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NCV Officer License Rules for Merchant Navy (2025 Guide)

Home - NCV Officer License Rules for Merchant Navy (2025 Guide)

Everything You Need to Know About Eligibility, Exams, Training & Career Scope
If you want to build a strong career in the Merchant Navy near coastal waters, earning an NCV Officer License is one of the smartest pathways. NCV stands for Near Coastal Voyage, and this license allows you to sail within 200 nautical miles from the Indian coastline. Whether you want to become a Deck Officer, Engine Officer, or aim for promotions in coastal shipping, understanding the NCV rules is essential.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete, easy-to-understand, SEO-optimized explanation of the NCV Officer License Rules, including eligibility, exams, mandatory courses, sea-time requirements, fees, and career growth.

What is an NCV Officer License?

An NCV Officer License is issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India. This license allows you to work as an officer on vessels engaged in:

  • Coastal shipping
  • Dredgers
  • Tugs and supply vessels
  • Ports and harbor crafts
  • Small and medium-sized merchant vessels within coastal limits

Unlike FG (Foreign Going) licenses, NCV limits you to near-coastal regions—but offers faster promotions, lower sea-time requirements, and quick job opportunities.

NCV Officer License Levels
There are three officer levels in the NCV stream:

  1. NCV Deck Watchkeeping Officer (DCE – Officer of the Watch)
    Allows you to work as a junior deck officer.
  2. NCV Second Mate (NCV)
    You can sail as Second Officer on NCV vessels.
  3. NCV Mate (NCV) / Chief Mate NCV
    The highest rank under NCV, eligible for senior officer positions.

Eligibility for NCV Officer License

1. Educational Qualification Minimum requirement:

  • 10th pass (for some trainees)
  • 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics – preferred
  • For Engine NCV: ITI / Diploma (Marine Fitter, Mechanical, Electrical)

2. Age Limit

  • Usually 16–25 years for entry courses
  • No strict age limit for conversion or higher licenses

3. Medical Fitness

  • Must clear DG Shipping Medical Test from an approved doctor with:
  • Normal eyesight
  • No color blindness
  • Good physical and mental health

4. Mandatory Courses

  • All candidates must complete STCW Courses, including:
  • Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
  • Elementary First Aid (EFA)

More advanced ranks require additional courses like:

  • Radar & ARPA
  • GMDSS (for officers)
  • NAEST-O / NAEST-M
  • ECDIS

NCV Sea-Time Requirements:

This is the core rule for NCV licensing.

To Become NCV Deck Watchkeeping Officer-

  • 18 months sea-time on NCV vessels
                                   OR
  • 24 months on any coastal vessel

To Become Second Mate NCV

  • Additional 12 months sea-time after Watchkeeping
  • Minimum 6 months bridge watchkeeping certificate

To Become NCV Mate / Chief Mate

  • Total 36 months sea-time
  • Advanced navigation courses + oral exams
  • Sea-time must be endorsed by a Master and verified by DGS.

Exams Under NCV License Pathway

1. Written Examination
Conducted by MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, or Vizag.

Subjects include:

  • Navigation & Chart Work
  • Coastal Navigation
  • Ship Stability
  • Meteorology
  • Cargo Work
  • Ship Construction
  • Marine Engineering Basics
  • Rules of the Road (COLREG)

2. Oral Examination
Taken by examiners at MMD, covering:

  • Practical navigation
  • Coastal rules
  • Emergency procedures
  • Watchkeeping responsibilities
  • GMDSS understanding (for Second Mate NCV)

3. Simulators
Mandatory simulator courses for ECDIS, Radar & ARPA, and NAEST help officers prepare for real-world navigation.

Rules for NCV License Conversion to FG (Foreign Going)
One major benefit: NCV license can be upgraded to FG license.

Requirements for conversion:

  • Completion of FG-specific courses
  • Additional sea-time (usually 12 months on FG vessels)
  • Clearing FG oral exams at MMD
  • This gives greater career flexibility.

Documents Required for NCV License Application

INDOS number

CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)

Sea-time letters & signed logbooks

Medical fitness certificate

STCW course certificates

Academic certificates

Passport-size photographs

Fees receipt and application form (As per 2025)

Fees for NCV Licensing (Approx.)
Item Cost (INR)

  • STCW Basic Courses ₹15,000 – ₹20,000
  • Advanced Courses (GMDSS, ARPA, ECDIS) ₹40,000 – ₹70,000
  • MMD Exam Fees ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 per attempt
  • Medical Fees ₹1,000 – ₹2,500
  • Total Estimated Cost ₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000
    Prices may vary by institute.

Career Scope After NCV Officer License

You can work on:

  • Cargo coastal vessels
  • Passenger ferries
  • Dredgers
  • Offshore support vessels (OSV/PSV)
  • Tugs
  • Coastal tankers
  • Port crafts / harbor vessels

Job Roles Include:

  • Deck Watchkeeping Officer
  • Second Officer (NCV)
  • Chief Officer (NCV)
  • Master on coastal vessels (after promotions)

Salary Range:

  • unior Officer: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month
  • Second Officer: ₹80,000 – ₹1,60,000 per month
  • Mate / Master (NCV): ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000+ per month

Coastal vessels offer short contracts, more shore time, and quick promotions.

Why Choose NCV Over FG?

Advantages:

  • Lower sea-time requirement
  • More job availability in India
  • Easy to start career
  • Works well for those who prefer shorter voyages
  • Faster promotions to higher ranks

Disadvantages:

  • Limited to 200 nautical miles
  • Salary lower than FG
  • Need extra exams for conversion

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Conclusion

The NCV Officer License is a rewarding and accessible entry route into the Merchant Navy. Whether you want to work on coastal ships, offshore vessels, dredgers, or tugs, NCV provides a stable, high-growth, and high-income career. With clear eligibility rules, structured exams, and manageable sea-time requirements, it offers one of the smoothest pathways for maritime professionals.

“If you follow the rules, complete your STCW courses, collect your sea-time, and clear your MMD exams, you can progress from a Trainee Seafarer to an NCV Mate or even NCV Master.“