllabus of 2nd Mate (FG) certificate competency was compared with the BSc Nautical
science degree by the expert committee. The recommendation of the expert committee were
approved by the equivalence committee of the Association of Indian Universities [AIU].
Subsequent to the approval of the equivalence committee, the Governing council of AIU in its
369th Meeting held on June 29, 2022 has accorded equivalence of 2nd Mate CoC issued by
Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways as equivalence to B.Sc.
(Nautical Science). The copy of the letter No. EV/V[ (5) 12022 dated July 18, 2022 from
Secretary General of Association of Indian Universities in this regard is enclosed.
6. 2"d Mate CoC [FG] holders desiring to obtain equivalence certificate may therefore
approach to Association of Indian Universities.
7.
This is issued with approval of the Chief Examiner of Master & Mates and the Nautical
Advisor to the Government of India (i/c).
Nautical Surveyor cum DDG (Tech.)
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