Diploma in Maritime Deck Cadet & Nautical Science
A two-year diploma plus mandatory sea time for international shipping roles.
Description
The Diploma in Maritime Deck Cadet & Nautical Science is a two-year diploma followed by mandatory sea time that trains students for international shipping roles as deck officers. It is designed for early entry into the merchant navy with high-paying global careers.
Students learn navigation, seamanship, ship stability, meteorology, cargo operations, maritime law, ship construction and safety. The course combines classroom learning with simulator training and a mandatory sea-time internship on ships.
Graduates work as deck cadets and progress to deck officers (3rd Officer, 2nd Officer, Chief Officer, Captain) on merchant navy ships. The career offers high salaries, long leave periods and global travel. Salaries rise sharply once certified.
Entrance Exams
IMU CET
Indian Maritime University (IMU)
National entrance for admission to IMU and affiliated maritime colleges.
Direct / Merit-based Admission
Private maritime colleges
Several private colleges offer admission on the basis of Class 10 / 12 marks and a medical test.
Job Roles
Deck Cadet
Entry-level deck officer under training — assists in navigation and ship operations.
3rd / 2nd Officer
Responsible for navigation, cargo operations and safety on merchant ships.
Chief Officer
Leads deck operations and cargo handling as the ship’s head of deck department.
Ship Captain
Commands the ship and is responsible for the vessel, crew and cargo.
Salary
Fresher (Deck Cadet)
Cadet stipend during training; paid in USD for international ships.
After Certification (3rd / 2nd Officer)
Pay rises sharply once certified; paid in USD for international ships.
Senior (Chief Officer / Captain)
Chief Officers and Captains on large vessels earn well above this range.
Top Colleges / Institutes
- Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai
- Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI), Pune
- Vels Academy of Maritime Education, Chennai
- Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Mumbai
- Private maritime colleges (via IMU CET)