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4 Ways To Become A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy

ByZahra Ahmed Marine Careers

The role of a deck officer is important onboard vessels as they are responsible for safe navigation, crew safety, and cargo operations. All this work is divided among and handled by the Trainee Cadet, 3rd Officer, 2nd Officer, and Chief Officer under the supervision of the Master/Captain.

Deck Officer

Achieving the position of deck officer requires years of hard work, tough physical training and mandatory sea time. Many young cadets aspire to work on the deck side without being aware of the nature of work or even the right colleges or courses to choose to become deck officers.

Many colleges and universities offer a plethora of courses in exchange for successful careers at sea; however, most do not fulfil their promises, and cadets are often left searching for employment after completing their courses.

Hence, it is vital to pursue the right course from a reputable institution to start from a solid foundation in the shipping industry. An aspiring deck officer should research thoroughly before deciding on the college and course they want to pursue.

In this article, we have listed some of the important courses through which one can become a deck officer and have a secure maritime career.

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 as a deck cadet in the merchant navy.

After completing it, the candidate obtains an Advanced Nautical Technology Certificate and is then eligible for the 2nd Mate CoC examination for the post of 3rd Officer conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department of the Government of India.

Many merchant navy institutes offer this diploma 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 the best maritime colleges in the United States for more information.

The most important aspect of choosing a suitable merchant navy Institute and course to become a deck officer is ensuring that the country’s respective Government Authority approves the course.

Criteria Requirement
AgeMaximum: 25 years, Minimum: 17 years (on the date of commencement of the course) .Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST & 2 years for Women.
Educational qualificationsAt the 10+2 level, a minimum of 60% in aggregate (min 70% in AEMA and 65% aggregate) in PCM subjects.
Completed B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics (with Physics) from a recognised university, with an average of more than 50% marks in the final year and more than 60% as a PCM aggregate at the 10+2 level.
Completed a B. Tech degree from a university recognised by UGC with a minimum of 50% in the final year and more than 60% marks in PCM at the 10+2 level.
English At least 60% marks in English as a separate subject, in either 10th or 12th standard or in the Degree course conducted by a recognized Board/University. No relaxation for SC/ST candidates in English.
Physical fitness and Medical CriteriaCandidates should be physically fit with 6/6 eyesight without visual aids and no color blindness or night blindness, as specified by DG Shipping.

Reputed Indian Colleges for Diploma in Nautical Science:

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 in the merchant navy 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.

CriteriaRequirement
AgeMaximum age: 21 years, Minimum age: 17 years (on the date of commencement of the course.) Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST & 2 years for women.
Educational qualifications10+2/equivalent (PCM – a minimum of 60% aggregate) & English – a minimum of 50% in 10th/+2. For SC/ST candidates, a 5% relaxation in eligibility marks; however, it will not apply to English Marks.
EnglishAt least 50% marks in English as a separate subject, in either 10th or 12th standard. No relaxation for SC/ST candidates.
Physical fitness and Medical CriteriaThe candidate should be physically fit with 6/6 eyesight without visual aids and no color blindness or night blindness, as specified by DG Shipping.

There are a host of Institutes offering this merchant navy program, the notable ones being:

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 in the merchant navy 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 the 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
CriteriaRequirements
AcademicA pass in 10+2 or its equivalent examination with minimum of 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics group, and at least 50% in English at 10th or 12th standard.
Medical StandardCandidate should be physically fit for sea service under standard norms, with minimum unaided vision 6/6 in each eye, and with no colour blindness.

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. The following are the institutes in India that offer this merchant navy program to become a deck officer:

Responsibilities of a Deck Officer

  • Standing Bridge Watch, plotting course, using GPS, radar, and electronic aids to ensure the ship stays on the right course and avoids collisions.
  • Oversee maintenance of life-saving equipment and firefighting equipment, ensuring adherence to maritime safety regulations (STCW) and coordinating safety drills.
  • Supervising the loading, stowing, securing, and discharging of cargo.

Essential Skills for a Deck Officer

Beyond academic knowledge, a Deck Officer must possess crucial soft skills, including-

  • The ability to take charge of a watch, manage a diverse crew, and make quick, informed decisions.
  • Maintaining focus during long periods of watchkeeping, especially at night or in rough weather.
  • Working with crew members from various nationalities and backgrounds.
  • Proficiency in emergency procedures such as search and rescue, firefighting, and damage control.

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 that caters to your requirements can help an individual develop the right attitude towards this line of work. Lastly, the exact deck officer job description or deck officer salary mainly depends on the shipping company.

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

Read More Articles By This Author >

Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.

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131 Comments

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  6. 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..

  7. 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….

  8. hi can i do the navigation officers course open learning HNC navigation is there any cost.

  14. 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

  15. 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.

  19. 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 ??

  20. 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

  21. Please I need an information bottle c.o.c and the requirement please forward it to me thank you

  22. 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

  23. 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.

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. Hi sir am Godwin, pls I want to know the qualifications to become a deck officer. Thanks you. Godwin

  27. sir i have done the gp ratings course of 6 month I want to known about how to become the 4th engineer first

  28. 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

  29. 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…

  31. I every time spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s posts every day along with
    a cup of coffee.

  32. 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

  33. 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 [email protected]

    THANKS

  35. 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?

  36. 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

  37. 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.

  39. 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 [email protected]. .. or msg me on 8287409900. …….
    Thanks. .

  40. 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

  41. 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

  42. what degree collect for cruise ship captain for British country plese help me sir
    thankyou sir I am 9 class child

  43. 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?

  45. 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

  47. anyone know about international maritime academy in chennai (tamilnadu) pls share the details about studying bsc nautical science there in my mail [email protected]

  48. 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 ??

  49. 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.

  50. Sir .my name is Tilk raj from jammu and kashmir …i want to become a deck officer through gp rating
    Say me all processs

  51. 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

  52. 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.

  53. 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

  58. 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.

  60. @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.

  61. 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???

  63. Sir, i ve passed 12th n i Want 2 join in merchant navy . What r the options 4 me . Plz reply

  64. sir, I join Gp rating course kya Gp rating karne ke baad aage bade opportunity milte he plzz reply

  65. 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

  67. 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.

  68. 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

  70. Sir I’ve completed my secondary education with commerce stream
    So can i go for any post in navy?

  72. Sir,
    I am presently in class 12 commerce (with Maths). Can I join Merchant Navy as a Deck Cadet,and HOW???

  76. 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.

  78. 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

  80. 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.

  82. @Saurabh: B.A is not the relevant qualification for deck cadet. You need to have a PCM in 10+2 with 60% marks.

  83. 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.

  84. 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

  85. Hai sir I am studying BSc computer science.so tell me how to join in merchant Navy sir pls tell.

  86. 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?

  87. 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

  88. @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.

  89. 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

  90. 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.

  92. @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.

  97. 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

  98. @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.

  99. 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.

  100. @Praveen: You need to approach shipping companies for the vacancy. The job market is not that great, you need to keep trying.

  103. Dear sir,
    After completing gp rating and 36 months sail on boArd. Am I eligible for applying 3rd offcer exam ?
    I completed +2 science.

  104. Sir my brother has the problem of Man boobs can he join merchant navy sir pls reply

  106. 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.

  107. @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.

  110. 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?

  112. Sir how can i join as a deck officer in merchent navy and what is the eligibility for it

  114. 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

  115. im studing gp rating i have done pcm with less 60% .after complet 36month can i eligible for coc or dgree complesory for officers ??

  117. 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

  119. 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

  121. Can I join merchant navy without entrance exam or become deck cadet by any means after gp course?

  122. 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?

  124. 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?

  126. I have complete my post basic nursing I would like to work in ship how can I join ship or cruise please help me

  129. sir i have completed Bsc nautical science degree
    how can i become deck officer

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