The Directorate General of Shipping (India) issued Nautical Circular No. 16 of 2024, introducing important changes in how competency examinations for maritime Certificates of Competency (CoC) are conducted. These revisions aim to make exams fairer, reduce absenteeism, and give candidates more flexibility. If you are preparing for CoC exams, this circular directly affects you. Directorate General of Shipping
What the Circular Changes
Here are the main updates from Circular No. 16:
- Revised Booking of Subjects / Functions
Fresh (first-time) CoC exam candidates no longer have to book all written and oral subjects/functions in their first attempt. Now, they may choose one or more subjects/functions based on how well they are prepared. - Repeater Candidates Also Get Flexibility
Candidates who failed before (repeaters) can now choose specific written subjects or oral functions in their next attempts. However, if they haven’t passed the written exam for a function, they cannot appear for its oral part. Also, booking written exam or waiting results are conditions for oral exam booking. - No Star System
The old “star system”, introduced in past examination circulars (for example Nautical Wing/Exam Circular 1 of 2012) to track or rate candidates’ exam performance, is now abolished. - Penalty for Missing Oral Exam
If a candidate books an oral examination and fails to appear for any reason, they must wait at least one month before their next attempt. Directorate General of Shipping
Why These Changes Matter
- Less Pressure in First Attempt: Fresh candidates will feel less burdened having to appear for all functions at once. They can focus on subjects they are confident in first.
- Better Preparation: By allowing selective subject/function booking, candidates can better prepare and improve performance.
- Reduced Wastage (Absenteeism): Requiring a gap for missed oral exams discourages casual bookings. It encourages seriousness.
- Fairness & Clarity: Removing the star rating system helps avoid candidate stress/penalty due to ratings and focuses more on actual competency.
What Candidates Should Do
If you are a seafarer or cadet preparing for your CoC exams, here are concrete steps to adapt to the new circular:
- Review all the subject/functions you need; decide which ones you are fully prepared for, then choose just those for your first attempt.
- For repeat attempts, study weak subjects before booking. Don’t attempt the oral for a function unless you have passed (or at least booked and waiting results for) its written part.
- If you must miss an oral exam, plan ahead — waiting for a month means your next opportunity is delayed.
- Stay updated with DG Shipping’s exam notifications and exam branches for any further amendments.
Possible Challenges & Suggestions
While the circular brings flexibility, there are challenges:
- Some candidates may delay appearing for some subjects, causing backlog or congestion.
- Exam centers must clearly communicate the revised process so there’s no confusion.
- Students may need guidance (from coaching/training institutes) on which subjects/functions to pick first.
To handle this: institutions should offer counselling, mock exams; candidates should assess strengths honestly.
Conclusion
Nautical Circular No. 16 of 2024 marks a positive step in making CoC competency exams more flexible and fair. It allows candidates to approach exams in a strategic, less stressful way. However, adapting to this change requires awareness, honest self-assessment, and planning.
If you are preparing for your CoC, this circular can help you schedule exams smartly, avoid repeated failures, and reduce pressure. Use it to your advantage.
📌 Disclaimer
This blog is informational only. Details sourced from Nautical Circular No.16 of 2024. Candidates should verify with official DG Shipping documents before acting.
