The Merchant Navy is one of the most rewarding career paths for those who dream of working at sea, travelling the world, and earning a good salary. To join, you must complete specific maritime courses approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India or equivalent international bodies. These courses train you in navigation, engineering, safety, and ship operations.
Below is a complete list of courses in Merchant Navy for different career paths:
1. Pre-Sea Training for Officers
a) Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: 12th with PCM (60%), English 50%
- Leads to: B.Sc. Nautical Science & Officer of the Watch (Deck Officer)
- Colleges: T.S. Chanakya, Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy, SIMS
b) B.Sc. Nautical Science
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 12th with PCM (60%)
- Leads to: Deck Officer career path
- Colleges: TMI, AMET, IMU-affiliated colleges
c) B.Tech. Marine Engineering
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 12th with PCM (60%), English 50%
- Leads to: Marine Engineer Officer
- Colleges: MERI, Tolani Maritime Institute, IMI
d) Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Naval Architecture
- Leads to: Junior Engineer on ships
2. Pre-Sea Training for Ratings
a) GP Rating Course
- Duration: 6 months
- Eligibility: 10th pass with 40%
- Leads to: Deck & Engine rating jobs
- Colleges: Yak Marine, TS Rahman
b) Saloon Rating Course
- Duration: 6 months
- Eligibility: 10th pass
- Leads to: Catering department roles (Cook, Steward)
3. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course
- Duration: 4 months
- Eligibility: Diploma/Degree in Electrical/Electronics
- Leads to: Ship’s electrical officer
4. Certificate & Short-Term Maritime Courses
(Mandatory for all seafarers as per STCW Convention)
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Oil & Chemical Tanker Familiarization
- Passenger Ship Safety Training
- Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course
5. Post-Sea & Upgradation Courses
Once at sea, you must do CoC (Certificate of Competency) and upgradation courses to move to higher ranks:
- Second Mate (FG) CoC
- Chief Mate (FG) CoC
- Master (FG) CoC
- Class IV Marine Engineer CoC
- Class II & I Engineer CoC
Conclusion
Choosing the right courses in Merchant Navy depends on your academic background, career goals, and interest in deck, engineering, or service roles. Each path requires dedication, discipline, and a passion for the sea—but it offers unmatched adventure and earning potential in return.
