How to Apply for COP and Watchkeeping Certificates

COP (Certificate of Proficiency)

The Certificate of Proficiency is issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, India. Gaining this certificate enhances a candidate’s chances to get promoted to a higher position. It is necessary for candidates who have already joined ratings and wish to move further in their Merchant Navy career path.

Eligibility: 18 months of sailing period

Documents required for applying for COP

INDOS receipt or certificate
C. D. C. (all stamped pages)
Passport (all stamped pages)
Original watchkeeping certificate
Original tar book duly filled and signed (if only 12 months sea time)
FPFF or refresher training in FPFF (only required if FPFF course was done more than five years ago)
EFA
PST or refresher training in PST (only required if PST course was done more than five years ago)
PSSR
STSDSD
Medical certificate by approved DGS Doctor taken within the last 12 months
PSCRB or refresher training in PSCRB (only required if PSCRB course was done more than five years ago)
Contract copy or article of agreement (Indian owners)
Recent color photographs – Passport size – 3 Nos (Clear picture with light background)

How to apply for COP

Candidates have to collect all the above-mentioned documents and provide them to the company itself with whom you will last worked with. They will apply for your COP certificate and take care of all the application process. To check the status of your application, you can visit the DG shipping website and follow the below steps:

Visit the DG shipping website and navigate to the E-governance tab. From the drop-down menu, click on ‘e-governance’
Login to your Indos by filling in the user ID and password
In the ‘seafarer’ section, click on the third option saying ‘Update seafarer profile’
There will be a tab named ‘Master checker’ in the top navigation menu
Next, you can check the status of your application in the ‘Rating [Watch keeping/AB] tab
In the ‘View’ tab, you will see a link leading to your certificate, if it has been issued. You can visit the link and download or print the certificate

Also Read: How to apply for Certificate of Competency

Watchkeeping

On a typical seafaring vessel, be it naval or merchant, seafarers “keep a watch” in various locations and duties across the ship, such as the bridge and engine room. Typical bridge watchkeepers include a lookout and a deck officer who is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship; whereas, in the engine room, an engine officer ensures that running machinery continues to operate within tolerances.

This certificate mentions that the candidate has been found competent to perform certain functions at the specified levels. A watchkeeping certificate is issued before COP.

Eligibility: 183+ days of sailing period for engine side and 9 months for deck side.

Documents required for applying for watchkeeping

Original Application Form
Copy of Data pages of a valid National Passport
Colour passport size Photograph (light or white Background)
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations
Must use “Indian D.G.” Medical Form
Personal Survival Techniques Course
Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
Ship Security Awareness with designated duties Certificate issued by a MTC
Copy of Valid Seaman book
Copy of valid Company experience certificates
Training Record Book (Tar Book)

How to apply for watchkeeping

Candidates have to collect all the above-mentioned documents and provide them to the company itself with whom you will last worked with. They will apply for your watchkeeping certificate and take care of all the application process. To check the status of your application, you can visit the DG shipping website and follow the below steps:

Visit the DG shipping website and navigate to the E-governance tab. From the drop-down menu, click on ‘e-governance’.
Login to your Indos by filling in the user ID and password.
In the ‘seafarer’ section, click on the third option saying ‘Update seafarer profile.’
There will be a tab named ‘Master checker’ in the top navigation menu.
Next, you can check the status of your application in the ‘Rating [Watch keeping/AB] tab.
If the certificate has been issued, a certificate number will appear beside your Grade.
You will receive your watchkeeping certificate on your email address registered with DG shipping.

Join Merchant Navy in India with us!

To make your career in Merchant navy, contact us today at +91 8160370087. To explore courses, visit our website.

You can also contact us in case you are stuck with COP or watchkeeping application and we’d be happy to help you out!

Also Read:
How to handle long waiting Period in Merchant Navy
3 Types of Hazards on Ship: Operational, Security & Safety

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