Deck officer by lateral entry from deck rating
Official reference: TEAP Part A II/1 paras 4, 5.5, 8.2
A deck rating who has 10+2 with physics, chemistry and mathematics can become a deck officer: after a long period of sea service as rating or cadet the rating completes the NWKO (NCV) course and examination, the post-sea foundation course in nautical physics, chemistry, mathematics and electronics, and the Second Mate competency and proficiency courses, before the Second Mate (foreign-going) examinations.
Where this route can take you
Who can apply
Each requirement is summarised from the official publication linked beside it — follow the link for the exact wording.
Academic: 10+2 with PCM
TEAP manual, Part A ↗A rating who has passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects.
English
TEAP manual, Part A ↗At least 50% in English in Class 10 or Class 12.
Age at issue of certificate
M.S. (STCW) Rules 2014, Rule 20 ↗At least 18 years old when the certificate is issued.
Pre-sea medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner
Medical Examination Rules 2000, Rule 6 ↗A medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner, done after selection for pre-sea training.
MS (Medical Examination) Rules 2000 are the operative rules. TEAP I/9 names 'Medical Examination Rules 2013', which DGMA does not publish; the MS (Medical) Rules 2026 (r.22 same arrangement) are PROPOSED — gazette number G.S.R. XX — and replace the 2000 Rules only on publication
Step by step
- 1
Pre-sea rating course and long sea service as rating / cadet
36 months of sea service as a Deck Rating or Deck Cadet after the three- or six-month pre-sea course.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 2
- 3
Possible additional sea service as OOW (NCV)
Where applicable, a further 6 months of sea service as an NCV watchkeeping officer before the Second Mate (FG) examination.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 4
Post-sea Foundation Course (PCME) and written examination
The post-sea Foundation Course (PCME) in nautical physics, chemistry, mathematics, electricity and electronics, followed by its written examination.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 5
Bridge watch-keeping under supervision, documented in the Training Record Book
At least 8 hours of bridge watch in every 24 hours at sea, recorded in the Training Record Book.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 6
Post-sea Second Mate (F.G.) competency course
The post-sea Second Mate competency course applies to candidates from every other entry stream.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 7
Post-sea proficiency courses (ROSC, ARPA, ECDIS, GMDSS GOC, PSCRB, AFF, MFA, security)
The post-sea proficiency courses — ROSC, ARPA, ECDIS, GMDSS GOC, PSCRB, AFF, MFA and the security course.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 8
Examination: Navigation at the Operational Level (written, oral, visual signalling)
An approved competency course, then the written, oral and visual-signalling examinations.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 9
Examination: Cargo Handling and Stowage; Controlling the Operation of the Ship (written and oral)
The written and oral examination in Cargo Handling and Stowage at the operational level.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 10
Certificate of Competency: Second Mate of a foreign-going ship (OIC NW, Form 1)
The Certificate of Competency is issued in Form 1 (Second Mate, foreign-going).
M.S. (STCW) Rules 2014, Rule 20 ↗
The rules behind this route
Rules made under the repealed Merchant Shipping Act 1958 continue in force under section 324(2)(a) of the Merchant Shipping Act 2025.
MS Act 2025 s.324(2)(a): rules made under the repealed MS Act 1958 continue in force
Rule 20 sets the rating alternative: at least thirty-six months of approved sea service in the deck department.
The TEAP manual provides lateral entry for ratings to qualify as officers in charge of a navigational watch.
This page is built from the official DGS Training and Examination Advisory Programme (the TEAP manual) and the current orders of DGMA (the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, called DG Shipping until June 2026). Requirements are summarised in plain language — every section links to the official publication for the exact wording. Requirements made under the old Merchant Shipping Act 1958 still apply under the new Merchant Shipping Act 2025.