Section 121(4) in The Naval Ceremonial, Conditions Of Service And Miscellaneous Regulations, 1964
(4)If a Sub-Lieutenant, through no fault of his own, is unable to obtain a Watchkeeping Certificate by the date on which he becomes due for promotion to Lieutenant, details of the case together with the Captain's recommendation shall be referred to the Chief of the Naval Staff in order that consideration be given to the grant of the acting rank of Lieutenant. If the grant of acting rank is approved, the officer shall be given seniority as from the date on which he became due for promotion to Lieutenant, and pay of rank shall be effective from that date or from six months after date of first effective appointment as a Sub-Lieutenant (confirmed) whichever is later. On obtaining a Watchkeeping Certificate, the acting rank shall be confirmed as from the original date.
