Becoming a Master of a Foreign Going Ship (CoC Master F.G.) is the highest deck officer certification under DG Shipping for foreign going vessels. The process for Master (Foreign Going) MMD Exams is rigorous: it includes sea-service requirements, mandatory courses, written exams, and orals. This blog lays out all the correct up-to-date details so you know what you need to prepare.
Eligibility & Sea-Service Requirements
To appear for the Master (F.G.) exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria under the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules. Key requirements:
- Hold the Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate (First Mate) F.G. under Regulation II/2 of STCW.
- Complete approved sea-going service:
- Minimum 36 months as Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OIC NW) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
- At least 18 months of those must be on ships of 3000 GT or more.
- From the 36 months, at least 12 months sea-service must be after obtaining the Chief Mate F.G. certificate, and within that 12, at least 6 months must be on ships of 3000 GT or more.
- Complete mandatory approved courses:
- Advanced Shipboard Management (ASM) course.
- Ship Manoeuvring Simulator & Bridge Teamwork (SMS) course.
- ECDIS course if not already done.
These ensure that you not only have sea time but also the advanced knowledge and skill expected of a Master. Directorate General of Shipping+2Directorate General of Shipping+2
Courses & Training Before Exam
Before you sit for the Master (F.G.) written and oral exams, DG Shipping mandates certain course completions:
- Advanced Shipboard Management (ASM) – A course designed to build management-level knowledge of ship operations, safety, environment, legal responsibilities.
- Ship Manoeuvring Simulator & Bridge Teamwork (SMS) – Practical simulator-based training to improve ship handling, collision avoidance, bridge resource management under advanced scenarios.
- ECDIS Course – If you haven’t already done it, this course familiarizes you with electronic navigation and the ECDIS system.
Only after completing these courses and meeting the sea service requirements can you apply for the exam. Directorate General of Shipping+1
Written Examination: Subjects & Passing Marks
DG Shipping sets written exams covering Management-level standards under STCW for Master F.G. The written papers include multiple subjects. While DG Shipping notices do not always publish fixed pass marks for each subject in the Master exam publicly (unlike some lower levels), there are some consistent details from past notices:
- You will be examined in subjects that cover:
- Advanced Navigation & Passage Planning
- Ship Construction, Stability, Strength & Hull Integrity
- Cargo Operations, Load Line, Cargo Safety & Stowage
- Maritime Law, International Conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Lines, STCW), ISM Code, etc.
- Meteorology & Watchkeeping under all conditions
- Bridge Equipment, Communications & Emergency Procedures
- Written exam durations and total marks vary per subject. In past exams for this level, many papers had maximum marks of around 200 for major subjects.
- Candidates must pass all written papers individually. Failing one subject means you may need to reappear for that subject only.
Because DG Shipping sometimes revises the syllabus or pass marks, you must refer to the latest examination circular / syllabus published on the DG Shipping website for your exam session.
Orals: Structure & What to Expect
In addition to written papers, orals assess your practical knowledge, judgement, and ability to apply rules and procedures. For Master (Foreign Going), the oral exam is divided into three functions, each aligned with Management-level responsibilities. You must pass all three to earn the CoC.
Here are the oral functions and typical topics:
Function 1 – Navigation & Ship Handling
You will be questioned on:
- Passage planning, navigation under normal and adverse conditions
- Position fixing, use of navigational aids (Radar, ARPA, ECDIS, GPS etc.)
- Ship manoeuvering: turning circles, stopping distance, handling in restricted waters, pilotage, tug operations
- Collision regulations (COLREGS), restricted visibility, night navigation, distress situations
- Compass error corrections, gyro issues, magnetic variation
Function 2 – Cargo, Ship Safety & Environmental Protection
This function includes:
- Cargo handling: loading, unloading, stowage, segregation, dangerous goods, IMDG Code
- Cargo securing, stability during cargo handling, free surface effect, effects on trim and draft
- Pollution prevention: implementation of MARPOL, oil pollution, garbage, noxious liquid substances, shipboard environmental procedures
- Life-saving and firefighting appliances, drills, emergency procedures (abandon ship, fire, flooding)
Function 3 – Management, Law, Crew & Operational Responsibility
Here they test your management level duties, including:
- Legal knowledge: Indian Merchant Shipping Act, admiralty law, carriage of goods, contracts, crew agreements, wages, manning certificates
- International conventions: SOLAS, STCW (Management Level), ISM Code, COLREGS, Load Line conventions
- Crew management: watch schedules, bridge resource management, fatigue, human factor, leadership
- Documentation: ship certificates, log books, record keeping, emergencies reporting, casualty reporting
- Decision making: response to emergencies, risk assessment, security (ISPS), medical emergencies onboard
Passing, Retake & Fees
- You must pass all written papers, satisfy signalling (if applicable), and pass all three oral functions. DG Shipping does not accept aggregate pass; each required subject / function must be passed.
- If you fail in one function of oral, you only need to reappear for that function, not the entire oral exam.
- Exams have fees. For Master (Foreign Going) exams (for ships less than 3000 GT with management level qualification), both written and oral exam fees are higher compared to lower ranks. Directorate General of Shipping
Preparation Tips
To increase your chances of passing:
- Ensure all sea service logs and Chief Mate F.G. CoC are fully in order before applying.
- Complete the required courses (ASM, SMS, ECDIS) well ahead, so you have time to absorb the material.
- Practice numericals: passage planning, stability, stresses, cargo calculations.
- Simulate orals: make mock oral exams with seniors or mentors covering all three functions. Practice scenario-based questions.
- Stay updated on recent circulars, amendments to conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL etc.), since laws change. DG Shipping sometimes updates syllabus or rules.
Wrap-Up
Becoming a Master (Foreign Going) is a demanding but rewarding step. You need significant sea time, advanced courses, solid written exam performance, and strong oral exam skills across three functions: Navigation & Ship Handling; Cargo & Environmental Safety; and Legal / Management responsibilities.
If you prepare thoroughly in all these areas, you stand a good chance of clearing the exam in your first attempt. Best of luck with your studies and your future career!
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to provide accurate details about the Master (Foreign Going) MMD Exams, candidates should always refer to the latest official circulars and notices from the Directorate General of Shipping, India, for final and updated requirements.
