For students and parents in India
Your first step to a career at sea
Clear, honest guidance on joining the Merchant Navy. Find the right course, check the rules and avoid costly mistakes.
- Based on DG Shipping rules
- Free to use
- Not linked to any institute or agent
From 17½You can start after Class 10, as a rating.
Where are you now?
Pick your stage of study. We show the courses open to you.
After 10th
GP Rating and ship's cook courses. Start work on ships as a rating.
See courses
After 12th Science
B.Sc. Nautical Science, DNS, B.Tech Marine Engineering. Officer careers.
See courses
After 12th Commerce or Arts
Rating and cruise hotel courses. What is open and what is not.
See courses
After a degree
GME for mechanical engineers, ETO for electrical engineers, deck for science graduates.
See courses
After ITI or diploma
Rating and engine courses that count your trade.
See courses How joining works
- Check you can applyAge, marks in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English, and eyesight.
- Choose an approved courseOnly courses approved by DG Shipping lead to a job at sea.
- Pass the entrance test and medicalIMU-CET for degree courses, and a check by an approved doctor.
- Train and go to seaClasses ashore, then training on a ship with a shipping company.
The facts parents ask for first
Course fees, DNS
₹2.5–7 lakh
For the whole course, from the institutes' own websites.
Pay at sea, first jobs
₹25,000–85,000
Per month for trainees and new ratings. Officers earn much more.
Age limit, most officer courses
25 years
Higher for some courses, and for SC, ST, OBC and women.
Fees checked 31 October 2026. Pay figures are estimates from published salary guides. See all fees and salaries.
For parents
Questions every parent asks
Straight answers, with the rule or source behind each one.
- Is the Merchant Navy safe for my child?
- Is it a government job?
- What will the course really cost?
- How do I spot a fake agent?
- How often will my child come home?
Free help, when you need it
Your route plan
Answer a few questions. Get a PDF of the courses open to you.
Make my planAsk a question
Serving officers answer here on the site. We email you when they do.
Ask nowDate alerts
Entrance test and admission dates, by WhatsApp or email.
Get alertsA call for parents
A short phone call with a serving officer, at no cost.
Request a callQuestions from students and parents
Answered by serving officers. Ask your own, it is free.
Can I join the Merchant Navy if I wear glasses?
What the medical checks, and which jobs need perfect colour vision.
Read the answer Women at seaCan girls join the Merchant Navy?
Every route is open to women, and some institutes charge women less.
Read the answer AgeI am 26. Am I too old to join?
Age limits by course, and the extra years for reserved categories.
Read the answer