4 Ways To Become A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy
The Merchant Navy is a lucrative and enjoyable line of work that demands a great deal of hard work right from the day you step into a maritime academy, whether for nautical science or marine engineering.
As with choosing any stream of education, selecting a career in the Merchant Navy also requires considerable research so that a prospective individual can select a course that best suits his/her needs. Some might aspire to become deck officers, while others might be interested in knowledge of marine engineering.
With a plethora of maritime institutes offering a variety of courses, it is natural for a candidate to get confused and, in the process, make the wrong decision.
There are several good maritime institutes worldwide, and it is natural to be spoiled for choice. However, it is necessary to understand that not all of them offer the path to becoming a Deck Officer on a ship in the way that is imagined.
The role of a Deck Officer in the merchant navy is indispensable, and it is important for prospective Cadets to know what a deck officer does on board ships.
A Deck Officer executes various tasks on ships, namely navigation and manoeuvring the vessel, handling all safety equipment on board, and handling cargo, communications, and safety.
All of this seemingly daunting work is designated, divided, and handled among the Trainee Cadet, 3rd Officer, 2nd Officer, Chief Officer, under the supreme supervision of the Captain of the vessel.
The prerequisites to join a maritime course pertaining to the Merchant Navy are generally kept low, except for the physical fitness and medical requirements. However, it is advised that an interested individual inquire with the respective institute offering the course to get the exact criterion.
The following deck officer training courses will help individuals greatly in determining what’s best for their chosen path to becoming one.
1. B.S. Nautical Technology
This is a 3+1 year course available only in India. The degree in question here is offered by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and is offered in two other institutes in India. The first three years of the merchant navy course are spent in the institute, where a variety of subjects are taught extensively. The final year is devoted to an internship on board a vessel as a deck cadet for at least 12 months.
The internship period is crucial as the degree is only conferred when an individual finishes his sea time.
The 2nd Mate license is obtained after finishing the mandatory sea time upon clearing the MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) examinations. A total of 48 subjects are covered in the study period of 3 years, a detailed list of which can be obtained from the website/brochure of the institutes concerned. Following are the institutes in India that offer this merchant navy program to become a deck officer:
2. B.Sc. Nautical Science
This is a three-year deck officer training course available in India. In the UK, it is a four-year course. However, the method incorporated in completing this course varies between India and the UK.
In India, a deck cadet spends his entire 3 years in a Maritime Institute and gets a degree after the course ends. Following that, he seeks employment and gets on board a ship as a Trainee Merchant Navy Deck Officer. In the UK, work and learning are incorporated within the course (a part of the deck officer recruitment process), with the core modules and work-based learning divided aptly within the four years of study. There are a host of Institutes offering this merchant navy program, the notable ones being:
- Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), Chennai
- Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Liverpool
3. HND Nautical Science
HND stands for the Higher National Diploma. This is a two-year course conducted in liaison between an Indian Institute and one in the UK. The first 39-40 weeks of the course are spent studying at an Institute in India, whereas the next 39-40 weeks are spent at an Institute in the UK.
Deck cadets must sail for a minimum of 15 months after completing the course for the deck officer cadetship. A 3-month 2nd Mate Preparatory course must be undertaken at the deck cadets’ respective Institute. Upon clearing the examination conducted by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), the Cadet is awarded the 2nd Mate UK license to become a certified deck officer. The notable HND courses of merchant navy are conducted by:
- AMET University, Chennai in collaboration with South Tyneside College, UK
- International Maritime Institute, Noida in collaboration with Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Scotland
4. Diploma in Nautical Science
This is a one-year course at the Indian Maritime University. Prospective deck cadets undergo a year-long period of study followed by a sailing period of a minimum of 18 months. Many merchant navy institutes offer this course. It is advisable to check the Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Maritime University websites for institute approvals and course details.
In the United States, the Merchant Marine is a civilian auxiliary of the US Navy. The US system is very intensive. Candidates should refer to one of the Academy websites for a methodical procedure regarding the US Merchant Marine.
Check the list of best maritime colleges in the United States for more information.
The most important aspect of choosing the suitable merchant navy Institute and course to become a deck officer is ensuring that the country’s respective Government Authority approves the course. It is also advisable to know that the nation is issuing the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) to prevent any confusion later.
In addition to the courses mentioned above, several shipping companies also conduct sponsorship programs for deck officers.
Choosing the right path to becoming a Deck Officer in the merchant navy can play a vital role in having a solid kick-start to the career. Apart from good memories and an unforgettable college life, a proper institute catered to your requirements can help an individual develop the right attitude towards this line of work. It is to be noted that the deck officer job description or deck officer salary mainly depends on the shipping company.
Related ArticlesÂ
- 5 Things to keep in mind before joining merchant navy
- Deck department Vs Engine Department : What to choose?
- Hierarchy Level of Deck Department on ships
- What is a difference between nautical science and marine engineering?
- Physical Fitness and Medical Requirements to Join Merchant Navy
- How Deck Officers Can Use NP 294 to Keep Admiralty Products Up-To-Date?
About Author
Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling.
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this is my career,and it must become a reality by the grace of God,amen
this is my dream career and it must become a reality,a man’s dreams is an an index to his greatness,Failure is never an option to me,i will see myself there very soon,i love merchant navy,i love seafeerers,i love sailing and i will sail somedays.
My question is after 6 month gp rating course + 36month sea service can give 2nd mate fg exam
Or I have to pass 12th exam for 2nd mate fg course pls sir reply
Dear Omkar,
No need for 12th exam.
Sir, what are the steps after 12 std to be a Merchant Navy Officer at Deck
Sir, my question is also same as sahil more say’s. Plz kindy tell the courses one has to complete after 12th.. I’m totally confused..
Sir,please explain the path to become officer as i have completed my GP rating and sailing as OS..Coz i want to become an officer ..I am 12th PCM passed out….
hi can i do the navigation officers course open learning HNC navigation is there any cost.
Sir what step to join merchant navy after 12th please give reply sir
sir ,bsc. nautical science degree is compulsary to join as a deck cadet.. ??
please explain me…
How can i apply for imu cet 2015
@ Pankaj:
Check IMUCET official website for more info- https://www.imu.edu.in
Sir what happens in deck cadet job and its course is of how much time
Respected sir I have done gp rating course how can I give exam of mates after 36 mnths of sailing I have not completed my 12th so am I elegeable for mte xzams n what r d procedures pls help me sir
Regards Rajat
Respected sir,
I have done diploma in nautical science and have sailed for 12 months as a cadet onboard a FG vessel and now I want to join as a Ordinary seaman.If I do so how much sea experience will be required to write exams.And will my 12 months as cadet will be counted in sea experience as rating.
Hi Gaurav please ask your questions at https://forums.marineinsight.com
Thanks
sadly it was only for india and uk. im also aspiring but i think it all but a dream ….
Just willing to know the ways for engineers to become deck officers?
hii, sir i have done my gp rating course and i want to become officer so please tell me can i give second mate after 24 month sailing ?i have also done my 12th with pcm but my percentage is very low about 49% . so sir tell me about this can i give second mate after 24 month sailing ??
Dear Sir,
I have being working on cruiselines for the past 10 years as a restaurant waiter.
I have passed my 12 std from National open school.
I want to be a 3rd officer.
Please advice
Kind regards
Mebin
Please I need an information bottle c.o.c and the requirement please forward it to me thank you
I am an ordinary seaman, working good ownership company&have 52 months onboard experience with Indian CDC, I would like to participate 2nd mate FG Exam only in INDIA I have +2 qualification with PCM but just passed in the border, please guide me to get Indian COC
Dear Sir,
I’m an AB with 25 months of sea service. I’m planning to go for Second mates after completing 36 months of sea service. What are the documents I have to get prepared on-board, to appear for exams?
I heard that GP rating background guys cannot give Second mate (FG) directly, is it true that we have to give NCV first? I have 2 with PCM.
Hello guys
I m sailing as an os
this my second contract
I want to know how I can give exam after 36months and what documents are required
please help me
good day sir my name is sridhar working in murchant navy as an engine fitter so sir plz advice how to join th e collage to clear my class 4 and sir plz can u give me ur contact number to contact u . thanking u sir from sridhar
Hi sir am Godwin, pls I want to know the qualifications to become a deck officer. Thanks you. Godwin
sir i have done the gp ratings course of 6 month I want to known about how to become the 4th engineer first
I am studying in11 std as a science student i wanted 2 know that wat courses 2 do 2 become a deck officer as my elder brother has done gp rating should i also do that
Sir, I have completed gp rating course… I have done pcm but not science group… I have 60 per in pcm… So please tell me that, what are steps to become officer @ fg… I am eligible for that…? Pls guide me…
@ Thomas: You need to complete required sea time as GP rating to become eligible for Officer exams.
I every time spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s posts every day along with
a cup of coffee.
hello sir
i am parwinder singh have 32 month seatime as os and still onboard going to finish 36 month in march 2016 so i want to go for second mate exam is this possible to go direct for 2nd mate FG course in india if not then please guide me in uk which collage i can join and what is the procedure and how much its total cost
hello sir
i am parwinder singh going to complete 36 month seatime as a deck rating in march2016. i like to go for second mate course is this possible to go direct for 2nd mate FG course in india if no then please tell me which collage i can join in uk and how much its cost and how much duration of this course . please reply me on my ships mail id ALSO that is pa***********@se********.com
THANKS
We know it’s important for you to get a quick response for your question.
Thus, we created Marine Insight Forums >> https://forums.marineinsight.com
Kindly re-post your question at the forums, after a quick free sign-up and one our experts will reply to you at the earliest.
Register here now >> https://forums.marineinsight.com
Thanks a lot in advance.
Please for christ sake,is this marine course or navy course were only stationed for science student,and not for other department.such as humanities and commercial student?
SIR i AM cadet and i want to join as a O.S. after completing my 36 month ses service how can i apply for 2nd mate
Hello, I am a deck Cadet. I am writing on behalf of my friend who is an OS. Please tell me clearly the procedures for applying for 2 nd mates exams, for an OS after competing 36 months of sea time..thank you
Surya.
Similar questions has already been answered in our forums: https://forums.marineinsight.com
For any other queries, please post them in our forums for speedy replies
sir… which cource is more beneficial in terms of income and time duration of the course. .. is it DNS or B.sc in nautical science. ……. plz sir make this clear for me…. u cn reply me on sa************@Gm***.com. .. or msg me on 8287409900. …….
Thanks. .
sir can I join in any course of merchant navy without appearing imucet
I am very much interested in this job .plzz help me sir
thank you
sir I like cruise ship captain how to became I cruise ship captain please help me sir
I request to you plese help me
thankyou sir
what degree collect for cruise ship captain for British country plese help me sir
thankyou sir I am 9 class child
GOOD day sir , iam from pakistan and i have just completed my gp rating course from pakistan marine academy . sir iam confused about sailing time period that a gp have to compelete . i heared alot from people that a gp should complete 42 mnths of sailing onboard and some people say he had to complete 36 mnths of sailing to become a 3rd or 2nd mate . sir my question is that what exactly sailing time period a gp has to required?
What course I should do after 12th to get a better post
Sir please reply
Good day sir,
I completed by DNS nautical science and 18 months of sailing on a general cargo vessel in may 2014.Due to some reasons i thought of quitting this field.Now i would like to join back the field by doing second mate functions.So will it be a problem.
Sir please reply
Thanking u
The procedure has been clearly explained in the above article.
anyone know about international maritime academy in chennai (tamilnadu) pls share the details about studying bsc nautical science there in my mail pr*******************@gm***.com
Hi sir i want to know that who is given first preference to become 2nd officer.a cedet who has done bsc natucal or gp rating os who has 36 month exp ??
Respected sir
Please explain me that my dream is to a deck officers when i was in 8 th std .But unfortunately i
get compart in cbse 12 std in maths subject due to our health problem ,but my preparation is very nice and i hope that including my compartmental result marks my percentage does not decrease below 68-70 :/: .
so,by our this compartmental result can i get admission in deck course or it creates any problem in future.please please look me a right path unless my career and my dream get spoiled.
Sir .my name is Tilk raj from jammu and kashmir …i want to become a deck officer through gp rating
Say me all processs
sir I don’t have Indian cdc. I have Librean cdc but experience base indian cdc issued after 2 years sea time and plzzz tell me I also appear for 3rd mate after 36 Month+indian cdc have
Dear Sir .my name is Arun Kumar from Pondicherry …i want to become a deck officer through gp rating
Say me all process. And passed +2 (science group) and completed BE mech ( I did not clear my paper). I have 9 month work experience in marine after GP rating course. Please guide me.
sir i am shubham gupta i pass 12 std and i want to joint merchand navy and my stream is commerce can i joint navy.
Thanks
Please check this link for your answer and post your further queries here: https://forums.marineinsight.com/forum/join-merchant-navy
@Shubham: You need to have PCM with 60% marks to join a deck or engine officers.
i got 56% pcm in 12th cbse , i want to apply for DNS course . please guide me .
thanks
Sir, how can i join merchant navy as a officer i have passed +2 in science and my age is 17
Good Day Sir,
Correction: Kindly change the sailing time mentioned for the DNS Course. Now it is 18 months instead of 36 months.
I truly admire the efforts of MarineInsight as your articles are really helpful which shows the real life onboard ships.
If possible, then please try to post articles regarding cruise ships and companies and the oppurtunities for an indian deck officers or engineers to get on passenger vessels. As, very few of us knew about it.
@ shubham and rahul -> Check Academic Brochure 2016-17 on IMU Website which has all the details and guidelines.
Please check this article: https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/10-common-questions-asked-by-aspiring-merchant-navy-professionals/
@Sagar: Thank You for the pointer. We are not involved in Job placements and job sector. We will definitely post article on how to join cruise industry.
Hello,sir my I’m a 12 years old boy my dream is to became a merchant navy officer so please help me to became a merchant navy officer???
Sir,if you have any tip to became a merchant navy officer please share it to me??
Sir, i ve passed 12th n i Want 2 join in merchant navy . What r the options 4 me . Plz reply
sir, I join Gp rating course kya Gp rating karne ke baad aage bade opportunity milte he plzz reply
Good morning sir, I have River master inland water and I want to upgrade myself to offshore please can I apply for Chief mate. And also DP. thanks best regard
Can I become a navigation officer after opting commerce (Maths) ?
sir,hellow
i want a favour and a help ….and i want to know that i m 10 just pass 2017 ,
and i want to know the process to become deck offficer and for that what to do to achieve that.
and now i m applining for gp rating cource …and can i move ahead for that? please help me sir.
Hi sir my name b. Lokesh I completed in gP rating and 38 month’s Saling completed I ask u how to prepare officer exam sir plz tell me
Apply for examination with all the required certificates and papers. For other detail
post your question at the forums : https://forums.marineinsight.com
Sir I’ve completed my secondary education with commerce stream
So can i go for any post in navy?
You need to have PCM in 10/12th to join as deck or engineer officer
Sir,
I am presently in class 12 commerce (with Maths). Can I join Merchant Navy as a Deck Cadet,and HOW???
Sir is there any way to directly become a captian in merchant navy……
No. There is no shortcut to Success.
@Hardik: You need to have PCM as your subject in 10+2 for becoming deck cadet. Check this post:https://forums.marineinsight.com/forum/join-merchant-navy/3275-gp-rating-different-from-deck-and-engine
Sir I am Raja from Patna and I want to do a job in Merchant Navy.
My Highest qualifications is B.Tech in Mechanical engineering.
So please sir suggest me about my career in this field.
sir my q. i have a laibraine cdc but no job
Sir my name is N.Anilkumar sir I wanted to join in merchant Navy and I have completed b.tech mechanical engineering what i have to do to become part of merchant Navy
hello sir i am a student in b.a. 2nd year
sir what i do for deck cadet job
Dear sir
What is the process of becoming deck officer after sail service and how much service is required to get eligible for deck officer.
@N.Anilkumar: Please check this article for detail info:
https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/how-to-become-a-marine-engineer-after-doing-mechanical-engineering/
@Saurabh: B.A is not the relevant qualification for deck cadet. You need to have a PCM in 10+2 with 60% marks.
Hello sir,
My name is sajan and i have appeared for my 12th cbse board exam and i want to be an deck officer so can yor please tell what can i do to be a deck officer.
I want to join merchantneavy and I have passed in 12th pcm 55% which I will get and which course I have eligible to do
Hai sir I am studying BSc computer science.so tell me how to join in merchant Navy sir pls tell.
Hi sir I am in 10th and I want to do become deck officer in merchant navy.so what should I do and what will be the salary at the beginning?
Sir/madam ,I am ncc cadet I have c certificate and have completed my MSc chemistry. I want to join merchant next with official rank
@Tajamul: The eligibility requirement is different and does not count the experience of NCC or MSc in chemistry. Please check the article for the criteria as per the stream you wish to join. Do check the age factor.
Hi
Sir
My name Saikumar sir i graduated mechanical engineering in kakathiya University warangal
So I want to work in the ship yard as a mechanical engineering so please help me to tell what course I have to take and how much cost it is and how many months I have to take course plz reply back
Thank u sir
It has been just unfathomably liberal with you to give straightforwardly what precisely numerous people would’ve promoted for an eBook to wind up making some money for their end, basically given that you could have attempted it in the occasion you needed.
After bba can I join
@Madhuri: You can join on the basis of 10+2 (PCM) marks and if you are under the age criteria. BBA will not help you with the joining.
Next year I will complete my 12th what should I do to get a job in merchant Navy
@Tokir: Please read the details here –
https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/joining-merchant-navy-class-12th-india/
Is DNS provides BSc degree also…?
Is DNS provides BSc degree also……
After completing the course….??
i want to know can i apply with my 10th certificates
i have done +2 with commerce stream
right now i m completing my graduation
@Sunny: You can join a ship as a rating on the basis of 10th mark sheet, however, the current market for ratings and even for a fresh officer is not good.
Good day Anish Sir.
Thanks for replying to queries from 2014 on wards.
I’m Deck cadet fresher how can i further get on board.
@Praveen: You need to approach shipping companies for the vacancy. The job market is not that great, you need to keep trying.
My son in bsc last year can he appear in dns or bsc nautical science
@Mr Santosh: Please check this article for eligibility requirement – https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/joining-merchant-navy-class-12th-india/
Dear sir,
After completing gp rating and 36 months sail on boArd. Am I eligible for applying 3rd offcer exam ?
I completed +2 science.
Sir my brother has the problem of Man boobs can he join merchant navy sir pls reply
@Navin Singh: Yes, He can.
Sir i am pursuing polytechnic Diploma in electronics.
Then i can join DNS course after my polytechnic Diploma.
And suggest me best course for my career in marchent navy.
@Yogender: Your polytechnic diploma will not help with the DNS course. You can use your 10+2 PCM marks for eligibility. Do check the age factor too.
Can a commerce or art student do GP rating?
@Avinav: Yes.On the basis of 10th marks.
Sir I have completed B.E Mechanical engineering. Am I eligible to work in ships with my degree qualification? If eligible what postings are I am eligible?
@Saravanakumar: You are eligible to do a GME course. Post completion of that course, you can get training on ship. Please read more here – https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/how-to-become-a-marine-engineer-after-doing-mechanical-engineering/
Sir how can i join as a deck officer in merchent navy and what is the eligibility for it
@Udith: Please check the following articles for better understanding –
https://www.marineinsight.com/a-guide-to-join-merchant-navy/
https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/joining-merchant-navy-class-12th-india/
I HAVE DONE MY HNC FROM BP MARINE AND NOW WANT TO JOIN SHIP AS WHAT CAN I JOIN AND HOW WITHOUT GOING THRU OR DOING HND IN UK AS THE FEES AND EXPENSES ARE EXHORBITANT AND OUT OF MY MEANS PL ADVICE WHAT AND HOW I SHOULD JOIN ANY SHIP AS AND IF I WANT TO BECOME A OFFICER IN ANY STREAM OR A CAPTAIN HOW, WHEN AND WHERE I SHOULD GO TO GIVE THIS EXAMS OTHER THAN UK
im studing gp rating i have done pcm with less 60% .after complet 36month can i eligible for coc or dgree complesory for officers ??
@Yash: Yes.
Dear Sir, I am a Doctor of Science in Communications and Information Technology, but I have a wish to study a Navy captain. I am 55 years old and what is required is I allowed to study in one of the Marine Academies. Second, what is the duration of the study?
Third, the cost of this study
Thank you
@Bashar: There is age cut off limit to become a professional seafarer.
Sir my 10th class complete with 56% marks
+2 class complete in Arts stream 70% marks
My graduation appearing final year 1 exam
What should i do to get a job in merchant navy
@Sanjay: The requirement to join as an officer is to have PCM marks of >60 % in 10+2. As you have taken arts in 10+2, your graduation course will not be considered too. Please check this –
https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/joining-merchant-navy-class-12th-india/
Can I join merchant navy without entrance exam or become deck cadet by any means after gp course?
sir, i complet my 10 th standerd with 88.60 percent and i am complete my 11 with pcmb what will i do for a marchant navy job as deck officer?
@Vignesh : This video might help – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y2CcsAz5a4
Hi sir my name is Joston Fernandes, I am doing diploma in mechanical engineering. I want to joint the merchant navy as a chief engineer after completing diploma in mechanical engineering. So what is the process for doing it?
@joston: You can apply for a GME course to enter the merchant navy filed as a marine engineer. Please check the process – https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/how-to-become-a-marine-engineer-after-doing-mechanical-engineering/
However, you will be joining as a trainee and to become a chief engineer, you need to work for at least 6-10 years. Please check how the rank system works in merchant navy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoX91AhJXKg
I have complete my post basic nursing I would like to work in ship how can I join ship or cruise please help me
You need to do the relevant STCW courses before joining any ship.
Sir..
How to become Deck officer..?
sir i have completed Bsc nautical science degree
how can i become deck officer
Wow thats my dream,
it must come to past
Wishing you luck @Benjamin