How to become a Merchant Navy Deck Officer in India
मर्चेंट नेवी डेक अधिकारी
Navigate cargo and passenger ships, manage cargo and lead the deck crew on international voyages.
- Streams
- Science (PCM)
- Time it takes
- About 4–5 years after Class 12 including sea time and the first CoC
- Key exams
- IMU CET
What you actually do
- Keep navigational watches and plan passages
- Supervise loading, unloading and safe stowage of cargo
- Maintain safety equipment and lead drills and emergency response
A day in the life
A four-hour watch on the bridge checking radar and charts, then supervising cargo operations in port, maintaining life-saving equipment, and updating the ship’s logs.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: strong maths, physics and English; check eyesightabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths (and English as required)about 2 yr
- IMU CET for IMU B.Sc Nautical Science, or admission to another DG Shipping-approved institute; pass medical fitnessabout 3 mo
- B.Sc Nautical Science (3 years) or another DG Shipping-approved pre-sea courseabout 3 yr
- Sea time as Deck Cadet on a shipabout 1.5 yr
- DG Shipping Certificate of Competency (CoC) exams; first job as Third Officer, later Second Officer, Chief Officer and Captainabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| IMU CET | Indian Maritime University | Once a year |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Indian Maritime University campuses: moderate to high fees
Private route
Private DG Shipping-approved institutes: high fees
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Pay at sea is generally attractive and rises with each certificate of competency and rank. Months away from home are part of the job. We do not quote figures.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You love the sea and travel
- You can live away from family for months
- You like responsibility and leadership
Maybe not, if…
- You get seasick easily
- You want to be home every evening
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Common questions
How do I become a Merchant Navy Deck Officer in India?
1. Class 9–10: strong maths, physics and English; check eyesight 2. Class 11–12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths (and English as required) 3. IMU CET for IMU B.Sc Nautical Science, or admission to another DG Shipping-approved institute; pass medical fitness 4. B.Sc Nautical Science (3 years) or another DG Shipping-approved pre-sea course 5. Sea time as Deck Cadet on a ship 6. DG Shipping Certificate of Competency (CoC) exams; first job as Third Officer, later Second Officer, Chief Officer and Captain
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Merchant Navy Deck Officer?
IMU CET (Indian Maritime University). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Merchant Navy Deck Officer?
Science (PCM).
How long does it take to become a Merchant Navy Deck Officer?
About 4–5 years after Class 12 including sea time and the first CoC
How much does it cost to become a Merchant Navy Deck Officer?
Government route: Indian Maritime University campuses: moderate to high fees. Private route: Private DG Shipping-approved institutes: high fees. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Merchant Navy Deck Officer in India?
Pay at sea is generally attractive and rises with each certificate of competency and rank. Months away from home are part of the job. We do not quote figures.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Merchant Navy Deck Officer: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Indian Maritime University · Directorate General of Shipping
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
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