Merchant Navy - Study and Training

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Indian merchant navy ships are operated by public and private sector shipping companies and manned by trained navigators, marine engineers and crews. The responsibility for training of personnel for the Indian merchant navy lies with Government of India functioning through the Ministry of Surface Transport. Training institutions under the direct administrative control of the Directorate General of Shipping have been established.

Government maritime training ship ‘Chanakya’ Mumbai conducts a 3 year degree course leading to B.Sc in Nautical Sciences under the aegis of the University of Mumbai. The Directorate of Marine Engineering (DMET) Kolkata now known as Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI) imparts marine engineering education. These are two pre-sea training institutions for maritime education. Training ship ‘Chanakya’ prepares cadets for the navigation discipline. The highest post of navigating officer is that of a Master of a ship. In the case of Marine engineer the highest post is of Chief Engineer.

Certificates of competency – Navigation

Navigating officers -

For navigating officers it is important to obtain a certificate of competency under the rules and regulations in India relating to the examinations of Masters and Mates in the Mercantile Marine. The first certificate of competency for the Navigating Officer’s who qualify from T.S. “Chanakya” is that of Second Mate (Foreign Going). After successful completion of three years degree course in Nautical Science on Training ship “Chanakya”, the cadet officer is required to complete one year in the deck department on board a merchant ship before becoming eligible for the grant of Second Mates (FG) certificate of competency. During this period he is given a nominal stipend. Candidates who pass the B.Sc. (Nautical Science) examination, conducted by the University of Mumbai, are eligible for remission of sea service and certain exemptions in the certificate of competency examinations.

Second Mate Certificate of competency in the first exam for a cadet. It takes 8-10 months and students are given instruction in a nautical college for 3 months.

After possession of the certificate of competency of Second Mate (FG) such an officer is eligible to be appointed as 3rd officer/2nd officer on board a merchant ship and draws a handsome salary. For subsequent promotion, he has to render further sea service (18 months as OIC NW) to pass the higher examination namely First Mate (Foreign Going) and a further sea service of 18 months as OICNW or 1 year as CM for Master (Foreign Going). After service of 18 months the merchant navy personnel is eligible for the combined First Mate/Master’s Certificate of competency examination for which coaching is imparted for taking the exam. It takes 8-10 months. For the Master’s Certificate of competency mariners have to complete 36 months of sea time after the 2nd Mates exam and minimum 12 months after 1st Mates exam. The certificate of competency as Master (FG) entitles the officer to become the Captain of a merchant ship. It normally taken 10-12 year to become a Captain. The competency examinations are conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport through the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai.

Training for marine engineers

Merchant Navy vessels recruit engineers who have undergone training with the Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI) or mechanical/electrical engineers directly. When marine engineers are recruited directly they get exempted from Class II Part A examination. Thereafter they can attempt class I Part A exam after 1 ½ years seatime and Class I Part B thereafter. Other requirements for recruitment are the same for directly recruited engineers except that they do not get Class II Part A exemption.

On the marine engineering side, the lowest examination relates to the Second Class certificate of competency. Examinations are conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport in two parts ‘A’ and ‘B’. Candidates of MERI in possession of Final Passing Out Certificates are exempted from Part A. Part B of the Second Class Certificate can be obtained after completion of the qualifying sea-service and after obtaining Part ‘A’ of the certificate, unless exempted as in the case of MERI cadets. After completion of the training in MERI, a cadet is taken in as a Junior Engineer Officer on merchant navy ship. Subsequently, a Junior Engineer, subject to satisfactory service and passing of requisite examinations, is posted as a Third Engineer, Second Engineer and ultimately a Chief Engineer of a ship. Examinations for marine engineers are also conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport through the Director General Shipping, Mumbai.

Rules relating to examinations in respect of navigating officers and marine engineers are contained in Merchant Shipping (Examination of Engineers/Masters and Mates in Merchant Navy) Rules, which are priced publications.

Although Government undertakes no obligations to find employment for the trainees of T.S. Chanakya and MERI, the institutes do assist them in getting suitable employment with the India Shipping Companies.

Other entry routes into Engineering department

There are several other options to join the engine department. These are -

-- Apprenticeship from the naval dockyard/machinist coast guard/Indian Navy can enter on taking Part A of the Marine engineer Class IV exam. They can join as junior engineers.

-- ITI 2 year course with 50% can be followed by 4 months pre sea training for entry as Fitters and Petty officers.

-- BE Electrical/Electronic followed by 18 months training in approved marine workshops, basic safety courses and Part A of Marine Engineering Class IV exam can join the engine department.

-- Diploma holder in Mechanical/Ship building/Electrical Marine engineering branches followed by 2 years marine workshop training, MEO Part A exam and basic safety courses join as junior engineers or can join 2 year trainee marine engineering course.

-- XII with PCM and English with 50% can enter through 4 year workshop training route with 60% marks in the Marine Engineering course. They undergo 3 year course at an approved institute and become associate members of the Institution of Engineers and join merchant vessels as junior engineers. They complete sea time and take relevant courses and give the Class IV Certificate of competency examination.

-- Engineers from any dicipline can do a one year marine engineering course from a training institution (See courses).

-- BE Ship building/Ship Architecture (4 yrs.) entitles candidates to join 2 year trainee marine engineering course. BE Mech/Ship Architecture with 50% can join 1 year trainee marine engineering course.

Home Trade Zone Mariners

These are merchant vessels sailing along the Indian Coast only. These are called Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) Navigation certification for ships (500 gross tonnage or more)is open to X class pass students, minimum age 18 years/18 months sea service as deck cadet/3 years as deck ratings each having performed watch keeping duties for at least 6 months under supervision of the Master or officer of the deck department who has a valid certificate of competency. After receiving the certificate, appointment is as watch keeping officer on home trade ships or offshore vessels. These personnel are eligible after completing the required educational sea service requirement to take Second Mate Exam of Foreign Going Vessels.

Mate of a Home trade Ship –

After acquiring the certificate of competency as navigational watch keeping officer and completing 18 months sea service, training and assessment they are promoted as Mate on Home trade ship. To become Master of 500-3000 gross ton ships the certificate of competency as Mate of a home trade ship is required, 3 years sea service, completion of a ship management course, 90 days as Chief Mate or ship handling and manoeuvering, simulator training and examination and assessment is required. Master of home trade ship can join a foreign going ship at the second mate level.

Entry Home Trade Zone – Marine Engineers

X certificate holders/Engine room ratings with watch keeping certificate/Navy rating (machinist)/Engine driver (sea going)/ITI (deisel mechanic) training/Dip in Mech/Electrical Engineering/marine fitters from workshops or dockyards can be recruited, Class IV Engineers on clearing the MEO Class IV (NCV) Certificate of Competency and the required sea service and the modular courses and on board training are also recruited. Further career progress is the same as for marine engineers.

From deck cadet to officer

Another route into merchant navy is through presea training with private /or government training institutes. Students after completing 10+2 and presea training are recruited as deck cadets on board private national or international ships. Deck cadest are apprentices who are trained for the profession under the supervision of senior officers. On completion of on board training and passing the required examination they get the final appointment. Again, it is not enough to be just appointed.

Every promotion thereafter is after passing an exam, the first examination a deck cadet has to clear is the Third Mate’s exam which is offered to cadets three years after joining a ship. This examination tests navigating skill and watch-keeping duties on board. Cadets normally study while on board the ship. They are on deck duty all the time and through this, they actually practise what they are expected to answer in the exam. Deck duty involves safe navigation of the ship, loading and discharging of cargo, safety, and observance of national and international codes. Engineering cadets work under senior officers in running and maintenance of the engine department. To become an officer a cadet has to clear the next exam, the Second Mate’s exam to qualify to be an officer.

The Chief Mate’s exam is the crucial test of his career. This exam is composed of both an oral and written test. On clearing this exam the officer becomes a Chief Mate on board ship and is given independent command of his vessel. For a merchant naval officer this is the highest promotion. There is no specified age limit for achieving this promotion.

The Mercantile Marine Board conducts promotional exams. The subjects included are Fire Fighting, First Aid, Survival at Sea and Communications tests. This exam is a requirement laid down by the International Maritime Safety Law. Every five years the service has a system of validation.

Ratings

Ratings have to obtain Merchantile Marine Department (MMD) watch keeping certificate and 6 months training on completion of pre-sea training. For taking the certificate ratings must have X pass (including Science & Maths), should be optimum 21 years of age, medically fit and most importantly must have 3 years sea service (6 months supervised watch keeping duties).

Medical Fitness – The certificate of medical fitness is issued by the company’s doctor or by Merchant Marine Education and Research Trust (MMERT).

Courses and Institutions

Premier Institutes

Nautical training ship ‘Chanakya’

T.S. ‘Chanakya’ imparts maritime education and training to the prospective navigating officers of this country. It is affiliated to the University of Bombay as a degree college for conducting a three year degree course in Nautical Sciences. The syllabus is drawn up to give broad based marine education, with special emphasis on fundamentals of marine subjects and practical aspect of the profession. The educational and training programme is designed to inculcate officer like qualities and high sense of discipline in the cadets. Physical training is an essential part of the curriculum to keep the young persons fit for the tough and adventurous career at sea. A brief outline of the educational and training programme is given below:

Course -

The subjects include : English and communication skills, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Electronics, Computer Science and Marine Management.

Practical training-

Practicals in subjects, held as per the University of Bombay requirements for Navigation are - Astronomy, Practical Navigation, Chart Work, Magnetic and Gyro Compasses, Electronic Navigational Aids viz. Radar, Decca, Loran, Satellite Navigator etc. The practical training includes maintenance work of the ship and experience in handling various Navigational Instruments together with boatwork, both under oars and power. All drills carried out on sea going ships pertaining to safety of life are regularly exercised on board.

Ship operation technology -

Naval Architecture, Cargo Work, Ship maintenance, Seamanship, Collision prevention and Marine Communication, etc.

Applied subjects -

Maritime law, Maritime Commerce, Marine Engineering and Control Systems and Environmental Science (Meteorology, Geology, Oceanography, Marine Pollution, Hydrographic Surveying, etc.).

Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI)

The MERI has head quarters at Kolkata and branch at Mumbai. These are the only Institutions in India for training of Marine Engineers for the Indian Merchant Navy.

The training in the MERI is spread over a period of four calendar years leading to a Graduation Certificate. This four year Engineering Course at MERI is recognised as equivalent to 1st Degree in Engineering, by Ministry of Human Resources Development (Education).

Candidates possessing this degree are eligible for appointment to the senior services under the Government. During the four year course, in addition to theoretical and practical training, candidates are required to take part in the co-curricular and extra curricular activities of the institute. The syllabus and curriculum has been so drawn up that on completion of the training a cadet attains fairly high standards in fundamental engineering sciences, a specialised knowledge of theoretical and practical marine engineering and a basic knowledge of humanities and social sciences and also meets the statutory requirement for Marine Engineers as laid down in the relevant rules under the Merchant Shipping Act.

First year training is conducted at Kolkata and the cadets learn the use of basic hand tools, machine tools, and attend technical classes in engineering subjects. Sufficient time is devoted to work on ship practicals. During the 2nd and 3rd year training cadets are attached to marine workshop at Kolkata and are engaged in overhaul, repair and maintenance of ship’s main and auxiliary machinery and ship board systems. These practicals are alternated with technical classes and laboratory practicals at the college as sandwich system devoting equal time to both the aspects of marine engineering. Technical classes are held in advanced marine engineering and technology.

Practical training in the power house and with the help of simulator etc. gives an opportunity to the cadets to work on machine tools, testing machines, control and electronic instruments as well as to overhaul, operate and test auxiliary power plant units.

Address for contact -

Marine Engg. & Research Institute (Formerly Directorate of Marine Engg. & Training) Kolkata, P-19, Taratola Rd., Kolkata 700088.

Selection to T S Chanakya and MERI

Candidates for admission to Training ship “Chanakya”, Mumbai and Directorate of Marine Engineering, Kolkata, are selected on the basis of a common entrance examination IIT-JEE. The number of seats for each of the institution is fixed on the basis of projected employment opportunities. Number of candidates admitted to these institutions vary each year.

Eligibility for admission -

Admission is open to unmarried Indian male and female candidates. Candidates from friendly countries may be directly admitted with the approval of the Government of India in the Ministry of Surface Transport.

Age Limit -

A candidate must not exceed 20 years of age on 1st September, of the year of entry. This age limit is relaxable by 5 years in the case of candidates belonging to SC/ST.

Academic qualification - The minimum academic qualification for admission to Training Ship “Chanakya” and Directorate of Marine Engineering Training is a pass in a Final examination of Standard XII of 10 plus 2 system or its equivalent, having passed individually in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as elective subjects. A list of Qualifying examination is given below :

-- Higher Secondary Examination of any recognised Central/State Board of
Secondary Education under the 10 + 2 systems.

-- Intermediate Science/Technical or two-year pre-university examination
conducted by recognised Board/University.

-- First year examination of five year integrated courses of IITs/recognised

Institutes and Universities.

-- All India Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the Central
Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi.

-- Indian School Certificate (10 + 2) Examination of the Council of the Indian
School of Examination, New Delhi.

-- First year examination of a three year degree course of any recognised
Indian University.

-- Final examination of the two-year course of Joint Service Wing of the
National Defence Academy.

-- Any public school/Board/University Examination in India equivalent to
the 10 plus 2 system as recognised by the Association of Indian Universities.

-- Any public school/Board/University Examination in Foreign countries
equivalent to the 10 plus 2 system in India, as recognised by the Association
of Indian Universities.

Physical fitness -

A candidate for admission is examined for physical fitness by authorised medical authorities. The candidate must be physically fit and must meet the specified medical requirements.

Resevation of seats -

15 per cent of the total seats available to Indian nationals are reserved for eligible students belonging to Scheduled Castes and 7.5 per cent for Scheduled Tribes provided they satisfy other requirements.

Mode of selection -

From 1995 the selection for admission to the B.Sc Nautical Science degree of ‘TS Chanakya’ Mumbai and four years Marine Engineering Degree course at Marine Engineering Research Institute, Kolkata is made through the Joint Examination conducted by the IIT. After the written test a merit list is prepared. Although a student may express his/her preference for one course of training or the other, the final distribution of the candidate between the 2 courses of training is at the discretion of the Director General of Shipping.

Address for contact–

Directorate General of Shipping, Jahaz Bhavan, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400001. Website : www. dgshipping.com.

Entrance exam syllabus for TS Chanakya/Meri -

It is same as prescribed for IIT. Refer to Annexure I of Chapter ‘Engineering and Technology’ for details.

Other Marine engineering courses

College of Engineering, Waltair, Visakhapatnam 530003

Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai, 623806, Ramnad Distt. (30 seats).

Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumpudur 602105

Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET), MIT Campus, Paud Road Kothrud, Pune 411038.

Mumbai University, MG Road, Fort, Mumbai 400032 offers 3yrs B.Sc. Nautical Science to unmarried male candidates passing class XII PCM.

The Shipping Corporation of India, Shipping House, 245, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai 400021. website - www.shipindia.com.

Course –

Training for marine engineering (1 year) for appointment as 5th engineer. Eligibility – Graduation in Mechanical Engineering/Naval Architecture Age – 25 years (males & females)

Radio officers conversion training

St. Xavier’s Technical Institute, Mahim Causeway, Mahim, Mumbai-400016.

Indian Maritime College, 14-A, Masi lomani street, T.Nagar Chennai - 600017

Delhi Institute of Marine Studies, 551A, III Floor, Chirag Delhi, Delhi - 110017

Seacom Marine College, 11 Kendua Main Road, Garia, Kolkota - 700084

Nautical Pre sea training courses

Many private institutions have taken up the job of providing training/courses to enable youngsters aspiring to make a career at sea. Qualifications needed and other rules and regulations of these institutes are almost similar to those prescribed for TS Chanakya and MERI. However, each institute should be contacted for their rules and patterns of examination. Here are some institutional details.

International Maritine Academy, 4A, Mount Chambers, 758, Mount Road, Chennai. Website - www.imamaritime.com

Course –

Deck cadet. Eligibility – 10+2 in PCM 60%/B.Sc./BE/B.Tech 53%. Age – 20 for class XII students and 22 for graduates.

Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai 400033

Course - One year pre-sea training at MERI, Mumbai

Eligibility -

Graduate in a full time degree course in mechanical engineering/naval architecture from an engineering college recognised by AICTE (Ministry of Human Resource Development) or the Indian Institute of Technology.

Training -

Selected candidates will undergo one year residential pre-sea training at Marine Engineering & Research Institute, Mumbai. The training course commences from 1st January.

Selection -

The course has the capacity of 105 seats. Of these as many as possible are filled up by the nominees of the member shipping companies of INSA, FOSMA & MASSA. The balance number of seats are filled by selection of candidates strictly on merit on the basis of the marks obtained by the candidate in the last two semesters of the Degree course. In case of a tie in percentage of marks, for the last few seats/last seat, admission to the seats in question is done by taking into account 3rd year marks of the candidates concerned. Out of the candidates selected by the Institute, 15% seats are reserved for SC and 7½% for ST candidates as per Government rules.

Physical fitness -

Candidates for admission are examined for physical fitness by authorised medical authorities. Failure to meet the medical standards disqualifies a candidate for admission.

Eye-sight -

Corrected vision +/- 2.5. Candidates having defective colour vision (colour blindness) also are not eligible for admission. A certificate of eye-sight fitness is to be produced from a Govt. Hospital.

Fee -

The cost of pre-sea training includes tuition fees, lodging, boarding, uniform etc. The course fees is approximately Rs. 1,40,000/- per head.

International Insitute of Maritime Studies & Research, Sector 8, Haldia Township, West Bengal - 721607 in colloboration with Indian Institute of Port Management, Kolkota and affiliated to Vidyasagar University offers

3 year BSc Nautical Science (residential) course

Eligibility -

XII PCM 60% and 50% in English.

Age -

Max 20 years.

Academy of Maritime Education and Training - 3/4/5 Ambedkar Street, Gandhinagar, Saligramam, Chennai 600093, website : www.ametindia.com conducts following courses -

-- BE Marine Engineering Degree Programme of 4 years as an off campus programme of BITs Ranchi. Age should be 17-20 years & passed XII with 60% marks in Phy, Chem and Maths and 50% marks in English either in class X or XII.

The course leads to class IV Marine Engineering Officer certificate of competency awarded by the Ministry of shipping, Government of India, after 6 months of dea service enabling cadets to become Marine Engineers on board merchant naval ships worldwide.

-- B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years) an off campus programme of Alaggapa University., Karaikuti approved by DG of shipping.

-- Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering (2½ years ) leading to Class IV Marine Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency awarded by the Department of Transport, Govt. of UK after 6 months of Sea service. This certificate allows entry as Marine Engineers on Merchant Naval Ships worldwide.

-- 3 month induction course for graduate mechnical engineers into marine engineering and a 3 month pre-sea training course for seamen.

-- Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science (UK) leading to Class III Deck Officer Certificate of Competency is awarded by the Department of Transport Govt. of UK after 18 months of sea service. This enables the cadets to become Deck Officers on board Merchant Naval Ships world wide.

Eligibility -

10+2 with Maths, Physics and English with 55%. Age - 17 years. Physical eligibility is the same as for T.S Chanakya and MERI.

Note - For both courses the 1st year is at AMET, Chennai and 2nd year at Glassgow College of Nautical Studies, UK.

-- 3½ month pre-sea training course for deck cadets - Leading to 2nd Mates foreign going certificate of competency after 2 year of sea service/3 years if course is not taken during sea service.

Eligibility -

XII PCM minimum 60%/BSc 55% in final year.

-- 1 year Graduate Mechanical Engineer Course for Mechanical engineering graduates (24 yrs. max) leading to class IV Marine Engineers certificate of competency.

-- For Radio officers there is a Global Maritime Distress and safety systems general operators certificate course of 2 weeks. Association of Marine Electronic and Radio College UK grant the certificate.

AMET, Chennai also conducts a conversion course for Radio Officers of 12 weeks at AMET Chennai and 12 weeks at Glassgow College of Nautical Studies, Glassgow UK.

A.P. Moller (Maersk) one of the largest ship owning companies in the world sponsors and trains school-leavers to sail on board their ships as Navigators or Engineers in association with Academy of Maritime Education and Training, Chennai, by offering the following courses

-- 3 Year Diploma in Maritime Studies (Marine Power Plant) leading to Class 5 Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

-- 3 years diploma in Nautical Studies leading to Class 3 Deck Officer Certificate of Competency issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Fee - Rs.32000 , Books and Uniforms. All other costs of training are borne by A.P. Moller.

Eligibility - 12th Standard) or its equivalent with minimum 60% aggregate in Maths, Physics and Chemistry but not less than 50% in any of the subjects in the MPC group, and minimum 50% in English. All candidates must clear a psychological test and interview.

Age - 17 to 19 years as on 15th of July of the year of entry.

Medical Standards - Should be physically fit for sea service under standard norms. Eyesight 6/6 for deck cadets, or upto+/-2.5 for engine cadets. Both with no colour blindness.

National Institute of Port Management, East Coast Road, Uthandi, Chennai 600096, website : http://education.vsnl.com/nipm This Institute is a major institute set up by the Ministry of Surface Transport to further the process of maritime education in India. Actively supported by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) London, UNCTAD, Geneva, and other UN agencies, the institute started conducting regular courses from 1990.

The pre-sea training courses conducted by the Institute are normally of three months, both for graduate and under graduate cadets. The primary objective of the courses, as laid down by the institute, is to provide a basic and comprehensive familiarity with the ship’s structure and operations.

Graduates Under graduates

-- Bachelor in Science with minimum Senior Secondary certificate holder
-- 60% in maths and physics. with Minimum 60% in maths and physics.

-- Pass MMD eye-sight test Pass MMD eye-sight test.

-- Declared medically fit for sea services Declared medically fit for sea service

-- Age limit - 22 years Age limit - 20 years

Candidates who are fluent in English language get preference. The procedure for selection is through an interview after which candidates are shortlisted. Depending upon their academic record, the cadets are sponsored by shipping companies.

Trident College of Marine Technology, Trishul, Ground Floor, 35 Rowland Road, Kolkata - 700020. Website - www.tcmtindia.com.

Courses

-- Pre Sea Training Course for Deck Cadet - 15 weeks

-- Pre Sea Training Course for GP Rating - 16 weeks

-- Pre Sea Training Course for Saloon Rating - 16 weeks.

Eligibility - Deck Cadet - H.Sc./I.Sc./10+2 or equivalent with 60% in PCM, Age - 171/2 - 20 years or B.Sc. with 55% in PCM/Electronics, Age - 22 years or BE/B. Tech (Recognized by AICTE)

Age - 24 years.

GP Ratings - Pass 10th Standard with science, maths & english as subjects. Age - 171/2 - 21 years.

Saloon Rating - 10th Standard with English. Age - 171

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