DG Shipping Issues Critical Advisory on Fraudulent Messages for STCW Competency Exams

The Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, has issued an important advisory for candidates appearing in the STCW Competency Examinations. The advisory highlights the emergence of fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages aimed at misleading candidates regarding their written and oral examinations. Candidates are urged to exercise caution and report any such incidents to the authorities immediately.

Key Advisory Details

Fraudulent Messages Alert:

• The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and Mercantile Marine Departments (MMD) have received reports of candidates being targeted by fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages. These messages falsely promise assistance or provide misleading information about the competency exams.

Official Communication Channels:

• It is emphasized that neither DG Shipping, MMD, nor any exam centers use SMS or WhatsApp to communicate with candidates. All official information is disseminated through the proper channels, and candidates should disregard any such unauthorized messages.

Reporting Fraudulent Activity:

• Candidates are strongly advised to block the numbers from which these fraudulent messages originate and refrain from engaging with the senders. Additionally, candidates should file an online complaint with the local police and report the incident to the nearest MMD or DG Shipping office. The authorities are actively investigating these incidents, and any candidate found interacting with fraudulent platforms may face severe consequences under the MS STCW Rules 2024, including permanent debarment.

Urgent Action Required: