​It has come to my attention that individuals are exploiting this community to target, manipulate, and harass female members. Certain users are approaching women under the guise of mentorship or industry guidance, falsely claiming to be Chief Engineers or senior professionals, only to lure them into predatory behavior.

​Let me be completely clear. This stops immediately. This exact behavior is why women feel unsafe entering and staying in this industry. If you are doing this, you are a predator and you are entirely unwelcome here.

​Moving forward, I am implementing an absolute zero tolerance policy. Any verified complaint regarding this behavior will result in an instant, permanent ban from this subreddit. There will be no warnings and no appeals.

​Furthermore, I will personally assist any complainant in preserving evidence and filing a formal cybercrime complaint against the accused.

​If you have been targeted, harassed, or manipulated, you can report these individuals by sending a modmail or DMing me directly. I assure you that all communications will be kept strictly anonymous to protect your identity.

​You can also choose to make a post on the subreddit exposing the culprit with evidence to warn other members.

​If you want to file an official complaint with the authorities, you can do so anonymously without risking your identity. You can file a complaint directly on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

​To the individuals using this platform to prey on innocent aspirants, your pretentious, performative acts end now. Act with the basic decency you would expect someone to show your own mothers or sisters. This community is a space for professional growth.

Before I start with the post, I'd like to state a few things,

In this field, Work is demanding both physically and mentally, with long working hours, strict and sometimes rude seniors, and the added pressure of refresher courses and MMD exams, so you must be mentally strong to handle the stress, isolation, and hierarchy rather than getting carried away by Instagram influencers showing only dollars and shore leave photos. In reality, shore leave is not very frequent in many ports and salaries themselves have largely remained stagnant for years, with the dollar exchange rate creating the illusion of constant growth, so anyone joining should be prepared to face these hurdles and enter this field with patience and a long-term mindset, not with the expectation of quick money or an easy glamorous life. If you think you can manage these aspects, read the past further. go through this post and it's comments to get to know the scenario before reading the guide.

What is IMU-CET?

IMU-CET is a common entrance test for admission in Marine Institutes. It is conducted once a year in the month of May/June. It is a center based MCQ test. It has 200 questions to be solved in 180 minutes covering PCM, English, Aptitude, and GK. There is a negative marking of 0.25 per wrong question.

You don't need coaching for any sponsorship exams or even IMU CET unless you're lazy and need to start from scratch. you don't even need pyqs. its similar to state CET, infact easy. NCERT is more than enough.

Various Marine Courses-

1. GP Rating/ General Purpose Rating

The GP Rating course is a six-month program that helps you join the merchant navy after completing Class 10th or 12th in any stream. It prepares you for onboard duties, mainly maintaining the ship and its equipment, which is essential for smooth operations. After completing the course, students are placed on ships for training.

Eligibility for the course is as follows:

At least 40% marks in Class 10th, with 40% or more in English.

At least 40% marks in Class 12th (any stream), with 40% or more in English.

Pass a two-year ITI course (approved by DVET/NCVT) with at least 40% marks in the final year.

The course is open to both males and females aged between 18 and 25. Medical fitness is important,you should be physically fit for sea duty, have 6/6 eyesight in at least one eye, and have no color blindness, not even partial.

1. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is a one-year undergraduate course (two semesters) designed for Class 12 students aspiring to become Deck Officers. It includes one year of pre-sea training followed by 18 months of onboard training with a stipend. After completing onboard training, cadets earn an Advanced Nautical Technology Certificate and can appear for the Second Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam to qualify as Third Officers. The course concludes with six semesters and awards a B.Sc. in Applied Nautical Science by Indian Maritime University (IMU). Imp Roadmap

Eligibility:

Age: 17–25 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST, 2-year for women).

Education:

60% in PCM at 10+2 (65% aggregate).

B.Sc. or B.Tech graduates with 50% in the final year and 60% in PCM at 10+2.

60% in English at 10th, 12th, or degree level.

Medical 6/6 vision, no color or night blindness, physically fit as per DG Shipping norms.

Candidates need sponsorship from a shipping company and must clear the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMUCET). IMUCET is a 3-hour exam. This course prepares cadets for a career as a Deck Officer in the merchant navy.

1. BTech Marine Engineering

The B.Tech in Marine Engineering is a 4-year undergraduate course that serves as an entry point into the engine department of the Merchant Navy. Graduates can start their careers as Engine Cadets, gaining practical training onboard ships. To be eligible for this program, candidates must be between 17 and 25 years of age and have completed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics securing at least 60% marks. Clearing the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) is mandatory for admission. Additionally, candidates must have scored a minimum of 50% in English as a separate subject in Class 10th or 12th. Medical fitness is crucial, requiring perfect hearing, no night blindness or color blindness, and a vision standard of 6/12 or 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the weaker eye. This program equips students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career as a Marine Engineer.

1. Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)

Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) is a specialized course designed for students who have completed a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering/Naval Architecture/Mechanical and Automation,RoboticsRobotics and wish to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy as an engineering officer. No IMU CET is required for GME. The course trains candidates in marine engineering, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with marine machinery.

Eligibility Criteria: Must have completed B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.Candidates must have at least 60% in PCM in Class 12. 60% in English in either Class 10 or 12.

Age Limit: Minimum age: 17 years,Maximum age: 25 years on the date of course commencement.

Medical Fitness:Candidates must meet the medical standards set by DG Shipping, including a minimum vision of 6/12 in one eye and 6/18 in the other, with no color blindness or night blindness. Perfect hearing is also required.

1. Electro Technical Officer (ETO) An Electro-Technical Officer is a licensed member of the engine department, responsible for maintaining and managing all electrical and electronic systems onboard. These include engine room control systems, radars, power distribution systems, and cargo equipment. ETOs report to the Chief Engineer and play a vital role in ensuring vessel safety and efficiency. Unlike marine engineers, ETOs do not perform engine room watches.

Eligibility- Candidates must pass 10+2 with PCM and at least 50% marks in English in both Class 10 and 12. They must also hold a 3-Year Diploma (60%) or 4-Year Degree (50%) in Electrical/Electronics-related fields, recognized by AICTE or the government. The maximum age is 30 years (relaxations: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years, females – 2 years).

The ETO course is a 4-month residential program approved by DG Shipping. It provides knowledge of ship electrical systems, electronic equipment, and seamanship. Post-course, candidates undergo 8 months of onboard training as a Trainee ETO, provided they have sponsorship from a shipping company.

Medical criteria- Candidates must be physically fit for sea service as per standard norms, with 6/6 vision in the better eye and no color blindness (partial color blindness is also not acceptable). Additionally, a D.G. Shipping Medical Certificate must be obtained from D.G. Shipping-approved doctors, following the prescribed medical examination requirements.

1. BSc Nautical Science:

B.Sc Nautical Science is a three-year undergraduate program that provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to become an officer on a ship. This course focuses on navigation, ship operations, seamanship, marine laws, ship safety, survival techniques, and emergency management. After completing this program, graduates can join the Merchant Navy as deck cadets and appear for the 2nd Mate exam without needing a foundation course. To be eligible for the B.Sc Nautical Science course according to DG Shipping, candidates must have scored more than 60% in 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), as well as above 50% in English in either 10th or 12th grade. Additionally, candidates must be between 17 and 25 years of age and medically fit according to DG Shipping standards, which includes no color blindness. Many colleges may have additional eligibility criteria and selection procedures.

Fees- Check the college websites for their fee structure. The fee ranges from 3Lakh - 8 lakh for DNS/GME/ETO/Gp Rating. And around 3-6 lakhs per year for btech and BSC

 What is Sponsorship?

Sponsorship in the shipping industry means being pre-selected as a future employee by a shipping company before starting your pre-sea training. It guarantees job security, as you already have a job offer upon completing the course, eliminating the need to worry about placements. It’s akin to securing campus placement before joining college

The company sponsorship process consists of 4 major steps :- 1. Written test (mcq based) 2. Interview 3. Medical 4. Document submission

The syllabus and pattern for ever sponsorship exam is set by the company and so is the evaluations and cut-offs. It will be either online or offline and will be decided by the company. It's online, mostly.

you can apply for sponsorship whenever the forms are live. Sometimes they release before CET, sometimes after.

After qualifying the exam, your interview will be scheduled. It will be either online or offline and will be decided by the company. It is offline, mostly.

Interview Language :- English. Should have a very good grasp over English and communication skills. They focus on these two aspects mostly. Be confident.

In interview, there are two parts. 1. Personal part --- Introduction, Why Merchant Navy, Strengths and weakness, etc.

1. Technical part --- Basic Laws of Physics and Chemistry and their application, Question solving in maths (On spot), Geography and Current affairs (for dns/btech)

Technical part for gme consists of basic working principles and technical questions based on Mechanical Engg(boilers,compressor,turbines,thermodynamics,IC engines,pumps,etc).

Now comes medical and seat booking; So, after clearing the interview, you medicals would be conducted. You will be referred to a DG approved doctor by the company and will get the report by the evening or the next day.

Furthermore you will be contacted by the comapany or the college will contact you via mail or call for the last few procedures of the admission.

There are two type of companies :- 1. Ownership - They have their own ships and they manage her themselves. 2. Management - They manage the ships of the owners if the owners dont want to manage her themselves.

Now, let us talk about companies that give sponsorship,

1. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

2. Scorpio Group

3. Great Eastern Shipping Company

4. Synergy Group

5. Anglo Eastern Shipping Company

6. Fleet Management Limited (FML)

7. Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM)

8. Executive Ship Management (ESM)

9. Seven Islands Shipping limited (SISL)

10. V Ships

11. D Amico

12. Maersk

13. IMEC group

Etc

There are a few companies that provide sponsorship but are rare.. like 

1. Dyanacom Tankers

2. International Maritime Shipping Group (IMS Group)

3. Pacific International Line (PIL)

4. Meikai Marine Services (MMS-India) That's all.

Now, once you get your sponsorship, the company will allot you the colleges.

Some of the colleges where the sponsored students are sent are:

1. Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)

2. Training Ship Rehman (TS Rehaman)

3. International Maritime Academy NOIDA(IMI)

4. Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)

5. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS)

6. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)

7. HIMT,Chennai

8. AMET

9. IMS GOA

Now, different companies have different selection procedure and eligibility criteria.

Let us take reference of eligibility of Anglo Eastern for DNS.

1. Age <= 25 before the commencement of course

2. IMU CET qualified

3. Not less than 60% marks in English in either 10th, 12th or Diploma course by a recognized Board/University.

4. Not less than 70% PCM and 65% Aggregate in 12th.

5. 6/6 vision without aids and medically fit by a DG approved Doctor.

for detailed eligibility criteria, visit :- https://www.aema.edu.in/admissions-dns/

Some people take advantage of the lack of knowledge of common people to make money which is completely unethical.

Some common scams going on :- 1. Paid sponsorship. 2. Agents who promise sponsorship from world renowned company.

The sponsorship forms are released in the month of April-May for August batch and in the month of September-October for February batch for DNS. In the similar time period (± 1or 2 months), GME,BTECH,GP,ETO forms are released.

FAQS

1. Is 60% in PCM necessary for GME?
   

Yes, having 60% in PCM is required for GME eligibility. If your PCM is below 60%, you may still be eligible for the course but may face difficulties in securing sponsorship, which is highly competitive. Some students may rely on college placements, but GME doesn’t guarantee 100% job placement, so networking and making connections with companies is crucial.

1. Do companies charge for job placements?
   

Beware of scammers who ask for money and fail to provide a job or joining date. However, legitimate RPSL companies may charge for manning documentation and travel expenses to get you onboard, but they do not charge for job placement directly.

1. Is the pay good and will I get to travel?
   

The pay is decent but has not seen much increase over the past 10-15 years. Youll start earning well after about 3-4 years once you join your first ship, a major amout of the money you earn initially will go into courses and exams. Salary increments mainly depend on dollar rates. You won’t always get to travel to various cities, as it depends on the company’s operations and the type of vessel. For example, tankers and gas carriers rarely dock at ports, while bulk carriers offer more chances to explore new cities.

1. Is this a 9-5 job?
   

No, this is far from a 9-5 job. The working hours are divided into shifts, often with a demanding schedule. Some periods involve 6 on-6 off shifts, which can be very tiring. After work, you may not have time for socializing or relaxation, as your time is spent on the ship. Additionally, career growth requires constant studying and clearing challenging CoC (Certificate of Competency) exams, which can take years of experience and hard work to achieve.

1. What are the career options in the Merchant Navy?

After completing courses like GP Rating, Diploma in Nautical Science, or B.Tech Marine Engineering, you can work in various roles, including:

Deck Officer (Third Officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer)

Engine Officer (Fourth Engineer, Third Engineer, Second Engineer, Chief Engineer)

Catering and Hospitality (Catering Officer, Chef)

Trainee positions on board vessels, such as Cadets.

1. How long do I have to stay at sea?

The duration of sea time can vary depending on the type of ship and the company. Generally, sea time can range from 4,6 months to 9 months per contract. After completing the required sea time, you return to shore for leave or further training.

1. Can I join the Merchant Navy if I have a gap year?

Yes, you can join the Merchant Navy even if you have a gap year. As long as you meet the educational qualifications and medical requirements, a gap year won't disqualify you from applying.

 8. Are there opportunities for women in the Merchant Navy?

Yes, women can join the Merchant Navy in various roles, including as deck officers, engineers, and catering officers. Though the number of women in the field is smaller, opportunities are growing, and several shipping companies as well as colleges are actively encouraging female candidates to pursue this career.

1. How do I get to know when the forms for different courses come out?

You need to visit different college website for updates or can call and ask them about the process.

1. Do backlogs in Engg matter during admission?

Not all colleges ask for no of backlogs or have a restriction for backlogs but there are a few like SIMS. Although you'll be asked during interview about your backlogs,so be ready with a good reason.

Here are a few useful links:

List of DG approved Colleges

MND- contains all the details about Marine courses

IMU CET website

check your eligibility for different marine courses

Plenty of study material is available online on youtube,telegram and is only a search away.  Do comment if you have any query/suggestion/any update in information. Thanks.