Skip to main content

KGCO Certification Curriculum

The Komodo Guide Certified Operator (KGCO) program curriculum is structured as a 12-module syllabus divided across three cumulative certification tiers. Each module defines explicit learning objectives, assessment criteria, and documentary verification methods. Operators must demonstrate competency at each tier before advancing to the next level.

Tier 1: License Verification

Operators must hold current legal authorization to conduct commercial tourism in Indonesia and access Komodo National Park. All four Tier 1 modules must be satisfied before any Tier 2 or Tier 3 assessment. Assessment is documentary; no field inspection is required.

Module 1: Indonesian Business Registration (NIB)

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) as the national business identification number issued via OSS.go.id
  • Demonstrate active OSS registration and valid NIB status
  • Maintain compliance with Indonesian business registration requirements

Assessment Criteria

  • Current NIB certificate issued by Kemenkominfo via OSS portal
  • NIB must be active and cross-verified with OSS.go.id records
  • Business classification must include tourism services (KBLI 7911.00 or equivalent)
  • No suspension, revocation, or inactive status on OSS record

Supporting documents: NIB certificate, OSS registration screenshot with date, business registration form (RBU).

Module 2: Tourism License Registration (TDUP)

Learning Objectives

  • Obtain and maintain the Tanda Daftar Usaha Pariwisata (TDUP) from Kemenparekraf
  • Understand TDUP validity period and renewal requirements
  • Demonstrate continuous compliance with Indonesian tourism law

Assessment Criteria

  • Current TDUP certificate issued by Kemenparekraf (Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy)
  • TDUP validity is typically 5 years; must not have expired
  • Certificate must specify the business as a licensed tour operator or travel agency
  • TDUP registration number must match the operator's official name and NIB

Supporting documents: TDUP certificate, Kemenparekraf registration verification letter, business name and address matching NIB.

Module 3: Protected Area Access (SIMAKSI)

Learning Objectives

  • Obtain and maintain current SIMAKSI (Surat Izin Masuk Kawasan Konservasi) from Balai Taman Nasional Komodo (BTNK)
  • Understand annual renewal and compliance reporting for park access
  • Demonstrate authorization to conduct operations within Komodo National Park

Assessment Criteria

  • Valid SIMAKSI letter issued by BTNK Komodo National Park authority
  • SIMAKSI must be current (issued within the current calendar year)
  • Letter must specify the operator name and authorization to enter the park for tourism operations
  • No restrictions, conditions, or conditional renewal noted on the SIMAKSI

Supporting documents: Original SIMAKSI letter from BTNK, date of issuance, operator contact information, park access permit number.

Module 4: Vessel Documentation Compliance

Learning Objectives

  • Maintain all required vessel documentation under Permenhub PM 7/2019
  • Understand vessel registry, seaworthiness, and safety certification frameworks
  • Demonstrate continuous compliance with Indonesian maritime law

Assessment Criteria

  • Vessel must be registered with Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Ditjen Hubla)
  • Current Certificate of Registry or equivalent vessel registration document
  • Valid seaworthiness certificate or equivalent under Permenhub PM 7/2019
  • Vessel tonnage, capacity, and operational classification documented and current
  • All survey and inspection dates within valid periods; no overdue documentation

Supporting documents: Certificate of Registry, seaworthiness certificate, survey report, vessel insurance papers, Ditjen Hubla verification.

Tier 2: Safety Compliance

Operators must demonstrate that vessels are equipped with modern safety systems and that crew members hold internationally recognized training qualifications. All Tier 1 criteria must be met before Tier 2 assessment. Tier 2 adds four modules addressing vessel safety systems, crew qualifications, insurance, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Module 5: Vessel Safety Operations (SLO)

Learning Objectives

  • Implement and maintain Sistem Layanan Online (SLO) vessel safety certificate from Ditjen Hubla
  • Understand vessel safety inspection schedules and compliance procedures
  • Demonstrate active monitoring of vessel safety systems and maintenance

Assessment Criteria

  • Active SLO vessel safety certificate issued by Directorate General of Sea Transportation
  • Certificate must be current and issued within the last 24 months
  • SLO status must show "Active" or "Compliant" (no "Conditional" or "Under Review" status)
  • Vessel must be registered in the SLO database with real-time access to status verification

Supporting documents: SLO certificate, Ditjen Hubla registration, vessel inspection report, safety equipment survey, maintenance logbook.

Module 6: International Maritime Safety (STCW)

Learning Objectives

  • Ensure master and chief officer hold current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificates
  • Understand STCW Convention 1978 (as amended) requirements for crew qualifications
  • Demonstrate commitment to international maritime safety standards

Assessment Criteria

  • Master and chief officer (or equivalent senior crew) must hold STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificate
  • STCW BST must have been issued within the last 5 years and remain valid
  • Certificates must be original or certified copies issued by recognized maritime training institutions
  • Crew roster must identify master and chief officer by name and certification date

Supporting documents: STCW BST certificates, crew roster with certification dates, STCW registry verification, maritime training institution accreditation.

Module 7: Passenger Liability Insurance (P&I)

Learning Objectives

  • Maintain active Protection and Indemnity (P&I) liability insurance providing passenger coverage
  • Register and maintain Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder
  • Demonstrate financial readiness to respond to passenger injury or loss claims

Assessment Criteria

  • Current P&I liability insurance policy covering passenger injuries and third-party claims
  • Minimum coverage amount must not be less than IDR 500 million per incident
  • Policy must be active (no lapsed coverage) and issued by an Indonesian or international insurer
  • AIS transponder must be registered with Ditjen Hubla and showing active status
  • Insurance certificate must show vessel name and operational dates with no gaps

Supporting documents: P&I insurance policy and certificate, policy renewal evidence, AIS transponder registration, Ditjen Hubla AIS verification, proof of premium payment.

Module 8: SIMAKSI Renewal & Continuous Compliance

Learning Objectives

  • Maintain annual SIMAKSI renewal and park-entry compliance
  • Monitor AIS transponder registration and continuous operational status
  • Understand complaint-triggered supplementary audit procedures

Assessment Criteria

  • SIMAKSI must be renewed annually with BTNK; current year SIMAKSI must be on file
  • AIS transponder must show active registration and continuous signal transmission
  • No confirmed complaints regarding vessel safety, crew qualifications, or insurance lapses in prior 24 months
  • Any complaint must be resolved or under review by the KGCO panel with operator cooperation

Supporting documents: Current SIMAKSI, annual renewal application receipts, AIS signal history, complaint responses, supplementary audit findings (if applicable).

Tier 3: Environmental Excellence

Operators must demonstrate conservation practices that reduce ecological impact and create tangible benefits for local communities. All Tier 1 and Tier 2 criteria must be satisfied before Tier 3 assessment. Tier 3 adds four modules addressing reef conservation, waste management, local employment, and community engagement.

Module 9: Reef-Friendly Anchoring (Manta-Anchor)

Learning Objectives

  • Implement Manta Trust / The Nature Conservancy (TNC) reef-friendly anchoring protocols
  • Prohibit anchor deployment on live coral and require mooring-buoy use at designated sites
  • Demonstrate commitment to reef conservation and ecosystem protection

Assessment Criteria

  • Written anchoring policy must explicitly prohibit anchor deployment on live coral
  • Operator must use mooring buoys at designated BTNK-approved sites (e.g., Manta Point, Pink Beach, Komodo)
  • Crew training documentation showing staff understand reef-friendly procedures
  • Operational logbook or GPS records showing exclusive use of mooring buoys during assessments
  • Subscription to or participation in Manta Trust or TNC conservation programs is positive indicator

Supporting documents: Anchoring policy statement, crew training records, operational logbook with GPS coordinates, mooring buoy maintenance receipts, partnership with TNC or Manta Trust (if applicable).

Module 10: Marine Pollution Prevention (MARPOL)

Learning Objectives

  • Comply with MARPOL Annex V (International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships)
  • Implement garbage management procedures prohibiting discharge at sea
  • Demonstrate waste segregation, storage, and disposal practices

Assessment Criteria

  • Written waste management and MARPOL Annex V compliance policy on file
  • Operational procedures explicitly prohibit discharge of garbage (plastic, food, hazardous waste) into the ocean
  • Vessel must be equipped with designated garbage storage facilities and waste segregation containers
  • Waste disposal logbook or receipt showing regular off-vessel disposal at approved facilities
  • Crew trained on MARPOL procedures; training records available for inspection

Supporting documents: MARPOL compliance policy, crew training certificates, vessel waste management equipment inventory, waste disposal receipts, operational logbook, port facility discharge records.

Module 11: Local Crew Quota & Community Benefits

Learning Objectives

  • Employ at least 70% Indonesian crew members of total operational staff
  • Implement documented community benefit-sharing commitments (supplier relationships, local employment, conservation funding)
  • Demonstrate transparent stakeholder engagement with local communities

Assessment Criteria

  • Crew roster must show at least 70% of operational staff (master, officers, crew) hold Indonesian nationality
  • Supporting documentation: passports, work permits, or identity cards for all crew
  • Documented community benefit-sharing arrangement, such as: sourcing provisions from Labuan Bajo vendors; employing Bajo, Manggarai, or local crew; verified payments to conservation initiatives
  • Written community engagement statement describing local employment or benefit commitments
  • Evidence of community partner relationships (letters of intent, supply contracts, donation records)

Supporting documents: Crew roster with nationality documentation, supplier agreements (Labuan Bajo-based), crew employment contracts, community benefit letters, donation receipts, conservation partnership agreements.

Module 12: Complaint Mechanism & Stakeholder Engagement

Learning Objectives

  • Operate a formal complaint-resolution mechanism with documented response procedures
  • Maintain 14-business-day response window for complaints submitted through Komodo Guide
  • Demonstrate transparency and stakeholder accountability

Assessment Criteria

  • Written complaint-handling policy published on operator website or available upon request
  • Designated complaint contact (email, phone, or office) clearly communicated to passengers and stakeholders
  • Documented response time commitment of 14 business days for complaints submitted to Komodo Guide
  • Written responses to sample complaints (if applicable during assessment window) showing substantive engagement and resolution efforts
  • Complaint logbook or CRM system tracking complaints, responses, and resolutions
  • No pattern of unresolved or mishandled complaints in Komodo Guide records

Supporting documents: Complaint policy statement, contact information, sample complaint responses, complaint logbook or CRM records, stakeholder engagement minutes or records, communication with local guides or community leaders.

Curriculum Application

Each module forms the basis for document review during KGCO assessment. Operators applying for certification should review all modules corresponding to their target tier, prepare the supporting documents listed in each module's assessment criteria, and submit them according to the application process. The assessment panel uses this curriculum to evaluate documentary evidence and issue certification recommendations.

Back to Certification Overview