Section 19(2)(ii) in The Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rules, 1998
(ii)have approved sea-going service as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more operating in Near-Coastal Voyages of not less than three years. However, this period may be reduced by the Chief Examiner concerned to a period of not less than thirty months, or pro-rata, if not less than one year of such sea-going service served as Chief Mate on ships of between 500 gross tonnage and 3000 tonnage operating in Near-Coastal Voyages;