(1) The following provision shall govern the entry, training and promotion of officers granted Short Service Commissions in the Engineering Branch of the Indian Navy: -
(2) Nationality. – A candidate must be an unmarried male and must fulfill the conditions regarding nationality as laid down by the Government.
(3) Technical Qualifications. – A candidate must possess any one of the following qualifications: -
(a) Government of India, Ministry of Transport and Communications Certificate of Competency as 1st class Engineer of a steamship or other similar certificate recognized by the Government.
(b) A degree in Marine or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized University, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering recognized by the Institute of Engineers (India) as exempting from Sections ‘A’ and ‘B’ of their Associate Membership Examination.
(c) Deleted vide Amendment No.16 SRO 17-E dt 5-7-67
(4) Age limits. – Candidates must conform to the following age limits on entry: - Lower Upper Age AAe Limit Limit ------- -------
(a) Those who fall under clause (a) Of sub-regulation (3) . . . 19 ½ years 30 years
(b) Others . . . . . 19 ½ years 25 years.
Explanation. – Upper age limit may be relaxed in cases falling under clause (a) by the Government in exceptional circumstances.
(5) Medical Standards. – Candidates must conform to the prescribed medical standards.
(6) Selection. – Candidates who are considered prima facie suitable shall be interviewed by a Services Selection Board and the final selection shall be made by the Government taking into consideration the Board’s recommendations subject to medical fitness.
(7) Duration of Commission. – The period of Short Service Commission shall be seven years commencing from the date of reporting for, or commencement of, training whichever is later.
This may be extended by a specified period at the discretion of the Chief of the Naval Staff, with the consent of the officer concerned, provided the period of extension does not exceed two years at a tim and the total service of the officer does not exceed ten years. On expiry of their Short Service contract, including any period of extension thereof, officers shall be placed on the Emergency List for a period of 5 years.
(8) Rank on entry. – (a) Those possessing a Certificate of Competency referred to in clause (a) of sub-regulation (3) shall be entered as a Lieutenant. Suitably qualified candidates may be granted up to a maximum of 2 years seniority in the rank at the discretion of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
(b) Others shall be entered as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant.
(9) Period of probation. – All officers shall be on probation for a period of 11/2 years. This may be extended upto 2 years at the discretion of the Chief of the Naval Staff, in the case of officers who fail to obtain their Engine Room Watchkeeping Certificates at the first attempt.
(10) Initial Training. – (a) Candidates possessing Certificate of Competency referred to in clause (a) of sub-regulation (3) shall undergo a Divisional Course and obtain an Engine Room Watchkeeping Certificate before being drafted for duties. Others shall be given professional prescribed training, and on its completion, they shall be required to pass an examination. They shall then be sent to sea to obtain Engine Room Watchkeeping Certificate.
(b) Cases of failure in the examination shall be referred to the Chief of the Naval Staff for consideration. Those who fail in the examination may, at the discretion of the Chief of the Naval Staff, be given further training in the subjects in which they had failed and be reexamined. Such of these officers who, in the opinion of the Chief of the Naval Staff will not benefit by further training shall be discharged from the Services as being unsuitable. Those who fail in the examination at the second attempt shall also be discharged from the Service as being unsuitable.
(11) Confirmation. – On Completion of their probationary period, provided they have obtained the Engine Room Watchkeeping Certificate and their progress and conduct have been satisfactory, the officers in possession of Certificate of Competency referred to in clause (a) of sub-regulation (3) shall be confirmed in the rank of Lieutenant with their original seniority in that rank. Other officers shall, on completion of their probationary period, be confirmed in the rank of Sub-Lieutenant with seniority of date as Acting Sub-Lieutenant provided:
(a) their progress and conduct have been satisfactory
(b) they have passed the examination referred to in sub-regulation (10); and © they have obtained the Engine Room Watchkeeping Certificate.
(12) Promotion. – Depending on the marks obtained in the examination. Sub-Lieutenant shall serve for a period of 11/2 years to 21/2 years in that rank (including the period served as Acting Sub-Lieutenant) before promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. Should an officer fail to obtain an Engine Room Watchkeeping certificate before he is due for confirmation in the rank of Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant, his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant shall be delayed correspondingly and the time thus lost shall not count as reckonable service for promotion:
Provided that where the Chief of the Naval Staff is satisfied, that any officer has been unable to obtain a Watchkeeping Certificate owing to the exigencies of Service, such officer may be promoted to the rank of Acting Lieutenant on the due date and confirmed in the rank of Lieutenant on obtaining the requisite certificate. With seniority of date of promotion to Acting Lieutenant.
Explanation.- officers specialise as Constructors and are unable to obtain their Engine Room watch keeping certificate, owing to the exigencies of the service, may be promoted to the confirmed rank of Lieutenant when due for such promotion (acting or confirmed) not withstanding their not being in possession of the Engine Room Watch-keeping certificate.
They shall, however, be required to obtain the said Wartch-keeping Certificate within one year of becoming available for employment in General Service.
(Vide amendment No.5-SRO 5-E dt 12-5-66)
(13) Refund of cost of Training. – If an officer voluntarily withdraws from initial training, or resigns during the probationary period, he shall be required to refund the cost of training in whole or in part, as may be determined by the Government, and all monies received by him as pay and allowances from the Government together with the interest on the said money calculated at the rate in force for Government loans.
(14) Permanent Commissions. – Suitable officers may be considered for the grant of Permanent Commissions in the Indian Navy at any time after successful completion of the period of probation subject to the existence of vacancies and the regulations current at the time.
SECTION V – OFFICERS IN THE ELECTRICAL BRANCH – CADET ENTRY