STCW Course Finder: DG Shipping & MCA Approved Courses

STCW Basics

• What is STCW and why is it mandatory for seafarers?

  STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It is the international framework that sets minimum training and certification requirements, and it is mandatory for joining most commercial vessels because companies and flag administrations require STCW-compliant training before shipboard service.

• What is STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) and who needs it?

  STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is the entry-level safety training required for new seafarers before joining a ship. It covers Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. BST is mandatory for all seafarers joining commercial vessels, including cadets, ratings, and officers at the start of their sea career.

• What are the 5 basic STCW courses required for new seafarers?

  The 5 basic STCW courses listed by DG Shipping are:

  1. Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
  2. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
  3. Elementary First Aid (EFA)
  4. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
  5. Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)

  These are pre-sea courses and form the minimum training foundation for candidates planning to join the merchant navy.

• What is the difference between BST and the 5 basic STCW courses?

  BST refers to the Basic Safety Training package that bundles core safety modules. The “basic 5” wording describes the specific individual courses required at entry level. In practice, seafarers often use the two terms interchangeably, but you should confirm exactly which modules are included in the institute’s approved course package before booking.

DG Shipping and MCA Approval

• What is the difference between DG Shipping and MCA approved courses?

  DG Shipping approval is issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, and is generally required for Indian maritime certification pathways and Indian seafarer records. MCA approval is issued by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and is commonly relevant for UK-flagged vessels, some cruise operators, and international employers depending on vessel registry and company policy.

• How do I verify whether a maritime training institute is DG Shipping approved?

  Check the official DG Shipping website and verify that the institute appears in the approved training institute list. You should also confirm:

  • The specific course you want is approved
  • The approval is current
  • The institute uploads certificates correctly to the DG Shipping system against your INDoS profile

  Never rely solely on Google ads or social media claims.

INDoS, CDC and Documents

• Do I need an INDoS number before booking an STCW Basic Safety Training course?

  Yes, in most cases you do. DG Shipping’s training FAQ states that seafarers without an INDoS number are not eligible for DG-approved courses, so you should confirm your INDoS status before finalizing BST enrollment. You can check and register your INDoS on the DG Shipping portal at dgshipping.gov.in.

• What is an INDoS number and why is it required for STCW courses?

  INDoS stands for Indian National Database of Seafarers. It is a unique identifier issued by DG Shipping to maintain a centralized record of a seafarer’s credentials, qualifications, and training data. An INDoS number is required for DG-approved course enrollment and for your certificate to be correctly linked to your seafarer profile.

• How long is an INDoS number valid?

  An INDoS number is a one-time registration with lifetime validity. Once issued, it remains part of your seafarer record permanently. However, your personal details may still need correction or updating if there are errors in your DG Shipping profile.

• What documents do I need to join an STCW approved course?

  For most entry-level STCW course bookings, the usual documents include:

  1. Valid INDoS number
  2. Passport (original + photocopy)
  3. Educational proof (10th pass mark sheet or equivalent)
  4. Passport-size photographs
  5. Valid DG Shipping-approved medical fitness certificate

  Institutes may ask for additional documents depending on the course. Always confirm the final checklist directly with the institute before paying fees.

• What is the minimum eligibility for STCW Basic Safety Training in India?

  DG Shipping’s training FAQ states that candidates should hold an INDoS number and valid DG Shipping-approved medical fitness for STCW courses. For most entry-level pathways, passing the 10th standard is also practically required as part of the INDoS generation and training enrollment process.

• What is a CDC and which courses are required before applying for it?

  CDC stands for Continuous Discharge Certificate, which serves as a seafarer’s official identity and sea-service record document. DG Shipping’s FAQ states that candidates need:

  1. Basic STCW Safety Training (BST)
  2. Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)

  before applying for a CDC, along with valid medical requirements.

Booking and Course Batches

• Can I search for upcoming course batches by specific month or city?

  Yes. The STCW Course Finder lets you filter by course type, approval type (DG Shipping or MCA), state, city, and month. This helps you find institutes with confirmed batch availability near you without calling multiple institutes individually.

• Are the batch dates and institute listings verified?

  Course listings are compiled from institute schedules and publicly available training information, but batch dates and seat availability can still change. Candidates should always confirm the final reporting date, fees, and seat status directly with the institute before making payment or travel plans.

• What should I confirm with a training institute before paying course fees?

  Before paying, confirm these five things:

  1. The institute’s DG Shipping approval status
  2. Approval for the exact course you need
  3. Confirmed batch dates
  4. Total fees (including any hidden costs)
  5. How the certificate will be uploaded to your DG Shipping or INDoS-linked record

  If any of these are unclear, ask for written confirmation before transferring money.

Validity and Revalidation

• How often do STCW certificates need revalidation?

  Many STCW safety and competency certificates require refresher training or revalidation every 5 years under STCW and DG Shipping procedures. Always check the validity shown on your certificate and plan renewal before expiry so you do not face delays during sign-on, documentation checks, or course booking.

• Which STCW certificates need refresher training every 5 years?

  Certificates that commonly require refresher training every 5 years include Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF), Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), and Medical First Aid or Medical Care, where applicable. The exact requirement depends on the certificate held, your rank, and the type of duties you perform onboard.

• When should I renew my STCW certificates before expiry?

  It is best to start checking batch availability and booking refresher training at least 2 to 3 months before expiry. This gives you enough time to complete the course, verify certificate updates, and avoid last-minute problems before joining a vessel.

• What happens if my STCW certificate has expired?

  If your STCW certificate has expired, you may not be accepted for joining until the required refresher or revalidation process is completed. Depending on the certificate type and how long it has been expired, you may need refresher training, additional compliance steps, or institute guidance before the certificate can be used again.

• Can I renew an STCW certificate after it has already expired?

  Yes, in many cases an expired STCW certificate can still be renewed through the proper refresher or updating route. The correct path depends on the certificate involved and your sea-service or compliance status, so it is important to confirm the requirement with a DG Shipping approved training institute before booking.

• Do all STCW certificates have the same validity period?

  No. Many refresher-related STCW certificates follow a 5-year renewal cycle, but not every maritime certificate works the same way. Some certificates have different revalidation requirements, so you should always verify the exact rule for the certificate you hold rather than assuming all STCW courses expire on the same schedule.imariners+2

• What should I check before booking an STCW refresher course?

  Before booking, confirm the exact certificate name, expiry date, institute approval status, batch availability, and whether your updated certificate will be uploaded correctly after course completion. This is especially important if your certificate is close to expiry or has already expired.

• Will refreshed STCW certificates be valid for another 5 years?

  In general, certificates revalidated through the approved refresher or updating process are issued with a further validity period of up to 5 years, based on the applicable rule. After completing the course, always verify the revised validity date shown on the certificate or official profile update.