How to get an endorsement from DGS for STCW certificates?

✓MasterGirish Nair

▲ 0 helpful

To get your STCW endorsement from DGS, you primarily need to apply through the e-governance system on the DGS website. First, ensure all your original STCW certificates (BST, PSCRB, MFA, AFF, etc.) are valid and your Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and passport are up-to-date. From my experience, the process involves uploading scanned copies of these documents. Once uploaded, you'll select your preferred MMD (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, or even Kandla now). After online scrutiny, you’ll receive an appointment date for physical verification. Don't forget your INDoS number. A practical tip: I always advise my cadets joining companies like Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) or Great Eastern Shipping to keep scanned copies of everything on a pen drive. The MMD officials will check originals thoroughly. Once verified, the endorsement is usually issued within a few days or even on the same day if all documents are in order. Bhai, be meticulous with your paperwork. Your next step: Log in to the DGS e-governance portal and initiate the application under "Endorsement of Certificate of Competency."

Hey mate, I went through this exact drill last vacation before joining my current tanker. The DGS website can be a real headache if you don’t know the hacks, but the process is mostly digital now. First, make sure your Seafarer Profile on the DG Shipping website is completely updated. Every single detail from your CDC, passport, and pre-sea training needs to match your certificates perfectly. I once had a mismatch in my middle name spelling, and it held up my GMDSS endorsement for weeks. Once your profile is updated, log into the e-governance portal and head to the COP endorsement section. You’ll need to upload clear, color scans of your STCW course certificates, DG-approved medicals, and CDC pages showing your sea time. Pay the fees online and keep a screenshot of the receipt just in case the portal glitches, which happens more often than we'd like. Keep an eye on the "Master Checker" status daily. If they query something, respond immediately rather than waiting. Don't waste money on agents; doing it yourself online is straightforward if you're patient. Once approved, you can download the digital certificate directly. Just print a high-quality copy for your bridge folder and you're good to sail. Safe passage!

✓Deck CadetArjay Flores

▲ 0 helpful

Hey brother, I know exactly how stressful dealing with the DGS website can be, especially when you are rushing to sign on. When I had to get my watchkeeping endorsement sorted, the biggest lesson I learned was that preparation saves you days of frustration. First, make sure your Seafarer Profile on the DGS e-Governance portal is completely updated. If your photo, signature, or sea time details are even slightly off, they will query it and reject the application. You need to scan your original STCW certificates, CDC, passport, and INDoS receipt in high resolution but keep the file sizes small, otherwise the server just crashes. Once everything is uploaded, apply under the COP endorsement section and pay the fee online. Keep a close eye on your application status daily. I once had an application stuck for a week just because of a tiny mismatch in my name spelling on my medical certificate. Don't wait until the last minute before your contract starts. Just take a deep breath, double-check every single document before hitting submit, and you should have that digital copy in your email within a couple of weeks. Stay safe out there, and fair winds!