Comprehensive Guide to Merchant Navy Diploma in Nautical Science
Published on sep 1st 2024
Want to join the Merchant Navy, and explore the vast expanse of the ocean? Wondering what qualifications you need to join this adventurous career, and how soon you can do so?
Then, a Diploma in Nautical Science is what you need. Perhaps you are now wondering, what is diploma in nautical science?
It is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a career as deck officers in the Merchant Navy.
The Merchant Navy Diploma in Nautical Science is a one-year course followed by 18 months of sea-time training. Post completion, students receive a BSc in Nautical Science degree.
To enrol in the course, students need sponsorships from a shipping company, which is like a job guarantee before the course begins, ensuring job security upon course completion.
Eligibility Criteria:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a 10+2 Equivalent with physics, chemistry and maths as compulsory subjects, with a minimum aggregate of 60%.
Age Limit: The minimum age limit for this course is 17 years.
Medical: Candidates should be physically fit for sea services under standard norms, with eyesight 6/6 in the better eye, 6/9 in the other eye, with no colour blindness.
Course Structure:
Academic Curriculum:
Navigation: Introduction to the principles of navigation, chart work and understanding maritime routes.
Marine Engineering Basics: Basic knowledge of ship engineering, including engine operations, safety systems and machinery.
Meteorology and Oceanography: The study of weather patterns, ocean currents and their impact on maritime navigation.
Maritime Law: Introduction to international maritime law, ship operations and maritime conventions.
Cargo Handling and Stowage: Techniques and regulations for safe loading and unloading, as well as securing cargo on board.
Communication and Leadership skills: Training in effective communication, teamwork and leadership.
Practical Training:
Students practice navigation, ship handling and emergency procedures.
They also cover safety drills, firefighting and survival techniques.
Sea Training:
After the academic year, students undergo 18 months of sea training as trainee cadets on board merchant vessels. This teaches them crucial real-world experience and puts theoretical knowledge into practice.
They also learn about watchkeeping, cargo operations, ship maintenance and other operational aspects under the supervision of senior officers.
Career Path after a Diploma in Nautical Science:
After the DNS course, candidates can appear for the 2nd Mate’s certification of competency exam. Passing this exam means the candidate is qualified to work as a 3rd Officer or 2nd officer on ships.
They can also gain more experience, get higher certifications and go up to the ranks of Chief Officer or Captain.
Advantages of Diploma in Nautical Science:
Global Career Opportunities: This diploma gives you the chance to join the merchant navy, which leads to a career aboard a ship, travelling the world. It also qualifies for jobs around the world!
High Earning Potential: Officers of the Merchant Navy have the opportunity to earn a high salary and get a well-paying job.
Job Security: Since enrolling into a DNS program requires sponsorship from a shipping company, there is job security; after completing the course, you can be assured that you will have a good job as a deck officer in hand.
Adventure and Experience: Merchant Navy is a career not short of adventure; you travel the world, engage with new cultures and people, and as a bonus, also gain more experience aboard the vessel, thus rising through the ranks.
Applying for a Diploma in Nautical Science:
Entrance Exam: Maritime Institutes have entrance exams for admission to the program. IMU-CET is one such example.
Application Process: Apply directly to a maritime academy or through online portals. The process generally starts with a Test, then the medical exam and finally, the interview.
Pursuing a diploma in nautical science after 10th grade is not possible, as the educational qualification for this course is an aggregate of 60% in 10+2 PCM. However, you can pursue a Pre-Sea training course, a 6-month-long course that qualifies you for roles such as Deck-rating or Engine rating aboard Merchant Navy ships.
Top 3 DNS colleges in India:
AMET: The AMET Institute of Science and Technology provides a unique twist on the DNS course. With tie-ups with the University of Glasgow, Scotland, this institute’s DNS course allows the students to study both in India on campus and in an International university of repute. Candidates are required to take the IELTS, an English proficiency test.
Indian Maritime University: This is one of the most prestigious universities offering a Diploma in Nautical Sciences program. Students need to take and pass the IMUCET to qualify for the course.
Maritime Training Institute: Admission into this university is dependent on the candidate’s performance in the IMU-CET. The MTI is well-known for its diploma course.
