The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DG Shipping), through Circular 64 of 2026, has extended the validity of Certificates of Competency (CoC), Certificates of Proficiency (CoP), and other STCW certificates. These extensions are in response to the persistent security challenges in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Black Sea, and Middle East/West Asia regions.
Affected seafarers are given an additional period of three months beyond their certificate’s expiry date or until they sign off from the vessel, whichever comes first. This measure also extends to endorsements that attest to the recognition of a Certificate of Competency.
The extension also covers certificates related to STCW basic and advanced safety training courses, including Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF), Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), and Medical Care (MC).
All relevant shipping companies, RPSL agencies, MMDs, and Indian seafarers are advised to adhere to the provisions stated in the document.
Source: DG Shipping — Circular 64 of 2026 (PDF), dated 28 September 2026.
Compiled by the Maritime Briefs Desk from the official document. Details are as published by the issuing body; check the original for complete requirements.
