HOW TO RENEW YOUR STCW CERTIFICATE IN INDIA

(Step-by-Step Guide)

A practical guide for working seafarers, 3rd and 4th Engineers, and deck officers whose STCW certificates are due for renewal.

Published by Mercantile Marine Academy (MMA), Kolkata

DGS-Approved Post-Sea Maritime Training Institute since 1998

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Many shipping companies require all STCW certificates to have a minimum of 6 months' remaining validity at the time of sign-on.

Do not wait until the expiry date — start your renewal process at least 3–6 months in advance.

Which STCW Certificates Need Renewal — and When

Under the STCW Convention (1978, as amended by the 2010 Manila Amendments), all basic and advanced safety certificates carry a 5-year validity from the date of issue.

Commonly Renewed Certificates

KEY RULE

If even a single module within your BST has expired, your entire BST certificate is treated as invalid by shipping companies and port state control officers.

A lapsed FPFF alone can cost you a contract — even if your PST, EFA, and PSSR are all current.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your STCW Certificate

STEP 01 – Check Your Certificate Expiry Dates

Pull out all your STCW certificates and note the issue date and expiry date of each module individually.

Do not assume all modules expire at the same time, especially if you renewed them separately in the past.

Your CDC and INDOS profile on the DGS portal will also reflect your current certificate status. Check this at least once every 6 months if you are actively sailing.

STEP 02 – Complete the Mandatory DGS E-Learning

As per DGS Training Circular No. 13 of 2020, e-learning is compulsory before attending any STCW modular course or refresher at a physical training institute in India.

You must:

• Complete the relevant online module on the DGS e-learning portal.

• Obtain the completion certificate before your batch date.

E-Learning Requirements

Important

No physical training institute in India can generate your DGS certificate unless your e-learning is marked complete in the DGS system.

Complete this step before contacting the institute for a batch date.

STEP 03 – Gather Your Documents

Keep the following documents ready:

• CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)

• INDOS Card / INDOS Number

• Existing STCW Certificates

• DGS E-Learning Completion Certificate

• Valid Government ID (Aadhar / Passport)

• Recent Passport Size Photographs

If enrolling for the first time and you do not yet have existing certificates, carry your CDC and INDOS details.

STEP 04 – Check Batch Availability and Enroll

Contact MMA Kolkata to check the next available batch.

MMA typically responds within 1 hour.

You can contact them via:

• Phone

• WhatsApp

• Email

Bundle Package

Refresher FPFF + RPST Bundle:

• Duration: 2 Days

• Fee: ₹3,600

• 
  

STEP 05 – Attend Training and Clear the Exit Assessment

Report to the designated MMA campus on the batch date.

Training includes:

• Classroom Sessions

• Practical Exercises

At the end of the course, candidates must pass:

• Written Assessment

• Practical Assessment (where applicable)

A pass in both is required for certificate issuance.

MMA faculty includes active and retired:

• Chief Engineers

• Master Mariners

• 
  

STEP 06 – Receive Your DGS-Issued Certificate

After successful completion:

• MMA uploads your details to the DGS portal.

• Certificate is issued through the official DGS system.

• Certificate is linked to your INDOS Number.

The certificate can be verified online and is recognized by:

• MMD Offices

• Shipping Companies

• Manning Agencies

• Port State Control Authorities Worldwide

• 
  

STCW Refresher Courses at MMA Kolkata

MMA has conducted STCW training continuously since 1998.

Course Fees

Common Mistakes That Delay STCW Renewal

Mistake 1 – Skipping DGS E-Learning

Most common reason for delays.

Even after completing training, certificates cannot be generated until DGS records show e-learning completion.

Mistake 2 – Joining a Non-DGS Approved Institute

Certificates from non-approved institutes may be:

• Rejected by employers

• Flagged during Port State Control inspections

• Cause problems during COC revalidation

MMA MTI Number:

303013

Mistake 3 – Waiting Until Expiry

Most companies require at least 6 months residual validity at sign-on.

Renew 6–9 months before joining your next vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I renew only one BST module?

Yes.

For example, if only FPFF has expired, you only need Refresher FPFF.

A full BSTC is not required unless multiple modules have expired or STCW conversion is needed.

Q2. My BST was issued by another institute. Can I renew at MMA?

Yes.

You only need:

• Existing Certificate

• CDC

• INDOS Details

• Relevant DGS E-Learning Completion

• 
  

Q3. How long does e-learning take?

Depends on the course:

• STSDSD: 6 Hours

• OCTO: 28 Hours

Training is completed through the DGS E-Learning Portal.

Q4. How do I verify my MMA certificate?

All certificates are uploaded to the DGS National Database.

Verification is done using your INDOS Number.

Q5. How quickly can I get a batch date?

MMA generally responds within 1 hour.

WhatsApp / Call:

+91 99392 10713

Ready to Renew Your STCW Certificate?

MMA is a post-sea training institute dedicated to working maritime professionals who need to remain certified, compliant, and ready for sea service.

Contact Details

📞 +91 99392 10713
✉️ mmakolkata@gmail.com
🌐 www.mmatrust.com

Address

15/21, Pillar No. 126, New BBT Road, Maheshtalla, Kolkata – 700141

Mercantile Marine Academy (MMA)
East India's Oldest Maritime Institute
Navigating Excellence Since 1998
DGS MTI No. 303013