What is Certificate of Proficiency and How to Download It?
1:- What is Certificate of Proficiency?
For seafarers, a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is a necessary certificate that verifies they pass the requirements for specific duties on board.
The Certificate of Proficiency, which authorized maritime officials issue, confirms a person’s completion of the necessary training and the abilities needed to carry out jobs like able seafarer deck or engineer, According to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping STCW criteria, it is required for different grades.
A seafarer’s ability to advance in their career in the shipping company depends on obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency, which confirms their credentials for international shipping operations.
2:- Certificate of Proficiency – Able Seafarer
3:- How to Apply for the AB Certificate of Proficiency (COP)
- Step 1- Visit the CMMI Office: Go to the office from Monday to Wednesday, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- Step 2- Download the Forms: Download the COP application form and checklist here. Click here.
- Step 3- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all original documents needed and arrange them as per the checklist.
- Step 4- Fill Out the Application: Complete the application form carefully.
- Step 5- Pay the Fees: ₹3750 to “Principal Officer MMD, Mumbai” via the Bharatkosh System. ₹2655 to “The Company of Master Mariners of India” through online payment.
- Step 6- Submit Your Application: Hand in your completed form and documents in person at the CMMI Office.
- Step 7- Collect Your Certificate: Pick up your COP in person from the office.
4:- Eligibility Criteria for Certificate of Proficiency
| Category | Eligibility | Minimum Sea Service | Required Documents |
| Category I | Seafarer with Watch Keeping Certificate (WKC) issued before 01 Jan 2012 | 12 months (with TAR book) OR 18 months (without TAR book) between 01 Jan 2007 – 01 Jan 2012 | See Required Documents Below |
| Category II | Seafarer with WKC issued between 01 Jan 2012 and 31 Dec 2016 | 12 months (with TAR book) OR 18 months (without TAR book) between 01 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2016 | See Required Documents Below |
| Category III | Seafarer with WKC issued after 01 Jan 2017 | 12 months after 01 Jan 2017 (TAR book mandatory) | See Required Documents Below |
5:- Document Required for Certificate of Proficiency
Please ensure that the following documents, along with the application form, are submitted. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may result in delays or rejection for the Certificate of Proficiency (COP) Able Seafarer Deck.
| List of Documents Required for Certificate of Proficiency Able Seafarer Deck |
| Original application form duly filled and signed |
| Photocopy of INDoS number printout |
| Photocopy of Indian CDC (all stamped pages) |
| Photocopy of Passport (all stamped pages) |
| Photocopy of COP as Rating Forming Part of Navigational Watch |
| Category I: Seafarer with WKC issued prior to 01 Jan 2012 and 12 months sea service (between 01 Jan 2007 and 01 Jan 2012). No TAR Book required. Original sea service letter issued by employer/operator confirming the details. |
| Category II: Seafarer with WKC issued on or after 01 Jan 2012 until 31 Dec 2016. Sea service letter confirming competence per STCW code A-II/5. Must meet one of the following: A) Not less than 18 months of sea service in the Deck Department, obtained before 31 Dec 2016 (no TAR Book required). B) From 01 Jan 2017, at least 12 months of sea service with a completed approved TAR Book. |
| Approved AB Training Record Book (original or attested). Required for Category II. Will be returned with AB Certificate if eligible. |
| Photocopy of the following training courses: (1) Refresher training in FPFF (if done more than 5 years ago) (2) Elementary First Aid (EFA) (3) Refresher training in PST (if done more than 5 years ago) (4) Personnel Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) (5) Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD) (6) Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) (7) Refresher training in PSCRB (if done more than 5 years ago) |
| Photocopy of Article of Agreement (Indian flag vessels) or Contract letter (Foreign flag vessels) |
| Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (40 x 30 mm) |
Click here to download the detailed required document form provided by the Company of Master Mariners of India.
6:- Documents Required for Certificate of Proficiency for Able Seafarer Engine
- Able Seafarer ENGINE Certificate will be issued only after gaining sailing experience of 12-18 months.
- Original application form
- Copy of INDOS number print out
- Color passport-size photograph (light or white Background)
- Approved AB training record book
- Copy of Indian CDC/Seaman book (All Stamped Pages with Self Attested)
- Copy of Passport (all emigration pages with all relevant pages self-attested)
- Photocopy of COP as a rating forming part of an engineering watch.
COPY OF TRAINING COURSES AS APPLICABLE:
- PRE-SEA Training (G.P RATING)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
- Photocopy of Article of Agreement in case of Indian Flag Ships OR Contract Letter in case of Foreign Flag Vessels
Note: COP will be issued in 7 days, with Web Verification functional within 24 hours from the same date.
7:- FAQs Regarding AB COP
A COP is a certification that verifies seamen has completed the training and meets the required competence standards as per STCW regulations for specific Able Seafarer Deck or Engine duties.
Able Seafarer Deck or Engine, a minimum of 12-18 months of sea service is required, depending on the category and whether the Training Record Book (TAR Book) is completed.
Required documents include the original application form, INDoS number printout, Indian CDC, passport copy, training records, sea service letters, and relevant training certificates.
The processing time for issuing a COP is typically 7 days, with web verification available within 24 hours.
The application form for the COP can be downloaded from the official Company of Master Mariners of India website. Click Here
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