Imagine looking through a glass window at an expansive and raging ocean lashing its gigantic waves at the bow, just meters away from you, while you steer your 200000 Tons mighty ship through them, and you are entrusted with the responsibility of a machine worth more than a 100 million USD and smooth running of the global supply chain. If you are looking for such an experience, the Deck department of the merchant navy is the right place for you.
Deck Officer on a ship is responsible for navigation, communication, and loading and discharging of cargo. The deck department collectively is responsible for safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation of cargo, anchorage, mooring, ballast water operations, apart from monitoring the stability of the ship and maintenance of the upper hull structure and the deck.
One can become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy through two courses: –
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) (Click here to know more)
- BSc in Nautical Science
In this blog, we cover all the Aspects regarding BSc in Nautical Science.
BSc in Nautical Science course provides an opportunity for class 12 students to join as a deck cadet on a ship. After completing the pre-sea training and receiving the BSc degree, cadets can join a ship and can rise to the position of Captain in 8 to 10 years (Depending on factors such as the type of company, type of ship, etc.). The career progression of a student who chooses BSc Nautical Science is as follows: –
BSc Nautical Science Eligibility Criteria
The minimum eligibility criteria of BSC in Nautical Science course set by DG Shipping is as given below. Many colleges have additional eligibility criteria and selection procedures apart from the standards set by DG Shipping.
| Age | The maximum age is 21 years and the minimum age is 17 years on the date of commencement of the course. A relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 2 years for women candidates. |
| Educational qualifications | 10+2/equivalent (PCM – a minimum of 60% aggregate) & English – a minimum of 50% in 10th/+2. Note: In the case of SC/ST candidates. There will be a 5% relaxation in eligibility marks; however, it will not apply to English Marks. |
| English | The candidate should have obtained not less than 50% marks in English as a separate subject, at either 10th or 12th standard. No relaxation for SC/ST candidates. |
| Physical fitness and Medical Criteria | The candidate should be physically fit with 6/6 eyesight without visual aids and no color blindness or night blindness, as specified by DG Shipping. |
BSc Nautical Science Admission Procedure
IMUCET is mandatory for all BSC in Nautical Science aspirants and is of the same format as DNS. Based on their IMUCET rank and PCM aggregate percentage, candidates are shortlisted. IMUCET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Examination) is an examination that takes place all throughout the nation, conducted by the Indian Maritime University. The duration of the examination is 3 hours, and it consists of 200 MCQ format questions which are divided into sections of Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude, and General Knowledge. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers but there is always a chance of change in pattern in the future. Additionally, the college can conduct its own examination to shortlist candidates like TMI ((Tolani Maritime Institute) conducts TMISAT.
Colleges like Tolani Maritime Institute might ask candidates to sit for an online test and interview. After which candidates are asked to get themselves checked from a DG Shipping approved medical center. Students receive a certificate from the medical center and are asked to submit the certificate to the college. After clearing all these stages, the candidate is asked to get admitted for the course.
BSc Nautical Science Colleges in India
The BSc in Nautical Science course is offered by many government institutions and private institutions. With the ever-increasing competition in the Maritime sector, it has been imperative for BSc in NS aspirants to secure a place in the top colleges and in turn secure their future. We, Merchant Navy Decoded, approve only TMI (Tolani Maritime Institute) and TS Chanakya for BSc in Nautical Science. The relevant details regarding these institutes are given below.
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) – Tolani Maritime Institute is a prestigious institute established in 1997 to keep up the long-standing tradition of producing quality of Indian officers to serve in the merchant navy. Today, many aspirants wish to join this institute making it one of the most preferred institutes in India for BSc in Nautical Science course. The college also offers all the facilities that are important for a smooth sail during rough tides. The fee in this institute is, 18 lakhs, higher than average, making it less affordable for many. One can avail the facility of education loan in such case, you can know more about education loan by visiting the link below:-
EDUCATION LOAN BLOG LINK HERE.
The institute was previously affiliated with BITS, but now it is affiliated with IMU (India Maritime Institute). The college also has its own shipping company (Tolani Shipping), which ensures a secure future for all its cadets.
The college conducts its own examination called the TMISAT (TMI Science and Aptitude Test). The test includes multiple-choice format questions covering Physics, Mathematics, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, expected to be completed in 90 minutes. The questions are of 10+2 level with only one section each with negative marking in Physics and Mathematics.
Applicants are shortlisted based on their PCM marks and IMUCET rank, and they will be given the opportunity to sit for TMISAT. It is situated in Pune, Maharashtra.
The selection procedure is as follows: –
| Online test – comprising of MCQ format questions from Physics, Mathematics, Analytical and Logical Reasoning in a duration of 90 minutes, with negative marking in one section each in Physics and Mathematics. Subsequently, a 30-minute Behavioral Assessment is taken to analyze the mentality of the aspirants. | Applicants are interviewed by a panel of educators and maritime professionals to assess the applicants’ communication skills, leadership potential, clarity of thought, maturity, and reasoning abilities. The panel also looks for any extracurricular achievements of the candidate. | DG Shipping appointed doctors will conduct an Eye-Test and medical examination which conforms to the requirements of medical examination rules of theDirectorate General of Shipping. |
- TS Chanakya – Training Ship Chanakya is one of the few institutes in India whose participation in introducing and expanding the Indian influence in the global maritime domain cannot be undermined. The Institute’s foundation dates to 1927 in Navi Mumbai, laying the first steps of India’s dominance in the industry. The college has been successful in imparting the right ideologies to those who pass through its walls, ensuring that they can handle any situation at any stage of their career.
Aspirants need to appear in IMUCET competitive examination and secure a good rank for an opportunity to study in TS Chanakya. IMUCET has 200 MCQ-type questions of 10+2 level from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, English, General Knowledge, and Aptitude, in a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours).
In recent times, the college is witnessing a downfall, in terms of placements and securing the future of its cadets. Covid-19 has also proved to be one of the key causes of decreased placement ratio. Aspirants must be dedicated and hardworking to secure placements from this institute.
The institute also possesses a strong alumni base that can guide young mariners in their careers. The institute takes an intake of 185 cadets every year in the month of August and the fee for the three-year course is 6.6 lakhs and 4.2 lakhs for female cadets.
The selection procedure is as follows: –
| Aspirants appearing for IMUCET competitive examination. | Shortlisted candidates (based on IMUCET rank) are asked to send the relevant documents and appear for the admission process. | DG Shipping appointed doctors will conduct an Eye-Test and medical examination which conforms to the requirements of medical examination rules of the Directorate General of Shipping. |
Selection Procedure at TS CHANAKYA
An overview of the best B.Sc. in Nautical Science Colleges-
| Colleges | TS CHANAKYA | TMI (Tolani Maritime Institute) |
| Parameters | ||
| Location | Navi Mumbai | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Type | Government | Private |
| Fees | Rs. 6.6 lakhs | Rs. 18 lakhs |
| Campus Facilities | Facilities at TS Chanakya | Facilities at TMI |
| Association | _ | Tolani Shipping |
| Recruiters | Fleet Management Limited, Nippon Yūsen Kabushiki Kaisha, Thome, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Pvt Ltd, Chevron, Anglo eastern, Scorpio, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Synergy, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Colombia shipping, Hunter group. | Wilhelmsen Ship Management, Maersk tankers, Stena bulk, Chevron, BW Shipping, MOL, Xpress feeders, MTM, NYK, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Oldendorff carriers (ASP), MOLTA, Campbell Shipping, Laurel Shipping, TORM, Maersk line, Teekay, K-Line, Emarat Shipping. |
| Placements (As of 2021 with placement in progress) | 41/176 | 65/75 |
| Placements (As of 2020) | 131/146 | 78/78 |
| Official website | TS Chanakya | TMI Official website |
| Other features | Strong alumni network best-ranking candidates in IMUCET get the opportunity to study in this institute. Very active campus environment with numerous curricular and extra-curricular opportunities.Regimented training program to create dedicated deck cadets. | Best campus facilities in the country. Continuous Evaluation of student progress. Top-quality study material is provided. High-quality rating by DNV-GL and Indian Register Quality Systems.Ties with numerous shipping companies.Ship-in-campus facility to give cadets an early taste of sea life. |
BSc Nautical Science Syllabus
The three-year B.Sc. in Nautical Science Syllabus is as given below-
BSc Nautical Science FAQs
Q) What is the duration of the BSc in Nautical Science course?
A) 3-year course pre-sea course.
Q) What are the average course fees of BSc in Nautical Science?
A) TS Chanakya charges 6.6 lakhs and TMI charges 18 lakhs for the three-year BSc course.
Q) What are the academic criteria for the DNS course?
A) In 10+2 level, 10+2/equivalent (PCM – a minimum of 60% aggregate) & English – a minimum of 50% in 10th/+2. Note: In the case of SC/ST candidates. There will be a 5% relaxation in eligibility marks; however, it will not apply to English Marks.
Q) What is the BSc in Nautical Science admission procedure?
A) The admission procedure includes 3 stages: IMUCET, Institute examination (if any), and Medical and optical test.
Q) What are the top BSc Nautical Science colleges in India?
A) The top B.Sc. Nautical Science colleges in India, as of now, are TMI (Tolani Maritime Institute) and TS Chanakya.
Q) What is the duration of onboard training for B.Sc.?
A) 12 months after which B.Sc. cadets are eligible for their MMD oral examination. Extensive information about the same is given at the start of the blog.
