The Merchant Navy offers an exciting and rewarding career for individuals passionate about the sea, travel, and adventure. A career in this field combines discipline, technical expertise, and global opportunities. To join the Merchant Navy in India, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements and follow a structured process.
Educational Qualification
Deck Officer / Nautical Science: Minimum 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and at least 60% aggregate.
Marine Engineering: 10+2 with PCM and English (minimum 50% in English).
GP Rating / Diploma Courses: 10th or 12th pass with minimum marks as per DG Shipping requirements.
Age Criteria
Generally, candidates must be between 17 to 25 years at the time of entry. (Some relaxations may apply as per course type and category).
Medical & Physical Fitness
Candidates must be medically fit with perfect eyesight (6/6 vision) and no color blindness.
A DG Shipping-approved medical practitioner must certify fitness.
Entrance Exams & Selection Process
Entrance tests like IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) are required for admission into degree-level courses.
Some institutes also conduct their own written tests, psychometric evaluations, and interviews.
Pre-Sea Training
Mandatory pre-sea training courses at DG Shipping-approved institutes prepare candidates for life at sea and impart essential knowledge.
Certifications & Standards
All candidates must meet the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) requirements.
Certifications are issued only by DG Shipping-recognized training centers.
Career Opportunities
Successful candidates can join as Deck Cadets, Engine Cadets, or Ratings depending on the chosen course.
With experience and further certifications, progression to higher ranks such as Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or Captain is possible.
