Section 18(2) in The Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rules, 1998
(2)Every candidate for the certification shall,-(i)hold a certificate of competency as Navigational Watch-keeping Officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more on Near-Coastal Voyages;(ii)have approved sea-going service of not less than eighteen months; and(iii)have completed approved education, training, examination and assessment and meet the standard of competence as specified in section A-1I/2 of the STCW Code for Masters and Chief Mates on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.
