Introduction
Explore the Marine Engineering competency syllabus: For MEO Class I and II, global certs ( The Best info of 2025) for MEO Class I & II, exam eligibility, international certifications, sea service, and preparatory courses.Marine Engineer Officer syllabus guide: MEO Class I & II, global eligibility, preparatory course durations, international certifications, and key exam topics.
MEO Class I Syllabus (DG Shipping, India)
MEO Class I certification enables professionals to serve as Chief Engineers aboard merchant vessels worldwide, demanding advanced technical and regulatory competence.merchantnavydecoded+1
Regulatory and Legislative Knowledge
- Indian Merchant Shipping Act
- International Treaties and Conventions (UNCLOS, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM Code)
- ISO 9001, shipboard audits, Total Quality Management
Ship Stability and Safety
- Principles of ship stability
- Compliance with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)
- Ship Security and official documentation procedures
Technical and Engineering Management
- Classification societies, certificates, and surveys
- Ship operations and commercial/legal aspects
- Technical advances, engine development, environmental regulations
- Human resource and crew management
Managerial and Leadership Skills
- Training of onboard staff
- Emergency preparedness, inventory management, MIS
- Leadership and modern management principles
MEO Class II Syllabus (DG Shipping, India)
MEO Class II enables engineers to serve as Second Engineer Officers with increased operational responsibility and proficiency requirements.maritimeknowledge+3
Core Written Subjects
- Marine Engineering Knowledge (General, Motor)
- Marine Electro Technology
- Marine Engineering Practice
- Naval Architecture
- Ship Safety, Environmental Protection
Oral/Functional Assessment Areas
- Naval Architecture and Safety
- Marine Engineering Knowledge (Motor and General)
- Marine Electro Technology
- Marine Engineering Practice
Mandatory Advanced Courses
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue
- Medical First Aid
- Engine Room Simulator Training
Technical Focus Areas
- Design and operation of marine machinery (diesel engines, turbines, steam plants)
- Engine components (pistons, liners, bearings, alignment/fabrication)
- Propulsive characteristics, engine monitoring, and fault recognition
- Automatic controls and emergency operation protocols
Other International Certifications
IMO STCW Convention (Global Standard)
- Minimum standards for seafarer competence, certification, and watchkeeping
- Updated requirements for modern technology (ECDIS), marine environmental awareness, security training, leadership, teamwork, and polar operations
- Certification through written exams, oral exams, and practical assessments.maritimeducation+3
UK MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency)
- Syllabus covers engineering knowledge, legal and safety aspects, technical management, environmental care, and recent developments
- Incorporates revised programs for operational and management levels as of August 2025.gov+2
Australia AMSA
- Similar structure modeled closely on STCW
- Local modules focus on Australian maritime legislation, pollution control, shipboard safety, engine practice, and operational management.maritimeducation
Advanced courses required for MEO Class 2 certification
Mandatory Advanced Courses
- Advanced Fire Fighting
Provides in-depth knowledge and practical training regarding fire prevention, use of firefighting equipment, tactics for fighting onboard fires, coordination of firefighting parties, and emergency procedures. This course is essential for managing emergencies and leading firefighting operations on ships.merchantnavydecoded+1 - Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
This course covers the operation and maintenance of survival crafts (lifeboats, life rafts) and rescue boats, including launching procedures, handling in rough seas, search and rescue operations, and survival techniques. It ensures proficiency in assisting crew and passengers during evacuations.merchantnavydecoded+1 - Medical First Aid
Focuses on providing prompt and effective medical treatment in case of accident or illness at sea. Candidates learn about shipboard medical care, handling injuries, assessing medical conditions, and implementing immediate response prior to professional medical help.merchantnavydecoded+1 - Engine Room Simulator Training
Utilizes real-time, computer-based engine room simulations to expose candidates to complex operational scenarios, machinery faults, system failures, and emergency handling. It enhances decision-making and crisis management skills in a risk-free environment.merchantnavydecoded+1
Additional Required Courses (Varies by Authority)
Some authorities and training providers may also require or recommend the following, especially for international or upgraded certifications:
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
- High Voltage (Management) Training
- Helm Operational and Management Level Courses
- Tanker Familiarization and Crisis Management Endorsements
These advanced courses are governed by DG Shipping in India under STCW conventions, and similar standards are adopted in international certifications to ensure consistent global competency.merchantnavydecoded+1
Eligibility Criteria Comparison: MEO Class I vs Class II Exams
Here is a comparison of the eligibility criteria for MEO Class I and Class II exams, focused on requirements in India:
| Criteria | MEO Class I | MEO Class II |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Sea Service | 36 months as Engineer Officer on watch, including 12 months as holder of MEO Class II CoC (may be reduced to 24 months if 12 months served specifically as 2nd Engineer Officer)stcwcoursefinder+1youtube | 12 months of sea service with 240 days propelling time as Class IV Marine Engineer. Total minimum: 36 months sea service with at least 12 months as Engine Officer of Watch on ships with ≥750 kWmerchantnavydecoded+2 |
| Required Previous Certification | Must hold a valid MEO Class II CoCstcwcoursefinder+1 | Must hold a valid MEO Class IV CoCstcwcoursefinder+1 |
| Medical Fitness | Valid D.G. Shipping approved medical certificatemerchantnavydecoded | Valid D.G. Shipping approved medical certificatestcwcoursefinder+1 |
| Other Documents | Sea time completion letter, INDoS ID, CDC, passportstcwcoursefinder | Sea time completion letter, INDoS ID, CDC, passportstcwcoursefinder |
| Preparatory Course | 2-month MEO Class I preparatory courseyoutube | 4-month MEO Class II preparatory coursestcwcoursefinder+1 |
| Advanced Mandatory Courses | Same as for Class II (required at previous stage)stcwcoursefinder | Advanced Fire Fighting, Survival Craft & Rescue Boats, Medical First Aid, Engine Room Simulator trainingmerchantnavydecoded+1 |
| Exam | Written, oral, and simulator-based; management topics, legislation, conventions, ISM, ISPS, QMS, ship stability, surveysstcwcoursefinder+1 | Written and oral covering engineering, electrical technology, safety, ship constructionstcwcoursefinder+1 |
| Passing Percentage | 60% (typical, varies between modules)merchantnavydecoded | 60% for oral, 50% for written (varies by authority)merchantnavydecoded+1 |
Key Differences
- MEO Class I is for chief engineer roles, requires greater seniority, longer sea service and prior MEO Class II certification—plus more emphasis on ship management, global conventions, and legislation.stcwcoursefinder+1
- MEO Class II is for second engineer, requiring less sea service and prior Class IV certification, as well as completion of advanced safety and operational courses.merchantnavydecoded+2
Key sea service requirements for MEO Class I and II
Here’s a concise summary of key sea service requirements for MEO Class I and II:
MEO Class II Sea Service Requirements
- Minimum approved sea-going service: Typically 12 months as an Engineer Officer (watchkeeper) after obtaining Class IV, with at least 8 months as propelling time on ships ≥750 kW propulsion power.dgshipping
- Combined steam and motor: 16 months (8 each) with at least 12 months propelling time (6 each for steam and motor).dgshipping
- Endorsement (Motor or Steam): 6 months sea service, with 4 months as propelling time.dgshipping
MEO Class I Sea Service Requirements
- Minimum approved sea-going service: Usually 24 to 36 months as an Engineer Officer, including 12 months holding MEO Class II CoC as a Second Engineer Officer on ships ≥3,000 kW.merchantnavydecoded+2
- Combined steam and motor: 40 months (20 each) with not less than 12 months holding Class II combined CoC; can be reduced to 36 months with adequate time as Second Engineer.stcwcoursefinder+1
- Propelling time: At least two-thirds of the total corresponding sea service period must be active engine room watchkeeping or operating propulsion machinery.stcwcoursefinder+1
These requirements are subject to STCW 2010 standards and DG Shipping directives, ensuring extensive practical experience before advancing to examination eligibility.dgshipping+3
Mandatory courses for MEO Class I compared to Class II
Here is an outline comparing the mandatory courses for MEO Class I and MEO Class II certification in India:
MEO Class II Mandatory Courses
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Medical First Aid
- Engine Room Simulator Course
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) – Refresher
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF) – Refresher
- Security Training: Ship Security Officer (SSO) or Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)
- High Voltage (Management) – Mandatory
- Helm (Management) – Mandatory
- Tanker Familiarization Course (if serving on tankers)merchantnavydecoded+2
MEO Class I Mandatory Courses
- MEO Class I Preparatory/Engineering Management Course (DG Shipping-approved 2-month course focusing on advanced management, national/international maritime legislation, quality, ISM, ISPS, audits, classification society work, leadership, budgeting, management information systems, ISM–ISO integration, technical advances, crew management, shipboard HR)stcwcoursefinder+1
- All advanced STCW courses already required for MEO Class II must remain valid; no new safety or simulator courses are separately required at this stage
- Additional focus areas:
- International conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, UNCLOS, etc.)
- Ship safety, stability, surveying, audits, management principles, inventory/budgeting, crew and trainer duties, emerging ship technologies
- Legislative/ISM-ISPS compliance; environmental/law moduleshimtmarine+1
Preparatory Course Durations and Fees: India & International Comparison
Below is a comparison of typical preparatory course durations and fees for MEO Class I & II for both Indian and major international (UK MCA, AMSA Australia) engineering exams:stcwcoursefinder+5
| Region | MEO Class I Duration | MEO Class I Fee | MEO Class II Duration | MEO Class II Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2 months stcwcoursefinder | ₹20,000–₹40,000 stcwcoursefinder+1 | 4 months stcwcoursefinder | ₹25,000–₹64,000 stcwcoursefinder+2 | Fees & duration vary by institute; DG Shipping guidelinesstcwcoursefinder+1 |
| Australia | 10 months ukcoc | AU$31,682 ukcoc | 10 months ukcoc | AU$28,000 ukcoc | Applied Science/Bachelor’s route for AMSA CoC; includes academics and oral assessmentsukcoc+1 |
| UK (MCA) | Typically 2–4 months for prep merchantnavydecoded | GBP 150–3,000+ gov+1 | 2–4 months merchantnavydecoded | GBP 150–3,000+ gov+1 | Fees include course, LOA, application, and oral exam fees; varies by provider |
| International (AMSA/UK/USA) | Assessment/oral exam: 1–2 days amsa+1 | AU$544 (oral) + AU$190 (CoC issue) UK: £159 (CoC issue) amsa+1 | Assessment/oral: 1–2 days amsa+1 | AU$544 (oral) + AU$190 (CoC issue) UK: £159 (CoC issue) amsa+1 | Certificate fees are paid separately from preparatory training |
Key Points
- India: MEO Class I is a 2-month course, typically ₹20,000–₹40,000; Class II is 4 months, ₹25,000–₹64,000, varying by college and city.imare+2
- Australia: University route for AMSA Class II/I is about 10 months with academic and practical modules (AU$28,000–AU$31,682 annual fee). Extra charges such as health insurance (AU$1,000+) and assessment/oral exam fees (AU$544) apply.ukcoc+2
- UK (MCA): Prep courses range 2–4 months, costing GBP 150–3,000+ depending on college and exam fees. CoC issuance: £159. Oral assessments last about a day.gov+1
- USA/International: Most advanced certification systems (STCW) use similar preparatory timelines but charge separate assessment and certificate issue fees similar to AMSA/UK.amsa+1
International engineers should budget for longer academic durations, higher fees, and extra costs like health insurance and multiple certification/assessment charges, depending on region and whether university study is required.merchantnavydecoded+3
Document and medical fitness requirements for both exams
Here is a detailed comparison of document and medical fitness requirements for MEO Class I and MEO Class II exams in India:
| Requirement | MEO Class I | MEO Class II |
|---|---|---|
| Core Documents | – INDOS Certificate – Passport (all pages) – CDC (showing sea service) – MEO Class II CoC – Sea time completion letter – Preparatory Course Certificate – Advanced STCW course certificates – Engine Room Simulator certificate – Educational qualification (B.Tech/BE/Equivalent) – Updated DG Shipping Profile – Fees proofstcwcoursefinder+3 | – INDOS Certificate – Passport – CDC – MEO Class IV CoC – Original Sea Service Letter – Sea Service Testimonials – Preparatory Course Certificate – Advanced STCW course certificates – Engine Room Simulator certificate – Medical First Aid certificate – Refresher certificates for PST, FPFF, AFF, PSSR, SSO/STSDSD – Fees proofscribd+3 |
| STCW/Simulator | All advanced STCW course certificates valid at the time of application (AFF, FPFF, PST, PSSR, SSO/STSDSD, Medical First Aid, Engine Room Simulator)merchantnavydecoded+1 | Engine Room Simulator, Advanced Fire Fighting, Survival Craft & Rescue Boats, Medical First Aid, with all STCW course certificates validscribd+2 |
| Medical Fitness | Valid medical fitness certificate from DG Shipping–approved doctor (Form prescribed by DGS). Must meet strict cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, skeletal, and ENT standards; no chronic illness or physical deficiency, and good mental healthstcwcoursefinder+2 | Valid medical fitness certificate from DG Shipping–approved doctor. Same medical criteria apply as for Class I; fitness includes cardiovascular, respiratory, ENT, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, mental and dental health; no chronic illnesses, detailed standards followedscribd+3 |
Both exams require an up-to-date DG Shipping medical certificate, full documentation of training and sea service, and evidence of payment of examination/course fees.marineinsight+5
International conventions related to MEO Class I syllabus
International conventions form a crucial part of the MEO Class I syllabus, shaping legal, technical, and safety standards for marine engineer officers. These conventions are referenced in coursework, examinations, and operational protocols. Below are the central conventions:dgshipping+2
STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping)
- The STCW Convention by IMO defines minimum standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping worldwide. It includes management-level competencies in marine engineering, electrical/electronic/control engineering, maintenance/repair, and ship operation/care for persons on board.cmu-edu+2
- Updates—such as 2010 Manila Amendments—add modules on leadership, ECDIS, safety, and pollution prevention.samgongustofa+1
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)
- SOLAS governs ship safety, fire protection, structural requirements, lifesaving appliances, radio communications, and navigation standards.marineinsight+1
- Chapters in the MEO syllabus include general provisions, construction and stability, fire safety, lifesaving equipment, navigation, security, and carriage of cargo.marineinsight
MARPOL (Marine Pollution)
- MARPOL aims to prevent pollution from ships through regulation of oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and air emissions (SOx, NOx).scribd+1
- Candidates study shipboard procedures for handling, reporting, and disposing of pollutants in line with international law.
COLREG (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)
- The COLREG convention sets the rules for navigation, vessel conduct, and avoidance of collisions, with focus on machinery/electronics affecting safe navigation.dgshipping+1
Load Line Convention
- Regulates ship structural and operational limits to ensure safe loading and stability.scribd+1
Other Referenced Conventions
- International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
- International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT)
- Hague-Visby Rules, Hamburg Rules (cargo transportation)
- International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Intervention and Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response (OPRC, INTERVENTION)
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).dgshipping+1
Role in Syllabus
- Candidates must understand legislative frameworks, methods of adopting and ratifying conventions, enforcement mechanisms, and procedural updates.scribd+1
- Practical studies cover shipboard application, certification, surveys, and audits aligned to these conventions.scribd+1
These conventions equip MEO Class I candidates with global regulatory knowledge demanded for chief engineer or management-level roles on merchant ships.cmu-edu+2
Practical skills tested in MEO Class II oral exams
MEO Class II oral exams rigorously assess these practical skills to ensure candidates are ready for operational roles as Second Engineer Officers aboard merchant vessels:merchantnavydecoded+3
Machinery Operations & Fault Diagnosis
- Operate and maintain main engines, auxiliary machinery, propulsion systems, and boiler arrangements.
- Detect, diagnose, and resolve machinery malfunctions, including trouble-shooting high-temperature alarms, shaft misalignment, turbocharger surges, unit failures, fuel injection problems, and other typical on-board technical issues.scribd+1
Emergency Response & Safety
- Demonstrate correct fire safety procedures, response protocols to machinery breakdowns and shipboard emergencies.
- Show readiness to undertake temporary and permanent repairs, including safe use of fail-safe and safety devices.merchantnavydecoded+1
Performance Monitoring & Analysis
- Carry out real-time performance monitoring, calculate engine power and efficiency, interpret engineering logs, and apply methods for performance improvement.
- Analyze running diagrams and technical charts; explain actions for abnormal indicator readings (e.g., pmax low, abnormal power curves).maritimeducation+1
Watchkeeping & Communication
- Describe comprehensive engineering watch protocols, including taking over and handing over the watch, logging operational data, and maintaining routine machinery space logs.
- Exhibit clear internal and external communication skills using shipboard systems and spoken English.scribd+1
Safety of Ship & Environmental Protection
- Apply international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG) and shipboard procedures to safeguard people, property, and the environment.merchantnavydecoded+2
Legal and Professional Responsibilities
- Show knowledge of engineer officer duties, management responsibilities, documentation, certification, and preparedness to function as Chief Engineer if required.maritimeducation+1
These skills are tested through scenario-based questions and technical probing to gauge depth of understanding, crisis management ability, and professional judgment in real-world shipboard operations.merchantnavydecoded+2
FAQs (Schema)
- What is the passing percentage for MEO Class II exams?
Passing marks are typically 50% for written and 60% for oral exams.merchantnavydecoded+1 - Are simulator and hands-on courses compulsory?
Yes, advanced simulator and mandatory STCW practical courses are required for eligibility.stcwcoursefinder+1 - Is the syllabus updated for new technologies?
Yes, both Indian and international syllabi incorporate latest marine electronics, automation, ECDIS, and environmental safety modules.imo+2 - How do international certifications differ from DG Shipping?
Core principles remain similar, but international programs may add region-specific modules concerning local legislations, ship types, and operational parameters.publishing.service+1
Conclusion
Marine engineering syllabi for MEO Class I & II under DG Shipping and international programs emphasize deep technical knowledge, regulatory awareness, environmental stewardship, and leadership. Global harmonization through STCW ensures Indian certificate holders can transition smoothly to international careers with only minor local adjustments required.stcwcoursefinder+3
