**Executive Summary**
This document is DGS Circular (NT/ENG) 03 of 2021, issued on January 22, 2021, by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. It pertains to the training and certification requirements for seafarers on ships subject to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). The circular clarifies the mandatory minimum training and certification as per the STCW Convention, as amended, including basic and advanced training requirements, and details the process for issuance and renewal of Certificates of Proficiency (CoP).
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **IGF Code Implementation:**
* The IGF Code, adopted by IMO resolution MSC.391 (95), came into force on January 1, 2017, and is defined in SOLAS regulation II-1/2.29, made mandatory through SOLAS chapter II-1.
* The IGF Code establishes international standards for ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels.
* **Training Requirements:**
* Seafarers with designated safety duties related to fuels on IGF Code ships must hold a CoP in Basic Training.
* Masters, Engineer officers, or personnel with immediate responsibility for fuel care must hold a CoP in Advanced Training.
* Basic Training eligibility includes completing approved basic training or holding specific certifications related to liquefied gas tankers.
* **Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Issuance and Renewal:**
* Basic CoP validity is five years from the date of training completion or CoP issuance in liquefied gas tanker operations.
* Basic CoP can be revalidated if expiring within six months or already expired, by demonstrating at least three months of experience on IGF Code ships in the last five years or completing a basic training course.
* Advanced CoP requires completion of a DGS-approved advanced training program, one month of approved seagoing service with one bunkering operation, and a valid Certificate of Competency (CoC).
* Advanced CoP validity is five years from the date of application.
* Renewal of advanced CoP can be achieved by demonstrating at least three months of experience in last 5 years on ships subject to IGF Code with involvement in minimum two bunkering operation or completing advanced training course (with two bunkering operations) on ships to IGF Code or Company letter certifying a sea-service of at-least 1-monthin last 3-months on ships subject to IGF Code with involvement in minimum two bunkering operation.
* **Obtaining Advanced CoP:**
* Seafarers can obtain advanced CoP by completing required training and seagoing service, or by holding an advanced level CoP in liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations with relevant experience.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Seafarers**
* **Impact**: Seafarers are now required to undergo specific training and certification to work on ships subject to the IGF Code, including basic and advanced training depending on their roles.
* **Action Required**: Seafarers need to obtain the appropriate CoP based on their duties, renew their CoPs as required, and potentially undergo refresher training.
**Stakeholder: Shipping Companies**
* **Impact**: Companies must ensure that seafarers on board ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels have completed the necessary training.
* **Action Required**: Companies need to facilitate the required training for their seafarers, verify their CoPs, and provide the necessary documentation for CoP renewal.
**Stakeholder: Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs)**
* **Impact**: MTIs need to offer approved training courses for basic and advanced training on ships subject to IGF Code.
* **Action Required**: Ensure that the courses offered meet the requirements outlined in the STCW Convention and as per DGS guidelines.
**Stakeholder: Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)**
* **Impact**: DGS is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the IGF Code training and certification requirements.
* **Action Required**: Ensure that CoPs are issued to those meeting the requirements, approve training programs offered by MTIs, and maintain updated information on the DGS website.
Key Entities Referenced
International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code): International standard for ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels; mandates specific training for seafarers on ships subject to this code.
STCW Convention: International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, which is referenced in relation to the training and certification requirements for seafarers.
Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India: The issuer of the circular, responsible for implementing regulations and standards for shipping in India.
भारत सरकार/ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
पत्तन ,पोत पररवहन और जलमार् गमंत्रालय
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
नौवहन महाननदेशालय, म ंबई
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OFSHIPPING,
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA IS/ISO Clause 8.5.1
Ref: QMSEAC Subject: Training and Certification of File No. ENG/EXAM-
WPI- 8.5-04D-02 seafarers on ships subject to IGF Code CIRC/25(01)/2017(Pt)
Approved by
Director General
of Shipping DGS Circular (NT/ENG) 03 of 2021 Date : 22.01.2021
1. International Code of safety for ship using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels (IGF Code) was
adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the IMO by resolution MSC.391 (95) and this
has entered into force on 01/01/2017. The IGF code has been defined in SOLAS regulation II-
1/2.29 and has been given mandatory effect through part G of SOLAS chapter II-1,
Regulation II-1/56 and Regulation II-1/57.
2. The IGF Code has established an international standard for ships using gases or other low-
flashpoint fuels for propulsion and address all areas that need special consideration for the use
of the low-flash point fuels, taking a goal based approach, with goals and functional
requirements specified for each section forming the basis for the design, construction and
operation of ships using this type of fuel.
3. The functional requirement training of seafarers is detailed in section 19, part D of the IGF
code. It provides that companies shall ensure that seafarers on board ships using gases or
other low-flashpoint fuels shall have completed training to attain the abilities that are
appropriate to the capacity to be filled, duties and responsibilities to be taken up, taking into
account the provisions given in the STCW Convention and code, as amended. Accordingly
the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for
Seafarers 1978 (STCW Convention) was amended vide MSC 397(95) to require mandatory
minimum training and certification for masters, deck officers, Marine Engineer officers,
ratings and other personnel on ships subject to the IGF Code. The details are enumerated in
below paragraphs.
Page 1 of 54. Training for Personnel Working on Ships Subject to the IGF Code:
4.1. Seafarers responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use, or
emergency response to the fuel on board ships subject to the IGF code, must hold a COP
in Basic Training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code in accordance with STCW
Convention, Regulation V/3-4.
4.2. Master, Engineer officer or anyone with immediate responsibility for the care and use of
fuels or fuel systems subject to the IGF Code, must hold a COP in Advanced Training for
service on ships subject to the IGF Code in accordance with STCW Convention,
Regulation V/3-7.
4.3. There are two levels of training for those who work on ships subject to IGF Code:
4.3.1. Basic Training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code, Regulation V/3
paragraph 4, of the STCW Convention 1978 as amended.
4.3.2. Advanced Training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code, Regulation V/3
paragraph 7, of the STCW Convention 1978 as amended.
5. Requirements for issuance of and renewal of Certificate for basic training on ships
subject to IGF code by one of the three following ways:
5.1.1. Seafarers who have completed basic training in accordance with provisions of section
A-V/3, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code: This means a Seafarer must have completed
basic training for service on ships subject to IGF Code at a MTI approved for “Basic
Training for Ships using fuels covered under IGF Code” in accordance with STCW
2010 Circular No. 10 of 2019 dated 30.07.2019.Such seafarers are eligible for CoP in
basic training for service on ships subject to IGF Code.
5.1.2. Seafarers who have been qualified and certified according to STCW Regulation
V/1-2, paragraphs 2 and 5 on liquefied gas tankers:
This means a Seafarer who holds a certificate of proficiency in basic training for
liquefied gas tanker cargo operations is eligible for CoP in basic training for service
on ships subject to IGF Code.
5.1.3. Seafarers who have been qualified and certified in accordance with STCW
Regulation V/1-2, paragraphs 4 and 5 on liquefied gas tankers: This means a
Seafarer who holds a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for liquefied gas
tanker cargo operations, is eligible for CoP in basic training for service on ships
subject to IGF Code.
5.2. Validity of Certificate in basic training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code:
Paragraph 12 of Regulation V/3 of the STCW Convention, 1978 as amended require that
Seafarers holding basic CoP in basic training at intervals not exceeding five years, are
required to undertake appropriate refresher training or be required to provide evidence of
having achieved the required standard of competence within the previous five years: This
means that no CoP in basic training for service on ships subject to IGF Code can be
Page 2 of 5issued for a period more than 5-Years. Accordingly, the validity of basic CoP shall be as
per following criteria ,
5.2.1. Seafarer eligible for CoP as per Paragraph 5.1.1 above will be issued a CoP in basic
training for ships subject to IGF Code, for a period of 5-years from date of
completion of basic training for fuels covered under IGF Code.
5.2.2. Seafarers eligible for CoP as per Paragraph 5.1.2 above will be issued a CoP in basic
training for ships subject to IGF Code, for a period of 5-Years from date of issue of
Basic CoP in Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations.
5.2.3. Seafarers eligible for CoP as per Paragraph 5.1.3 above will be issued a CoP for basic
training for ships subject to IGF Code, for a period of 5-Years from date of issue of
Advanced CoP in Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations.
5.3. Renewal of Basic CoP for ships subject to IGF Code:
5.3.1. Basic CoP can be revalidated, if it is expiring in next 6-Months or has already
expired.
5.3.2. The revalidation can be achieved by demonstrating either of the following on the date
of application for revalidation:
5.3.2.1. One or more Company letter certifying that the seafarer has at-least 3-Months
experience in last 5-Years on ships subject to IGF Code or
5.3.2.2. Completion of basic training course on ships subject to IGF Code.
6. Requirements for issuance of and renewal of Certificate for advanced training on ships
subject to IGF code:
6.1. Paragraph 8 & 9 of the Regulation V/3 of the STCW Convention 1978 as amended gives
detailed requirements for issuance of CoP for advanced training on ships subject to the
IGF Code to Masters, engineer officers and all personnel with immediate responsibility
for the care and use of fuels and fuel systems on such ships.
6.2. There are following ways to obtain advanced CoP:
6.2.1. A Seafarer holding a COP for Basic Training for service on ships subject to the IGF
Code completes DGS approved advanced training programme for service on ships
subject to the IGF Code and completes at least one month of approved seagoing
service that includes a minimum of three bunkering operations on-board. (Two of the
three bunkering operations may be replaced by simulator training on bunkering
operations: Since guidelines for approval of “Advanced Training for Ships using
Fuels covered within the IGF code” has been issued vide STCW 2010 Circular No.
14 of 2019 dated 30.07.2019 already includes mandatory two bunkering exercises and
this advanced course completion being a mandatory requirement irrespective of
whether a seafarer has completed three bunkering exercise on ship (subject to IGF
Code) or not) and fulfils all of the following:
Page 3 of 56.2.1.1. Having a valid CoC: No CoP for advanced training shall be issued to seafarer
without a CoC, however, all seafarer are permitted to attend advanced training
course, if required by his or her Company and
6.2.1.2. Obtain a CoP in basic training on ships subject to IGF Code after fulfilling
requirements detailed in Paragraph 5 above and
6.2.1.3. Complete an advanced training course for ships subject to IGF Code. This
advanced training course can be completed before joining a ship (subject to IGF
Code) but after obtaining basic CoP (so that a seafarer can apply for CoP in
advanced training from ship after completion of required sea service as per para
6.2.1.4) or after completing sea-service as required in Paragraph 6.2.1.4 and
6.2.1.4. Complete at-least one month and one bunkering operation on ships subject to IGF
Code after getting a CoP in basic training for service on ships subject to IGF
Code.
6.2.2. A Seafarer holding a valid advanced level CoP in liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo
Operations has participated in three cargo operations on board liquefied Gas Tanker
and has completed seagoing service of three months in the previous five years on
board on ships subject to the IGF Code or tankers carrying as cargo, fuels covered by
the IGF Code or ships using gases or low flashpoint fuel as fuel. This requirement can
be fulfilled if a seafarer on date of application fulfils all of the following:
6.2.2.1. Has valid CoC: No CoP for advanced training shall be issued to seafarer without
a CoC, however, all seafarers are permitted to attend advanced training course, if
required by his or her Company and
6.2.2.2. Has a valid CoP in advanced training in liquefied gas tanker cargo operations
and
6.2.2.3. Has company letter certifying that he was involved in three cargo operations on
board liquefied gas tankers and
6.2.2.4. Has a Company letter certifying stating that the seafarer has sailed for three or
more months on one of the following category of ships:
6.2.2.4.1. Ships subject to IGF Code: This requirement can be fulfilled only, if a
seafarer has sailed on such ships prior to 1 January 2021 as after this date a
seafarer wishing to sail on ships subject to IGF Code, need to have a CoP for
basic training on ships subject to IGF Code or
6.2.2.4.2. Tankers carrying as cargo, fuel covered under IGF Code or
6.2.2.4.3. Ships using gases or low flash point fuel as fuel such as LNG ships where
Engine is operational on cargo boil-off.
6.3. Validity of Certificate in advanced training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code:
The CoP shall be valid for a period of 5-Years from date of application.
Page 4 of 56.4. Renewal of Advanced CoP:
6.4.1. Advanced CoP can be revalidated/ renewed, if it is expiring in next 6-Months or has
already expired. The seafarer applying for renewal must have a valid CoC.
6.4.2. The renewal can be achieved by demonstrating either of the following on the date of
application for revalidation:
6.4.2.1. One or more Company letter certifying that the seafarer has at-least 3-Months
experience in last 5-years on ships subject to IGF Code with involvement in
minimum two bunkering operation or
6.4.2.2. Company letter certifying a sea-service of at-least 1-monthin last 3-months on
ships subject to IGF Code with involvement in minimum two bunkering
operation or
6.4.2.3. Completion of advanced training course (with two bunkering operations) on ships
to IGF Code.
7. The standard operating procedures for obtaining the aforementioned COP is hyperlinked to this
circular “Standard Operating Procedure for issuance of IGF COP” and this document will
be amended and replaced and hence all stakeholders are required to refer to DGS website and
download the same whenever required.
This circular is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(Vikrant Rai)
Engineer & Ship Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech)
To,
1. The Principal Officer/ Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai /Kolkata/ Chennai/ Kandla /Cochin.
2. Surveyor-in-charge, Mercantile Marine Department Office Noida, Jamnagar, Mormugao, Mangalore,
Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Haldia, Paradip, Port Blair.
3. All Shipping Companies
Copy to:
1. INSA / FOSMA /MASA
2. Chief Surveyor with the Govt. of India
3. Nautical Adviser(I/C) to the Govt. of India
4. Chief Ship Surveyor(I/C) with the Govt. of India
5. Surveyors of Engineering /Nautical and Naval Architecture wings of DGS.
6. Hindi Cell
7. Guard file.
8. Computer Cell
Page 5 of 5