MARITIME TRAINING
PRE SEA TRAINING
Pre-sea training refers to the training programs that individuals undergo before they can embark on a career at sea, typically in the maritime industry. This training is essential for those aiming to work on ships or in maritime-related roles. The purpose of pre-sea training is to equip individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and certifications required to work safely and efficiently at sea.
Pre-sea training programs may cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Basic safety training: This covers skills such as firefighting, first aid, personal survival techniques, and sea survival.
- Maritime regulations and procedures: Understanding international maritime regulations, shipboard procedures, and emergency protocols is crucial for ensuring compliance and safety at sea.
- Crew Members (To assist the Officers).
- Navigation and seamanship: Learning navigation skills, including chart reading, using navigational instruments, and understanding weather patterns, is essential for safe navigation at sea.
- Ship operations: Familiarization with different types of ships, their systems, machinery, and operations are vital for individuals working onboard.
- Communication skills: Effective communication is crucial for teamwork and safety onboard ships. Training may cover radio communication, maritime English, and interpersonal skills.
- Environmental protection: Training in environmental regulations, pollution prevention, and waste management is increasingly important in modern maritime practices.
WHAT IS MERCHANT NAVY?
A merchant navy or merchant marine is a fleet of merchant vessels registered in a specific country. On merchant vessels, Seafarers of various ranks and sometimes members of maritime trade unions are required by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) [1] to carry Merchant Mariner’s Documents.
HOW TO GET INTO THE MERCHANT NAVY AND ITS CRITERIA?
To know how to join the merchant navy, follow these steps:
1. Choose the job profile
2. Know the basic qualification
Unmarried males and females.
Age: 17-22 years at the time of application.
3. Understand the educational qualification
• For cadet
10+2 with PCM and a BSc in Marine, Nautical Science, or Marine Catering.
• For engineer
10+2 with PCM and a degree in marine, mechanical, civil, petroleum, naval architecture, or electrical engineering.
4. Clear the entrance exams
Clear the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET).
For government colleges, clear JEE Mains and Advanced.
5. Pass the medical fitness test
Good eye vision: 6/6 for BSc degrees, glasses up to ±2.5 for engineering courses Also, unaided vision should be 6/12 on both eyes. For a rewarding career, you should not have any colour blindness.
6. Complete your training
Cadet: One-year pre-sea training, followed by 18 months on-ship training.
Engineer: Six months of on-ship training.
7. Apply for competency exams
To finally enter the merchant navy, a candidate may have to clear a competency exam:
For cadet
Post-training, clear the government competency exam to become a third officer.
For engineers
After training, clear the Directorate General of Shipping exam to become a fourth engineer.
8. Further your education
Pursue MTech/ME for specialization and higher positions.
• For seaman
Complete maritime training, obtain COC or COP, meet medical and physical fitness requirements.
• For cook
Culinary training, Seafarer’s Medical Certificate (SMC)
• For oiler
Maritime training, obtain relevant COC or COP.
• For wiper
Maritime training, obtain relevant COC or COP.
• Electrical officer
Degree/diploma in electrical engineering, maritime training, relevant COC or COP.
• Welder fitter
High school diploma, vocational training in welding, certifications, and possible additional maritime training.
WHAT ARE THE COURSES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR IT?
• Diploma in NauticalThe program aligns with the STCW Convention and Indian regulations for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch. It offers a comprehensive pathway for Class XII graduates to become qualified Deck Officers. Training covers Navigation, Seamanship, Cargo handling, and Ship Operations, and fosters discipline and professional growth. It consists of 12 months of pre-sea training at IMI focusing on specialized areas, followed by 18 months of board training with IMU. Completion leads to a Diploma in Nautical Science and an Advanced Diploma. After a 4-month post-sea course, graduates earn a Certificate of Competency as Second Mate Foreign Going and a B.Sc. Degree in Nautical Science.
Course Type: Pre Sea
Course Commencement: February & August Every Year
Course Duration: 1 Year
• Eligibility
10 + 2 (‘A’ Levels) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with minimum 60% marks in PCM or B.Sc. Graduates with 60% marks in the final year. Minimum 50% marks in English at 10 + 2 or 10th level is a must. Should be fluent in written and spoken English. Required to clear the OPEN-NET Examination conducted by IMU.
Age
Up to 20 (12th – Passed/Appearing) and up to 22 (Graduate)
Medical Fitness
Medically fit with eyesight 6/6, without external aids. No color blindness
• B.Tech (Marine) – Degree Course
IMI is the sole maritime institute in North India offering a 4-year B.Tech Marine Engineering course affiliated with IMU Chennai, recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping and AICTE. Graduates can pursue careers as junior/trainee engineers at sea after completing mandatory STCW courses. Following 6 months of sea service, they qualify to sit for the Class IV Part 'B' examination, leading to a Certificate of Competency awarded by the Mercantile Marine Department, Government of India. This certification enables them to work as Certified Engineer Officers in the global shipping industry.
Course Type: Pre Sea
Course Commencement: August Every Year
Course Duration: 4 Years
• ELIGIBILITY
10+2 with PCM 60% aggregate marks from recognised Boards/Universities. Minimum 50% marks in English at 10+2 or 10th level is a must. Fluency in written and spoken English is expected.
AGE
Minimum age: 17 Years Maximum age: For Males: Gen-25 years, OBC(NCL)-28 years, SC/ST-30 years For Females: Gen-27 years, OBC(NCL)-30 years, SC/ST-32 years
• MEDICAL FITNESS
Medically fit with eyesight 6/6, with or without external aids. Maximum power permitted ± 2.5. No color blindness. All candidates have to pass a complete medical examination and mandatory tests before joining. IMI has a panel of qualified doctors and professional laboratories specializing in Merchant Navy regulations and requirements as per ILO Convention 147 Seafarer’s Medical Examination.
• SELECTION PROCEDURE
Candidates must clear the IMU-CET examination held at the All India level. During counseling, the Institutes are allotted based on the merit in IMU-CET and candidates' preferences.
• GRADUATE MECHANICAL ENGINEER (GME) IN MARINE ENGINEERING
The 12-month Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) course is for Mechanical Engineering graduates seeking a career shift to marine engineering, approved by the Directorate General of Shipping. It covers marine engines and practical workshops. Upon completion, graduates can become junior/trainee engineers at sea after mandatory STCW courses. After 6 months of sea service, they qualify for the Class IV Part 'B' examination, leading to a Certificate of Competency awarded by the Mercantile Marine Department, enabling them to work as Certified Engineer Officers worldwide in the shipping industry.
Course Type: Pre Sea
Course Commencement: April & October Every Year
Course Duration: 1 Year
• Eligibility
BE or B.Tech (Mechanical or Naval Arch) from AICTE-approved college/university with minimum 50% marks and at least 60% in English in either 10th or 10+2. Fluency in written and spoken English is expected.
Age
Minimum age: 17 Years Maximum age: For Males: Gen-25 years, OBC(NCL)-28 years, SC/ST-30 years For Females: Gen-27 years, OBC(NCL)-30 years, SC/ST-32 years
Medical Fitness
Medically fit with eyesight 6/6, with or without external aids. Maximum power permitted ± 2.5. No color blindness. All candidates have to pass a complete medical examination and mandatory tests before joining IMI. IMI has a panel of qualified doctors and professional laboratories specializing in Merchant Navy regulations and requirements as per ILO Convention 147 Seafarer's Medical Examination.
• B.TECH.(MARINE ENGINEERING)-LATERAL ENTRY
Candidate should have passed the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering / Diploma in Marine Engineering / Electrical / Electronic & Electrical from any Government Approved institution with at least 60% marks overall and should have completed the Diploma within the stipulated period of 3 years.
OR First-year from the Engineering College in the other streams like Mechanical or Electrical approved by AICTE with minimum 60% average marks
The Candidates should have secured 50% marks in English in 10th /12th Standard or the Diploma awarded.
Age Limit
Minimum age: 17 Years
Maximum age : For Male : Gen-25 years, OBC(NCL)-28 years, SC/ST-30 years
For Female : Gen-27 years, OBC(NCL)-30 years, SC/ST-32 years
Eye Sight: As per DG Shipping Medical Standards,
Candidate should submit a duly attested copy of the under-mentioned document:
(a) Diploma Mark Statement
(b) Diploma Certificate
(c) Secondary /10th Std. (SSLC) Mark Statement
(d) Senior Secondary /10 +2 Mark Statement
(e) Birth Certificate issued by any Government authorities
(f) Transfer Certificate
(g) Community Certificate
Pre-Screening Test.
Registered Candidates are required to undergo for Pre Screening Test (PST) followed by an Interview at Institute premises.
Medical Examination.
(a) Selected candidates are required to undergo a medical examination by the Directorate General of Shipping approved doctors
(b) Medical Examination fee to be paid directly to the Doctor by the Candidate.
(c) Medically fit candidate to submit the report to the Institute positively at the time of admission.
Course Type: Pre Sea
Course Commencement: August Every Year
Course Duration: 3 Years
• ELECTRO-TECHNICAL OFFICERS (ETO) COURSE
I Electro-Technical Officers Course for Electrical / Electronics Diploma & Degree Holder.
Course Duration: 4 months
Followed by 6 months of Onboard training
Course Type: Pre Sea
Course Commencement – March, July, November
Course Duration: 4 Months
• Eligibility
Passed 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English as separate subjects with a minimum of 50% in the English language at the 10th or 12th std exam. ii. Passed three years of Diplomas with 60% marks or four years of Degrees including lateral entry with 50% marks, in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication/ Communication Engineering, or Electronics and Instrumentation or equivalent. iii. The diploma /degree courses must be recognized by any State or Central Government or the AICTE,
Age
Not more than 35 years from the date of commencement of training.
Medical Fitness
From a D.G Shipping approved Doctor as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000; as amended.
IMPORTANCE OF SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship is important in the merchant navy for several reasons:
1. Financial Support: Sponsorship often covers the cost of maritime education and training, which can be expensive. It relieves candidates of the financial burden associated with pursuing a career at sea.
2. Guaranteed Job Placement: Sponsors typically provide job placement upon successful completion of training. This ensures graduates have employment opportunities lined up, offering stability and security in their career path.
3. Training Opportunities: Sponsors may offer specialized training programs tailored to the needs of the shipping company or specific vessels. This ensures that candidates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for the job.
4. Career Advancement: Sponsors often provide opportunities for career advancement within their organization, offering a clear path for professional growth and development.
5. Industry Connections: Sponsors usually have established networks within the maritime industry, which can be valuable for career progression, networking, and accessing future job opportunities.
Overall, sponsorship plays a crucial role in facilitating entry into the merchant navy, providing essential support, training, and opportunities for aspiring seafarers.