A Brief Description of B.Sc. Nautical Science

The B.Sc. Nautical Science program lasts three years and prepares students to work as Deck Officers in the Merchant Navy.
The course covers everything you need to know to safely operate and manage a ship at sea, including navigation, ship operations, cargo handling, meteorology, and maritime laws.

Goal of the Course

To get students ready for a job as Navigating Officers on merchant ships by giving them a lot of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training at sea.

The Duration of the Course

  •  years of schoolwork (six semesters).
  • Then, as a Deck Cadet, you will get 12 months of training on board a ship.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 10+2 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
  • At least 60% of the total marks in PCM
  • At least 50% in English (10th or 12th grade)
  • Age limit: You can’t be older than 25 when you apply.
  • According to DG Shipping (India) standards, you must be medically and physically fit.

Main Topics

  • Chart work and navigation.
  •  Building and stability of ships.
  • Oceanography and Meteorology.
  • Cargo Work and Ship Operations.
  • Knowledge of Marine Engineering.
  • Bridge Equipment and Keeping Watch.
  • Laws about ships and maritime safety.
  • Radar and communication systems for ships.
  • Astronomy at Sea.
  • Marine Pollution Control and Environmental Science.

Learning and Hands-On Experience

  • Specialized training on simulators for using radar and navigation.
  • Training in firefighting and staying alive (STCW courses).
  • After getting your degree, you have to do a year of sea training on board.

Top Institutes in India

  • Indian Maritime University (IMU) – Chennai & affiliated colleges.
  • Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) – Pune.
  • Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS) – Lonavala.
  • AMET University – Chennai.
  • Vels University – School of Maritime Studies.
  • IMI (International Maritime Institute) – Noida.

Job Opportunities

After finishing their degree and training at sea, candidates can work on merchant ships as:

  • Deck Cadet / Trainee Navigating Officer
  • Third Officer
  • Second Officer
  • Chief Officer
  • Captain / Master Mariner

Salary Package

  • During sea training you get a stipend of ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 a month.
  • As a Third Officer you can earn ₹2–4 lakh a month (tax-free in international waters).
  • As a Captain, you can earn ₹8–12 lakh a month.

Recruiting Companies

  • Anglo Eastern Ship Management.
  • Fleet Management Ltd.
  • Maersk Line.
  • Great Eastern Shipping.
  • Synergy Marine Group.
  • Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM).
  • MSC Ship Management.

Career Growth Path

  • Deck Cadet
  • Third Officer
  • Second Officer
  • Chief Officer
  • Captain (Master Mariner)

Why should you choose B.Sc. Nautical Science?

  • Direct pathway to a career in the Merchant Navy
  • Opportunity to travel the world
  • Tax-free salary in foreign ships
  • High job security and global recognition
  • Excellent growth and adventure-filled lifestyle
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