The Merchant Navy is something that you should consider as your career option, especially when you are dreaming of crossing the oceans, living a life full of adventure, and earning a decent income as well. However, in order to get on your first ship, you must begin at the beginning, and that is selecting the most appropriate institute in the Merchant Navy. Now we understand it. There are too many merchant navy institutes in India, so the entire process might appear to be confusing. However, there is nothing to fret about. We are going to make it very easy and so very simple in a very simple manner.

1. Look for DG Shipping Approval.

To begin with, be sure that the institute is under the sanction of the Directorate General (DG) of Shipping, Government of India, Merchant Navy. This is similar to the certification that goes, Yep, this college is certified! Your certificate will not be accepted with this approval, and you may not even be certified to work on ships.

2. Check the Courses Offered

Various colleges of the Merchant Navy provide various kinds of courses. They either provide or offer courses; others offer degree courses, and yet others offer short-term training. You are a recent graduate out of school, and you want to jump in really quickly; then, one of the best first-time qualifications might be a diploma called the Diploma in Nautical Science, or DNS. It also qualifies you quicker (it is a one-year course) and, subsequently, when you are already working, can be converted into a full BSc Qatar Airways degree in Nautical Science. There is also an option of investigating the nature of Merchant Navy courses in deck cadet training, engine cadet schemes, marine engineering, or electro-technical officer (ETO) training. Decide what appeals to you and what you want in the future.

3. Infrastructure & Facilities

An institute that offers good Merchant Navy training needs to be well-equipped. This would be in the form of modern classrooms, simulators, labs, and even a training ship or swimming pool in which to provide basic safety training. Visit the campus or at least go through a virtual tour, assuming that it is possible.

4. Placement Support

Everyone wishes to get a good job after completing the course. Therefore, find out the record of placement of the college. Shipping companies tend to have a strong tie-up with the top Merchant Navy colleges in India and even offer placements on campus. Ask people who have attended school or are still in school to get their firsthand feedback.

5. Experienced Faculty

It is a big difference to have instructors who now have experience at sea. They do not only teach with the use of textbooks but also cases in real life. Therefore, select a school with well-experienced and qualified faculty members.

6. Location & Fees

It also depends on the location of the institute. Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kochi also have some of the top merchant navy colleges in India. Make it one that will be convenient to you. And naturally, the fee structure. You don’t have to buy the cheapest; you have to get the best value for the money you are paying.

Final Thoughts

The first major step toward your career in the maritime industry lies in the selection of the right institute in the Merchant Navy. Research, shop around, and do not make the decision hurriedly. A good institute is not only one that imparts quality education but also embarks you on a successful life at sea. Therefore, in case you are seeking a diploma in naval science or are having a look at other merchant navy courses, you should choose one of the reputable merchant navy colleges that fit your targets. Anyway, your adventure of becoming a seafarer begins here.