Career in Merchant Navy can be pursued either as an officer or a rating in mainly two specialized fields, i.e. Marine Engineering and Nautical (deck). To become a seafarer, following streams of entries (Pre-Sea courses) are available to Indian citizens in the Government as well as in private training institutions (recognized and approved by Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping)
3 year degree course in Nautical Science for (10+2) students. 4 year degree course in Marine Engineering for (10+2) students. 2 year course for Diploma Holders. 1 year course for Graduate Mechanical Engineers. 3 month course for Deck Cadets for (10+2) students.
Rating (Entry standard Xth): 4 month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose (GP) rating. 3 month Pre-Sea Course for Deck rating. 3 month Pre-Sea Course for Engine rating. 4 month Pre-Sea Course for Saloon rating.
In addition, a candidate can join as utility hand or Petty Officers (Fitters) after completing 4 Basic Courses, i.e. FPFF, EFA, PSSR and PST.
Govt training Institutes : There are four Government Training Institutes providing Pre-Sea and Post-Sea training of international standard : Training Ship Chanakya, Navi Mumbai. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai. Lal Bahadur Shastri College of advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai.
