General Merchant Navy Course FAQs
A Merchant Navy course trains individuals to work in the shipping, navigation, and marine engineering sectors of the merchant fleet.
Top beginner courses include GP Rating, Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), B.Sc. Nautical Science and STCW (Basic Safety Training Course).
Candidates must have completed 10th, 12th, or equivalent education. For officer-level courses like B.Sc. Nautical Science or Marine Engineering, passing 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) is mandatory. However, candidates from any stream — Arts, Commerce, or Science — can enroll for courses like GP Rating and other entry-level Merchant Navy programs.
Yes, for most Merchant Navy pre-sea courses like GP Rating, Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), and Marine Engineering, candidates must be between 17.5 years to 25 years old at the time of admission.
However, for Basic Safety Training (STCW courses), there is no strict lower age limit, and individuals can enroll up to 60 years of age, as per DG Shipping guidelines. The main requirement is that the individual must be medically fit to undertake training.
To join Merchant Navy courses, candidates must pass a DG Shipping-approved medical fitness test conducted by an authorized doctor. Key requirements include:
Eyesight:
For deck cadet and navigating roles: 6/6 vision in both eyes (unaided — without glasses or lenses).
No color blindness (confirmed by Ishihara Test).
For engine side roles: Vision requirements may allow slight correction (glasses permitted within limits).
Hearing:
Normal hearing ability without the use of hearing aids.
Physical Fitness:
Candidate should be physically fit for sea service under standard norms.
No physical disability, deformity, or medical condition that can affect sea duties.
Other Checks:
Good cardiac health.
No history of epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, or contagious diseases like tuberculosis.
A Medical Fitness Certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor is mandatory before starting the course.
Merchant Navy course durations vary depending on the type of program you choose. Here’s a detailed course-wise breakdown:
GP Rating Course:
Duration – 6 months (Pre-Sea Training for Deck and Engine ratings).Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS):
Duration – 1 year (followed by onboard training leading to B.Sc. Nautical Science).B.Sc. Nautical Science:
Duration – 3 years (6 semesters of academic study + onboard training phase).B.Tech Marine Engineering:
Duration – 4 years (degree course for becoming a Marine Engineer Officer).Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) Course:
Duration – 1 year (for engineering graduates to enter the Merchant Navy as Marine Engineers).Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course:
Duration – 4 months (specialized training for shipboard electrical and electronic systems).Basic Safety Training (BST) – STCW Course:
Duration – Approximately 15 to 20 days.
(Covers Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities).STCW Refresher Course:
Duration – 5 to 7 days (for seafarers renewing their certification).
Important Note:
All course durations mentioned are minimum durations and may vary slightly based on the institute’s schedule and training modules.
Completion of mandatory onboard training time is essential for certain courses before becoming fully certified.
Yes, reputable institutes offer DG Shipping-approved Merchant Navy courses recognized globally.
Courses include GP Rating, Deck Cadet, Marine Engineering, Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), Nautical Science programs and Basic Safety Training Course (STCW).
Deck courses focus on navigation and ship operation, while engine courses cover technical maintenance and ship machinery.
Basic swimming skills are recommended but not mandatory for all Merchant Navy courses.
Course Admission & Fees FAQs
You can apply online through our website by filling out the application form and submitting the required documents.
Additionally, candidates can also apply directly by:
WhatsApp: +91 7400340684
Our admission team will guide you through the entire registration and enrollment process.
The mandatory documents required for enrolling in a Merchant Navy course are:
Educational Certificates:
10th mark sheet and passing certificate (for GP Rating and Basic Safety Training courses).
12th mark sheet and passing certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for officer-level courses like DNS, B.Sc. Nautical Science, Marine Engineering).
Proof of Identity:
Aadhar Card or Passport (Government-issued photo ID).
Passport-Sized Photographs:
Recent color photographs (white background). Minimum 6 copies.
Medical Fitness Certificate:
Issued by a DG Shipping-approved doctor, confirming physical fitness, normal eyesight (6/6 unaided vision for deck-side roles), and no color blindness.
Passport:
Mandatory for onboard training and international travel.
t depends on the course you are applying for:
1. Courses Requiring an Entrance Exam:
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS):
Candidates must clear the IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test).
Some institutes may also conduct their own aptitude tests, psychometric tests, and interviews in addition to IMU-CET.
B.Sc. Nautical Science:
Admission is through IMU-CET followed by institute-level interviews and medical fitness tests.
B.Tech Marine Engineering:
Admission through IMU-CET or other maritime entrance exams.
Some institutes accept JEE Main scores as well.
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME):
Some institutes require candidates to appear for their own entrance exam or interview.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course:
Usually requires an institute-level entrance test or interview process.
2. Courses Based on Direct Admission (Merit + Eligibility):
GP Rating Course:
No entrance exam required.
Admission based on 10th pass marks and a medical fitness test.
Some institutes may conduct a basic interview or written test to assess English and general knowledge.
Basic Safety Training (BST) – STCW Courses:
No entrance exam required.
Open admission based on eligibility (basic education and medical fitness).
STCW Refresher Courses:
No entrance or written test needed.
Only valid previous certificates and medical fitness are checked.
Summary:
Higher-level officer courses (like DNS, B.Sc. Nautical Science, Marine Engineering) require IMU-CET or an entrance test.
Entry-level courses (like GP Rating and STCW courses) are mostly direct admission based on educational qualification, documents, and medical fitness.
| GP Rating Course | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,80,000 | 6 months pre-sea training |
| Basic Safety Training (BST – STCW) | ₹16,000 – ₹25,000 | 15-20 days course, mandatory for seafarers |
| Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) | ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per year | 1-year course leading to B.Sc. Nautical Science |
| B.Sc. Nautical Science | ₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 total | 3-year degree course |
| B.Tech Marine Engineering | ₹7,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 total | 4-year degree course |
| Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) | ₹3,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 total | 1-year course for engineering graduates |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 | 4-month specialized course |
Important Notes:
Fees may vary slightly depending on the institute, location, and DG Shipping approvals.
Hostel accommodation, uniforms, STCW courses, and food charges might be additional at some institutes.
Scholarships, EMI options, and financial support may be available through selected training institutes.
Yes, we assist candidates in getting educational loans and offer flexible payment options.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit
Yes, hostel facilities with modern amenities are available for all enrolled students.
No.
Refunds are processed based on our institute’s admission and cancellation policies.
Yes, we encourage campus visits for students and parents. Book your visit through Whatsapp
Training & Certification FAQs
After successfully completing a Merchant Navy course, candidates receive different certificates depending on the course they have pursued. Here’s a course-wise list:
1. GP Rating Course (6 Months)
Certificate of Competency as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (Deck side) or Engineering Watch (Engine side)
STCW Certificates (4 basic courses):
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
Indian CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
INDOS Number Registration
2. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS – 1 Year)
Diploma in Nautical Science Certificate from IMU or affiliated university
STCW Certificates (Mandatory Basic Safety Training)
INDOS Number Registration
After 18 months sea service + exams → Eligible for 2nd Mate (Foreign Going) COC issued by DG Shipping.
3. B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 Years)
B.Sc. Degree in Nautical Science from IMU or recognized university
STCW Certificates (4 basic modules)
INDOS Number Registration
After sea service + exams → Eligible for 2nd Mate (Foreign Going) COC.
4. B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 Years)
B.Tech Degree in Marine Engineering
STCW Certificates (basic and advanced)
INDOS Number Registration
After 6–9 months sea service + exam → Eligible for Class IV Engineer Officer COC (Certificate of Competency).
5. Graduate Marine Engineering (GME – 1 Year)
Graduate Marine Engineer Certificate
STCW Certificates (including advanced fire fighting, proficiency in survival craft)
INDOS Number Registration
After completing mandatory sea time → Eligible for Class IV Marine Engineer Officer COC.
6. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course (4 Months)
Certificate of Proficiency as Electro-Technical Officer
STCW Safety Certificates
INDOS Number Registration
Eligible to work as a certified ETO on ships.
7. Basic Safety Training (BST – STCW Courses)
STCW Certificates (4 basic modules):
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
Valid for 5 years (must be renewed through refresher courses).
Additional Certificates (based on some courses or company requirements):
Oil and Chemical Tanker Familiarization
Crowd Management and Crisis Management Certificate (for passenger ships)
Security Awareness Training Certificate (ISPS Code compliance)
Yes, all courses are recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping, India, and are valid worldwide.
STCW training is mandatory for working onboard ships and ensures safety and operational standards.
Yes, practical sessions, simulator training, and shipboard visits are integral parts of the curriculum.
Yes, we provide full support to help candidates secure shipboard training or internships.
Yes, internal exams and external assessments are mandatory for certification.
STCW and other certificates generally need renewal every 5 years through refresher training.
A CDC is a must for working on ships. We assist students in obtaining Indian CDCs after course completion.
Yes, Biocean Marine helps with the application process for Indian CDCs, INDOS numbers, and other seafaring documents.
Pre-Sea Training is the mandatory basic training that prepares candidates with the required knowledge, practical skills, and discipline needed to safely and professionally work onboard ships.
It includes both theoretical classes and practical training in areas like seamanship, firefighting, personal survival, first aid, and shipboard safety.
Example of Pre-Sea Training:
Suppose a candidate enrolls in the GP Rating Course (6 months).
During Pre-Sea Training, they learn:
Seamanship Skills:
How to handle ropes, mooring operations, anchor handling, and ship maintenance.
Safety and Survival Techniques:
How to use life jackets, life rafts, and survival crafts in emergency situations.
Fire Fighting Techniques:
How to extinguish shipboard fires and use breathing apparatus during emergencies.
First Aid:
Basic medical skills to treat common injuries onboard.
Maritime English and Communication:
Basic spoken and written English for shipboard communication.
At the end of Pre-Sea Training, candidates receive important certificates like STCW Certificates and are eligible to join a merchant ship for their onboard training or employment.
Placement & Career FAQs
Yes, our dedicated placement cell helps candidates connect with top shipping companies globally.
You can work as a Deck Cadet, Marine Engineer, ETO Officer, or other key onboard positions
We offer full placement assistance, but securing a job depends on student performance and interview results.
Starting salaries vary between $300 to $1,200 per month, depending on the position and vessel type.
Placements typically occur within 1 to 3 months post-course completion.
Yes, Merchant Navy jobs allow you to work internationally across various shipping lines
With experience, you can rise from junior officer to senior ranks like Captain or Chief Engineer.
Switching between departments requires additional qualifications and certifications.
Yes, opportunities exist in ship management, port operations, marine consultancy, and logistics sectors.
Other Important FAQs
Merchant Navy life is adventurous and rewarding, offering travel opportunities, responsibility, and excellent pay.
Ship contracts usually range from 4 to 9 months, depending on company policy and vessel type.
Facilities typically include private cabins, gyms, recreation rooms, Wi-Fi access, and dining halls.
Risks include extreme weather, long periods away from home, and physically demanding work, but professional training prepares you well.
Merchant Navy professionals enjoy months-long leave after completing ship contracts.
Absolutely! The Merchant Navy welcomes female candidates, and opportunities are growing rapidly for women at sea.
You may not be eligible for onboard placement, but there are shore-based career alternatives available.
Home visits are generally possible only between contract periods.
By appearing for higher-level examinations and certifications like Chief Mate, Master Mariner, or Chief Engineer.
We offer DG Shipping-approved courses, world-class training, experienced faculty, and 100% placement support to launch your successful Merchant Navy career.