FAQ
Your guide to a successful career in the Merchant Navy
B.Sc. Nautical Science is a 3-year undergraduate degree that trains students to become deck officers in the Merchant Navy. The course covers navigation, ship operations, cargo handling, and maritime laws.
To enroll, candidates must have:
- Completed 10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) with at least 60% marks.
- English proficiency with a minimum of 50% marks in English (Class 10 or 12).
- Medical fitness as per DG Shipping standards, including 6/6 eyesight and no color blindness.
After graduation, candidates join ships as Deck Cadets, then progress to:
- Second Officer (after clearing exams and gaining experience)
- Chief Officer
- Captain/Master Mariner
Yes, B.Sc. Nautical Science must be pursued from DG Shipping-approved institutes in India to be eligible for a Merchant Navy career.
Starting salary as a Deck Cadet ranges from $500 to $1,500 per month, and can go up to $10,000+ per month as a Captain.
Some DG Shipping-approved institutes include:
- IMU (Indian Maritime University) – Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Cochin
- T.S. Chanakya (Navi Mumbai)
- AMET University (Chennai)
- Tolani Maritime Institute (Pune)