DGS Guidelines on Swimming Pool Standards & Compliance for Maritime Training Institutes
- by legalbabu
- Updated Mar 9, 2025
- 4 mins read
DGS Guidelines on Swimming Pool Facilities, Pool Dimensions, and Compliance for Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs)
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued new guidelines for Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) regarding swimming pool dimensions, hygiene standards, and compliance for pre-sea and post-sea training courses. This article covers key updates from the latest DGS circulars to ensure MTIs meet the required standards.
Mandatory Swimming Pool Requirements for MTIs
- New MTIs: Institutes offering pre-sea courses must have an on-campus swimming pool with a minimum length of 50 feet, a breadth of 30 feet, and a depth of 3 feet to 12 feet.
- Existing MTIs: Institutions with pools shallower than 12 feet must establish tie-up arrangements with approved MTIs for conducting “Personal Survival Techniques” (PST) practicals.
- Jumping Platform: The jumping platform should be 2 meters above the water surface to meet safety standards.
- Alternative Arrangements: MTIs in areas with state restrictions on pool depth must partner with DGS-approved institutes that have compliant pools.
Hygiene and Safety Standards
MTIs must maintain strict hygiene and safety protocols, including:
- 24/7 CCTV surveillance around the pool area.
- Water filtration during training sessions and at least two hours before and after.
- Water quality maintenance: Chlorine levels should be between 1.0-3.0 PPM, with an ideal pH level of 7.4.
- Regular chlorine testing and documentation verified by an instructor.
- Clean and well-maintained washrooms.
- Periodic water testing through NABL-certified laboratories.
Compliance Deadlines for MTIs
- MTIs without compliant pools must construct one within six months or risk withdrawal of course approval.
- Pre-sea and post-sea institutes must ensure compliance before final approval—no extensions or exemptions will be granted.
- Swimming pool faclities must be within 80 km from the institue.
- Any institute with training facilities over 10 km from the main campus must inform candidates in advance.
Waterbody Specifications for PSCRB Training
- Training can be conducted in lakes, harbors, estuaries, or artificial waterbodies with a minimum area of 5,500 sq. meters to accommodate lifeboat maneuvering.
- Swimming pools are not allowed for lifeboat and rescue boat training, except for wet drills.
- Coastal MTIs must have alternative waterbody arrangements for training during monsoon seasons.
What are the minimum swimming pool dimensions required for MTIs?
New MTIs offering pre-sea courses must have an on-campus swimming pool with:
Length: 50 feet
Breadth: 30 feet
Depth: Varies from 3 feet (shallow end) to 12 feet (deep end).
Are existing MTIs required to modify their pools?
Yes, if the pool is shallower than 12 feet, MTIs must establish a tie-up with an approved institute or build a separate compliant pool.
Can PSCRB training be conducted in a swimming pool?
No, PSCRB training must be conducted in a lake, harbor, or artificial waterbody with a minimum area of 5,500 sq. meters.
What happens if an MTI does not meet compliance requirements?
MTIs must comply within six months, or their course approval will be revoked.
What is the required height for the jumping platform?
The jumping platform must be 2 meters above the water surface to ensure standardization.
How often must pool water testing be conducted?
MTIs must perform regular pool water testing through authorized laboratories like NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories), India.
What happens if an MTI fails to meet the swimming pool requirements?
Non-compliant MTIs will face withdrawal of approved courses requiring swimming pool facilities. No further extensions or exemptions will be granted.
Can MTIs use external facilities for practical training?
Yes, but the maximum allowable distance between the main campus and the practical facility (e.g., swimming pool or fire mock-up) is 80 kilometers. If the distance exceeds 10 kilometers, MTIs must inform candidates about the travel requirement.
What are the waterbody requirements for PSCRB training?
For Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB) training:
MTIs can use natural waterbodies like lakes, seas, or harbors.
Artificial waterbodies must have a minimum area of 5,500 square meters to facilitate lifeboat and rescue boat maneuvers.
Swimming pools can only be used for wet drills, not full PSCRB practical lessons.
What provisions are available for coastal MTIs during monsoon season?
Coastal MTIs using sea-based training facilities must provide an alternate waterbody during monsoons when rough seas make outdoor training hazardous. Adequate safety measures, including lifeguards and local authority permissions, must be in place.
