Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

The government of India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has authorized the one-year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) pre-sea training program.It serves as the prerequisite for joining the Merchant Navy as a Deck Officer (Navigating Officer). Following DNS, cadets board ships as Deck Cadets and go on to serve at sea while pursuing additional coursework and exams in order to advance to the position of Captain (Master Mariner).

The Course Structure

  • Pre-sea training at a Maritime Training Institute lasts for one year.
  • A diploma in nautical science was awarded.
  • Affiliated with: DG Shipping-approved institutions and Indian Maritime University (IMU)
  • 18 months of post-sea training as a deck cadet aboard ships
  • Additional Research:
  • Cadets enroll in Advanced Nautical Science, which leads to a B.Sc. in Nautical Science, following 18 months of sea duty.
  • Take the Second Mate’s Exam to advance to Officer of the Watch (OOW), Chief Officer, and Captain.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Passed 10+2 or an equivalent level with Physics, Chemistry, and Math (PCM)
  • At least 60% in PCM and 50% in English (in 10th or 12th grade)
  • At least 17 years
  • Maximum: 25 years (according to DGS rules)
  • According to DG Shipping standards, you must be medically fit.
  • Eyesight: 6/6 vision in each eye without glasses or contacts; no color blindness.

Admission Process

  • IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) or Entrance Test.
  • Interview and Medical Examination.
  • Selection and Admission into a DG Approved Maritime Institute.

What to do after DNS

  • Deck Cadet (After finishing DNS and getting on board the ship)
  • Second Officer
  • Chief Officer
  • Captain or Master Mariner

Candidates can become the Captain of the Ship, the highest rank on board, after completing the required sea time and exams.

Best Shipping Companies

  • Anglo-Eastern Ship Management
  • Fleet Management Ltd.
  • Great Eastern Shipping Company
  • Synergy Marine Group
  • MSC Ship Management
  • Maersk Line
  • V. Ships
  • Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)

Salary Package

  • Deck Cadet: ₹25,000 to ₹60,000 a month while in training.
  • Second Officer: ₹2 to ₹3 lakh a month.
  • Chief Officer: ₹5 to ₹7 lakh a month.
  • Captain: ₹8–12 lakh a month, depending on the company and the type of ship.

Why Choose DNS?

  • Fast-track entry into Merchant Navy.
  • Excellent salary packages & global exposure.
  • Opportunities to travel around the world.
  • Pathway to become a Captain of a Ship.
  • Highly respected and adventurous career.

The Best DG Approved Schools That Offer DNS

  • Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI), Pune
  • Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy, Karjat
  • Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala
  • HIMT College, Chennai
  • International Maritime Institute (IMI), Noida
  • Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), Mumbai
  • TS Rahaman, Mumbai

Conclusion

The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is the best choice for students who love sailing, adventure, and working at sea around the world. With the right training and dedication, it can lead to a rewarding and respected life in the Merchant Navy.

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