GMDSS GOC COC Revalidation: Everything Indian Seafarers Need to Know

Your GMDSS GOC Certificate of Competency (COC) has an expiry date — and ignoring it can have serious consequences for your career at sea. Whether you're actively sailing and due for renewal, or you've been ashore for a while and suddenly realised your COC has lapsed, this guide covers every revalidation scenario clearly and completely.

The good news: there's a defined path forward regardless of your situation. The key is knowing which path applies to you.

Why GMDSS COC Revalidation Matters

Indian seafarers are required to hold two valid documents related to GMDSS:
1.    GOC from WPC Delhi — the radio operator licence issued by the Ministry of Communications
2.   GMDSS GOC COC from MMD — the Certificate of Competency issued under STCW standards by the Directorate General of Shipping

Both have validity periods. Both need to be kept current. During a Port State Control (PSC) inspection, inspectors will check both. An expired MMD GMDSS COC — even if your WPC GOC is still valid — can make you non-compliant and jeopardise your ship's operations.

This blog focuses entirely on revalidating your MMD-issued GMDSS COC.

Understanding Your Situation: Which Scenario Are You In?

There are three distinct revalidation scenarios depending on your current status. Identifying yours before you start will save you time and confusion.

Scenario 1: WPC GOC is Valid + MMD COC Expired + You HAVE 12 Months Sea/Shore Service in Preceding 5 Years

This is the most straightforward revalidation path. You have the qualifying service and just need to complete the online application process.

What to do: Follow the standard online application process for GMDSS GOC COC via the DG Shipping e-Governance portal. The process is identical to a fresh application — there is no separate "renewal form." You apply for a fresh COC using your current qualifications and service record.

Full step-by-step instructions are in the next section.

Scenario 2: WPC GOC is Valid + MMD COC Expired + You Have EQUIVALENT SHORE SERVICE (No Sea Service in Past 5 Years)

If you've been working ashore in a role considered equivalent to sea service and your COC has expired, you can still apply online — but with a specific workaround at the Sea Service Details stage.

What to do: Follow the standard online application process, but at the Sea Service Details tab, enter dummy sea service (more than one year) and note it as "Dummy sea service" in the Remarks column. Upload your equivalent shore service letter as an attachment during the document upload stage.

Scenario 3: WPC GOC is Valid + MMD COC Expired + You DO NOT Have 12 Months Sea or Shore Service in Preceding 5 Years

This is the scenario that worries most seafarers — and understandably so. If you've been away from both sea and equivalent shore work for an extended period, you may feel stuck.

What to do: You are not stuck. Under NT Exam Circular 03 of 2021, you can apply for revalidation via an oral test conducted by MMD. This route is detailed fully in the final section of this guide.

Step-by-Step: Online GMDSS GOC COC Revalidation (Scenarios 1 & 2)

Step 1 — Access the DG Shipping Portal

Open Mozilla Firefox and navigate to www.dgshipping.gov.in. Click on "E-GOVERNANCE" in the top menu bar, then select "e-governance" from the dropdown.

Use Mozilla Firefox — the DGS portal is optimised for it.

Step 2 — Log In with Your INDoS Number

Log in using your INDoS number and password. Go to the Seafarer section and click on "GMDSS Radio Operator".

Step 3 — Click “Application for GMDSS Radio Operator”

From the left-hand panel under "Services for Seafarer – Nautical", click on "Application for GMDSS Radio Operator". This opens the GMDSS Application with five tabs.

Step 4 — Fill in Personal Details (Tab 1)

Your personal information will be auto-populated from your INDoS profile. Review every detail carefully — the certificate will be printed exactly as it appears here.

You will also need to fill in:

• Office Applied To — select the MMD office you are applying to
• Application Type — choose correctly; this cannot be changed after submission
• Place and Date of Examination
• GOC Booklet Number (WPC Delhi) and its valid date
• Issue date and valid date of your previous GMDSS Endorsement/CoC issued by MMD
• Grade and CoC Number
• Medical Certificate details (doctor's name, DGS Approval No., date and place of issue)

Important for revalidation: You will need details of your previously issued GMDSS COC (issue date, valid date, CoC number). Have your old certificate handy before starting.

If any personal data needs to be corrected, use the "Request for Personal Details Correction in Seafarer Profile" link before submitting. Once submitted, nothing can be changed.

Step 6 — Fill in Sea Service Details (Tab 3)

For Scenario 1 (Active sea service):

Enter details of your qualifying sea service — vessel name, port of registry, vessel type, rank served, and service dates. Click "Click to add Sea Service Details" after each entry. The system requires a minimum of one year of sea service from 01-Jul-2018 onwards.

For Scenario 2 (Equivalent shore service):

The system cannot proceed without a sea service entry. Use this workaround:
•    Enter dummy sea service details (duration: more than one year)
•    In the Remarks field, clearly write: "Dummy sea service"
•    Upload your equivalent shore service letter during the document upload stage (Tab 5)

Warning: Sea service details cannot be edited once the application is submitted. Verify all vessel names, ranks, and dates before moving to the next tab.

Step 7 — Review Fees Details (Tab 4)

The revalidation application fee is ₹3,000, payable via ePayment. Review the fees page and proceed.

Step 8 — Attach Documents and Generate Application Number (Tab 5)

The following 7 documents are required for upload:

For equivalent shore service cases: Replace Document 4 with your shore service letter.

Tick the "I agree" declaration checkbox and click “Generate Application No.”

This is the point of no return. Once you generate the application number, the data is locked and cannot be modified.

Step 9 — Pay the Application Fee

After the application number is generated, your status screen will show "Payment Status: Not Paid" with a "Pay Now" link. Click it to complete your ₹3,000 payment online.

Alternatively, payment can be made through the "Pay CoC & CoP Fees, Upload Documents and View Status" link from the main Seafarer Services page.

Key points:

• Fees are non-refundable once paid.
• Do not make multiple payments. If payment is debited but not reflected after 3 working days, email egovernance-dgs@nic.in with your

Application No., Transaction ID, payment date, and amount.

Step 10 — Upload Documents and Monitor Application Status

After payment confirmation, return to the "Pay CoC & CoP Fees, Upload Documents and View Status" page. Click "Upload Docs" against your application and upload all required documents.

Track your application by monitoring the Remarks column:

If MMD raises a query on any document, re-upload the corrected document through the Upload Docs tab.

Scenario 3 in Detail: No Qualifying Sea or Shore Service — The Oral Test Route

This scenario is governed by NT Exam Circular 03 of 2021, which provides a specific alternative for candidates who:

• Do not have the required sea time (12 months in preceding 5 years)
• Have not performed functions considered equivalent to sea service
• Are unable to attend an approved training course

What Is the Oral Test Option?

Under this circular, such candidates may contact their Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) to appear for an oral test conducted by the department.

The test covers the theoretical aspects of minimum standard of competence for GMDSS radio operators, as specified in:

• Table A-IV/2, Column 2 of the STCW Code — the benchmarks for GMDSS radio operator competency
• Section A-I/II, 1.3 of the STCW Code — requirements to establish continued professional competence

What Happens After You Pass?

On successful completion of the oral test, your GMDSS COC can be revalidated for a further 5 years.

How to Access This Route

Contact your nearest MMD (Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, etc.) directly to express your intention to appear for the oral test under NT Exam Circular 03 of 2021. The MMD will guide you on scheduling and preparation.

Summary: Which Route Applies to You?

Fees Structure

Common Mistakes During Revalidation

1. Waiting too long to start The online application, document preparation, fee payment, upload, and MMD review all take time. Don't wait until your COC has already lapsed — start at least 3 months before the expiry date.
2. Not having your old COC details During the Personal Details tab, you'll need the issue date, valid date, and CoC number of your previous GMDSS COC. Have this certificate physically available.
3. Uploading incorrect or unclear documents Low-resolution scans will trigger queries from MMD and delay the entire process. Ensure all scans are clear, complete, and correctly labelled.
4. Entering incorrect sea service dates These cannot be changed after submission. Cross-check your CDC entries before entering dates in the portal.
5. Using the wrong application type Selecting the wrong application type at the Personal Details stage is irreversible without requesting a rejection via MMD email. Choose carefully.
    

Frequently Asked Questions for Revalidation

Q. My WPC GOC is valid but my MMD COC has expired. Which document do I use during a PSC inspection?

Both documents are required independently. An expired MMD COC makes you non-compliant even if your WPC GOC is current. Get the MMD COC revalidated as soon as possible.

Q. Can I work on board while my revalidation is being processed?

This depends on your employer and flag state requirements. Consult your manning agent or DPA. In general, serving with an expired GMDSS COC carries compliance risk.

Q. I was working ashore in a maritime company. Does that count as equivalent shore service?

Not automatically. The shore service must be in a specific capacity recognised by DGS as equivalent to sea service. Check the applicable DGS circular or consult MMD for guidance.

Q. What is the validity period of the revalidated GMDSS COC?

Upon revalidation (including via the oral test route), the GMDSS COC is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

Q. I've been ashore for over 5 years. Is there any way to get my COC revalidated?

Yes — through the oral test route at MMD as specified in NT Exam Circular 03 of 2021. Contact your nearest MMD office to begin the process.

Q. Can I track the status of my application online?

Yes. Log in to the DGS e-Governance portal, go to "Pay CoC & CoP Fees, Upload Documents and View Status," and check the application status and Remarks column.

Don't Let a Lapsed Certificate Hold Back Your Career

A valid GMDSS COC is not just a regulatory checkbox — it represents your readiness to handle life-saving maritime communications. Whether you're renewing it to continue your sea career or maintaining it while exploring shore opportunities, keeping your certifications current is always the right move.

If you're at a stage in your career where you're evaluating what comes next — whether to continue sailing, transition to a shore role, or upgrade your qualifications for greater career mobility — Sea & Beyond can help you plan that path strategically.

Our team of maritime professionals provides guidance on:
•    Shore job opportunities across India, Dubai, Singapore, and global shipping hubs
•    Maritime courses and revalidation programs to keep your qualifications current
•    Career mentoring tailored to your sea experience and shore aspirations

Ready to take the next step in your maritime career? Explore shore jobs for seafarers and maritime courses at Sea & Beyond.