Merchant Navy Training Programs and Courses in India

If you’re aiming for a seafaring career, choosing from the best merchant navy training programs and courses in India is a critical first step. These courses—ranging from pre‑sea cadetships to post‑sea certifications—are sanctioned by India’s Directorate General of Shipping and often affiliated with the Indian Maritime University (IMU). This guide highlights top training options for 2025, outlines course content, eligibility, institutes, FAQs, and career pathways.

Top Merchant Navy Courses After 12th and Graduation in India

1. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

Definition: The Diploma in Nautical Science is a one-year residential course that leads to a B.Sc. in Nautical Science degree. It is designed for those who wish to become navigating officers on merchant ships.

Course Details:

Eligibility: 12th Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (Minimum 60%), English (Minimum 50%)
Duration: 1 year (leading to B.Sc Nautical Science)
Average Fee: ₹2,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 (may vary by institute)
Age Required: 17 to 25 years
Career Path: Deck Cadet → Third Officer → Chief Officer → Captain

2. B.Sc in Nautical Science

Definition: This is a 3-year undergraduate programme that prepares students to take up the position of a Deck Officer on merchant vessels. The course blends theoretical maritime studies with practical shipboard training.

Course Details:

Eligibility: PCM in 12th (60%+), English 50% in either 10th or 12th
Duration: 3 years
Average Fee: ₹2,25,000 to ₹10,00,000 for the full course
Age Required: 17 to 25 years
Career Path: Deck Cadet → Officer → Captain

3. B.Tech / BE in Marine Engineering

Definition: This four-year engineering programme trains students to become marine engineers, responsible for maintaining and operating a ship’s engines and machinery.

Course Details:

Eligibility: PCM in 12th (60%+), English 50%, IMU-CET/JEE Qualified
Duration: 4 years
Average Fee: ₹3,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
Age Required: 17 to 25 years
Career Path: Junior Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer

4. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course

Definition: This short-term certification is ideal for engineering graduates from the electrical or electronics domain who wish to manage electronic and automation systems onboard vessels.

Course Details:

Eligibility: Diploma/Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Duration: 4–6 months
Average Fee: ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,50,000
Age Required: 18 to 30 years
Career Path: Electro-Technical Officer onboard merchant vessels

5. GP Rating Course

Definition: The GP (General Purpose) Rating course is for those who want to join the Merchant Navy as deck or engine crew. It provides basic training to perform duties related to seamanship, cargo handling, maintenance, and machinery operations.

Course Details:

Eligibility: 10th Pass or 12th Pass with minimum 40% marks
Duration: 6 months
Average Fee: ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000
Age Required: 17 to 25 years
Career Path: Ordinary Seaman → Able Seaman → Bosun → Officer (with further qualifications)

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Leading Maritime Training Institutes in India

Institute / Academy	Location	Programs Offered	Key Strengths
Indian Maritime University (IMU)	Chennai, Mumbai, Vizag	DNS, BSc, Marine Engineering, ETO, etc.	Central university, IMU‑CET entrance, DGS-approved
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)	Lonavala (Pune)	DNS, GME, ETO, STCW modules, cadetship	Grade‑1 DG approval, ship-in-campus, world‑class simulators
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)	Pune	DNS, B.Tech, GME, ETO	IMU-affiliated, international accreditations, placement record
Hindustan IMT (HIMT)	Chennai	GP Rating, DNS, GME, ETO, STCW modules	DGS-approved, strong ETO track record and placement support
International Maritime Institute (IMI)	Greater Noida	Pre-sea diplomas in Nautical, Marine Eng.	Deep industry ties, IMU-affiliated
Coimbatore Marine College (CMC)	Coimbatore	DNS, GME, ETO, logistics & hospitality	DGS-approved, large campus, holistic maritime training

Eligibility & Admission Criteria

Academic: At least 60% aggregate in PCM and English (50% minimum) for pre-sea courses
Exams: IMU‑CET is mandatory for DNS, BSc, and Marine Engineering courses. Private institutes may conduct their exams
Age Limit: 17.5 – 25 years for most pre-sea programs

Medical: Must pass DG Shipping fitness criteria (vision, hearing, general health)

FAQs

What are the best pre-sea merchant navy training programs in India?
DNS, BSc Nautical Science and B.Tech Marine Engineering at IMU-approved institutes like SIMS, TMI, HIMT, and IMU campuses are top-rated.

Which institute offers world-class simulation training?
SIMS features India’s only LPG and free-fall lifeboat simulators and a 240° full‑mission bridge simulator for immersive cadet training.

Can I join with only electrical or electronics degree?
Yes—for ETO course, most institutes require prior engineering credentials and they offer fast-track placement assistance.

What’s the career outcome of each program?
DNS/BSc lead to deck officer roles. Marine Engineering graduates become ship engineers. ETO graduates specialize in onboard electrical systems.

Are there shorter programs like GP Rating or modular STCW?
Yes—GP Rating (~6 months), CCMC, and STCW refresher modules are widely available for quick entry or certification updates.Are placements assured at top academies?
Institutes like SIMS and HIMT often provide campus placements or cadet cadetship sponsorships through shipping partners.

Conclusion

The best merchant navy training programs and courses in India today are those that combine DG Shipping approval, strong infrastructure, hands-on simulation training, and a proven placement pipeline. Choose DNS or BSc if you want a deck officer career path. GME or ETO if you’re inclined toward technical specialization. And, for faster entry, GP Rating or STCW modules offer flexible options.

Get in Touch with Zian Ship Management Pvt. Ltd.

Looking to start your career in the Merchant Navy? Whether you’re seeking expert career guidance, detailed course information, or admission support — our experienced team is here to help you navigate your way into a successful maritime future.

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