M.S. Notice 18 of 2008

Subject : Notification for introduction of Polyvalent Cadets B.Sc.(Maritime Science) Degree Course.

1.         PREAMBLE :

1. In the changed scenario in world shipping, availability of quality man power is becoming scarce and costly. A new concept of training to produce a technical officer having combined knowledge of both fields of Nautical & Marine Engineering has taken birth. Such a dual certificated "Polyvalent" course is perceived to be a need for the future in International Shipping. The content of such a training will have to be the right mix of Nautical and Engineering branches.
2. Considering the need of multi-skilled officers as future need of the International Shipping Industry and to make Indian seafarers more versatile with unified training, the Director General of Shipping had a meeting on 03rd February, 2003 with the members of Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), Foreign Shipowners and Shipmanagers Association (FOSMA), Maritime Association of Shipowners and Shipmanagers (MASSA) along with the Heads of Pre-sea Training Institutes. The decision was taken that Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai shall conduct such training and shall design and develop suitable course material called as B.Sc. (Maritime Science).

2.         COMMENCEMENT OF COURSE

1. This course commenced in MERI, Mumbai from 15.09.2003 onwards with due approval of Directorate General of Shipping and in affiliation with University of Mumbai vide letter No. UG/410 of 2003 dated 25th August, 2003.
2. The course introduced as per provisions made in chapter VII (alternative certification) of META manual Volume II and STCW Code, consists of Pre-sea training and onboard training. A cadet who wishes to be certified as a polyvalent officer for service onboard merchant ships will be required to undertake 3 year B.Sc. (Maritime Science) degree course under Mumbai University at Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Mumbai. On completion of the B. Sc. (Maritime Science) degree course the cadet will be required to attend 18 months approved on board structured training program (12 months Nautical + 06 months Engineering with TAR book) as per approval of Director General of Shipping. MERI has also prepared Training and Assessment Record (TAR) Book for on board training.
3. The course is suitable for officer at operational level and meets the requirements of certification of operational level officers under provision made in the Chapter - VII of Volume I & II of the META manual. Every candidate for certification at the operational level under the provisions of Chapter VII of the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rules 1998, shall be required to complete relevant education and training and meet the standard of competence for all the functions, prescribed in either M-II/1C or M-III/1B.
4. On completion of course in MERI., Mumbai these cadets are issued with B.Sc. (Maritime Science) degree by Mumbai University after successful passing of University examination.
5. After completion of 3 year B.Sc. (Maritime Science) degree course at MERI, Mumbai and obtaining necessary documents for sailing onboard (CDC, Basic STCW courses, Passing certificates from MERI, Mumbai), these cadets shall join ship for onboard training with approved Tar Book both for Nautical and Engineering streams. They are also given EXN 45 and exemption from Marine Engineer Officer Class IV part 'A' (Reference letter No. 3-TR(10)2003 dated 19-12-2006).

3.         EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATES:

1. Every candidate for certification under the provisions of chapter VII of the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules 1998 at the operational level in functions specified in M-II/1C or M-III/1B shall have approved seagoing service of not less than 18 months, and such service shall include a period of at least six months performing engine room duties under the supervision of a qualified engineer officer. The functions of Navigation are required to performed for a period of 12 months, of which at least 6 months shall be performed in bridge watch keeping duties under the supervision of a qualified bridge watch keeping officer. These cadets are to undergo structured onboard training as per TAR book to complete the necessary post sea training requirements of M-III/1B and M-II/1C.
2. After completion of 18 months structured onboard training, cadets may appear for 2nd Mate (Foreign Going) Certificate of Competency written and oral examination of the Nautical stream or Class IV Part 'B' Certificate of Competency written and oral examination of the Engineering stream. (please refer flow chart).
3. The cadet has the option to appear for both the examinations and obtain Certificates of Competency of both the disciplines. The common subjects in the common functions under Chapter II and Chapter III of M.S. (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), Rules, 1998 of META Manual I for Second Mate of a foreign going ship and Marine Engineer Officer Class IV need to be passed by candidate only once in either of the discipline.
4. As the cadets are awarded B.Sc. (Maritime Science) degree by Mumbai University, they are eligible for exemption from Part "A" examination of Marine Engineer Officer Class IV Certificate of Competency, as well as exempted from the foundation course for Second Mate (Foreign Going) Certificate of Competency. They are also exempted from the preparatory course requirement for Second Mate (Foreign Going) and Marine Engineer Officer Class IV Part 'B'.

Sd/-

[Ashima Gupta]

Deputy Director General of Shipping