You’ve decided you want to start a career in the Merchant Navy. That’s awesome! Being a part of the Merchant Navy offers plenty of adventure, high income, and opportunities for travel. However, you have to first receive proper training before you take to the sea. Choosing a great Merchant Navy training program matters a lot, as it builds your foundation for a successful future. Never mind, this article will make it easy for you.

1. Understand What the Merchant Navy Is All About

Before everything else, ensure that you’re familiar with the internship. The primary function of the Merchant Navy is to convey goods and sometimes people on ships going across the globe by sea. It works much more like a commercial organization than like the Navy in the military. And if you are a fan of the sea, ships, and travel, then this could really be the kind of work you are looking for.

2. Know the Types of Courses

There are different types of Merchant Navy courses based on your interests and qualifications. Some popular ones include:

1. DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)

2. Sc. in Nautical Science

3. Marine Engineering

4. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course

Some are for deck officers, and others are for engine room jobs. Pick what suits you best!

3. Pick a recognized Merchant Navy Institute in India.

The next important step is to pick the best “Merchant Navy institute in India.” You need to choose a college that has been approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). You will be certain that the course is reliable, and you should be able to get a job on ships after graduation.

Here are some of the top merchant navy colleges in India:

1. Indian Maritime University (IMU) – Chennai

2. Tolani Maritime Institute – Pune

3. Training Ship Chanakya—Navi Mumbai

4. Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI)—Kolkata

5. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies—Lonavala

All these colleges are well-known and have good placement records.

4. Check the Facilities and Placement Records

Being considered a good college is more than having large facilities. Don’t forget to consider the labs, simulators, the living quarters, and the food before you decide. In addition, find out about the agency’s success in filling positions. Do they make it possible to get assigned to a ship afterwards? If it is possible, speak to those who have studied there and check what reviewers say.

5. Know the Fees and Duration

Different Merchant Navy colleges in India charge different fees. Depending on what you select, the course fee could range from ₹ 2 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs. It’s also good to look at the course duration because some programs are over in a year, and others may last up to four years.

6. Fill Out the Merchant Navy Application Form

After thinking about it, you need to apply for the job. Online applications are available at most colleges today. Our advice is to open the website of your chosen institution and find the Merchant Navy application form. Fill it out carefully, upload your documents, and pay the fee. The fee may vary, so it would be best if you get knowledge about it and then start with the payment.

Final Words

Choosing the right Merchant Navy training program isn’t rocket science. Just make sure the course and college are approved, the placement is good, and it fits your budget. Talk to people, watch videos, and read up as much as you can. And once you’re in, work hard, stay focused, and the sea will be all yours!