CSL Serang & Engine Driver Recruitment 2026

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is hiring 8 Boat Crew members — Serang and Engine Driver — on a contract basis at its Kochi shipyard. If you have passed 7th standard and hold a valid Serang or Engine Driver Certificate under the Inland Vessels Act 2021, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 22 July 2026. The starting pay is a consolidated Rs. 23,300 per month.

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) Boat Crew Recruitment 2026 - 8 Posts

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a listed Miniratna Schedule 'A' company under the Government of India, has released Vacancy Notification No. CSL/P&A/RECTT/CONTRACT/BOAT CREW/2024/6 dated 6 July 2026 for 6 Serang and 2 Engine Driver posts on contract basis. The contract runs for up to 5 years, with postings at CSL Kochi or any other CSL unit or project site — your job involves rope work, anchor work in harbour and voyages, and inspecting boat equipment. This is a good opportunity for experienced boat crew holding a valid Inland Vessels Act certificate who want to work with a premier government shipyard. Government of India reservation rules apply for SC, ST and OBC categories, and if you are currently in the first or second year of an existing CSL contract for the same post, you are not eligible to apply — only those in their final year of an existing contract can apply.

Vacancy Details

PwBD candidates cannot apply for these posts because the job involves physical stress in difficult onboard conditions.

Who Can Apply?

Serang (6 posts):

• Qualification: Pass in 7th standard.
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience as Serang of a Motor Boat.
• Certificate: You must hold a valid Serang / Lascar-cum-Serang Certificate issued under the Inland Vessels Act 2021.

Engine Driver (2 posts):

• Qualification: Pass in 7th standard.
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience as Engine Driver of a Motor Boat.
• Certificate: You must hold a valid Engine Driver Certificate issued under the Inland Vessels Act 2021.

Only experience gained after you passed your qualifying certificate is counted, and paid training time also counts as experience. If you are already employed, you can submit your appointment order, offer letter or latest pay slip as proof of experience instead of an experience certificate. Ex-servicemen can apply using their Discharge Certificate or Pension Payment Order, and any qualification or trade experience gained during their armed forces service will also be considered. If your qualification is not an exact match to what is listed above, you must upload an Equivalency Certificate from the competent authority, or your application will not be considered.

Age Limit

• You should not be older than 45 years as on 22 July 2026 (born on or after 23 July 1981).
• Age Relaxation: OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 extra years.
• Even after relaxation, your age cannot exceed 50 years.
• PwBD: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are not eligible for these posts.

Salary

• Selected candidates get a consolidated monthly pay of Rs. 23,300 during the first year of the contract.
• Your pay will increase every year during the contract period.
• You will also be paid extra for work done beyond normal working hours.

Application Fee

• General / OBC: Rs. 200 (non-refundable, plus bank charges).
• SC / ST: No fee.
• Payment mode: Online only — Debit Card, Credit Card or Internet Banking, from 6 July 2026 to 22 July 2026.
• Your candidature is confirmed only once your application fee (if applicable) is received.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

The selection will be done in these stages:

1. Application Screening: CSL checks your uploaded certificates and shortlists eligible candidates.
2. Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates for age, qualification, experience and category before being allowed to attend the Practical Test.
3. Practical Test: A hands-on test worth 100 marks held at CSL, Kochi. You need 50% marks (General) or 45% marks (OBC, for OBC-reserved posts) to qualify. CSL may relax this pass mark further if not enough candidates qualify.
4. Final Merit List: Based on your Practical Test score. Ties are broken by seniority in age.

All required original certificates must be produced at the time of Certificate Verification — if you fail to do so, you will not be considered for further selection.

How to Apply

1. Go to cochinshipyard.in and open the Career page.
2. Read the User Manual and FAQ before you start.
3. Complete the One Time Registration on the SAP Online portal.
4. Fill in the online application and upload your certificates and photo.
5. Pay the application fee online if it applies to your category.
6. Double-check every entry before you submit — changes are not allowed once your application is submitted.
7. Submit your application before 22 July 2026.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 6 July 2026
• Online Application Start: 6 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 22 July 2026

• Handle rope work and anchor work during harbour operations and voyages
• Operate and navigate the motor boat safely in all weather conditions
• Inspect boat equipment and machinery before and after each trip
• Maintain the engine, fuel systems and onboard machinery in good working order
• Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures at all times
• Keep daily logs of boat movement, fuel usage and maintenance work
• Assist senior crew during maintenance of the boat and its equipment
• Report technical faults or safety hazards immediately