🚢 How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th: Step-by-Step Guide (As per DG Shipping & IMU Guidelines)
Are you dreaming of a career filled with adventure, travel, and good salary at sea? The **Merchant Navy** offers just that — a life of discipline, teamwork, and global exposure. If you’re a student who has just completed **12th (Science stream) with Pcm 60% above marks** and wish to sail across oceans, this guide will help you understand how to **join the Merchant Navy in India** as per **DG Shipping** and **IMU (Indian Maritime University)** guidelines
⚓ Step 1: Understand What the Merchant Navy Is
The Merchant Navy is not a defense service; it is a commercial fleet responsible for transporting goods and passengers across the world. It offers various career paths — Deck Officer, Marine Engineer, Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), and Crew (GP Rating), CCMC.
🎓 Step 2: Choose the Right Course After 12th
After completing **10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)**, you have several options depending on your interest and eligibility
1. **B.Tech Marine Engineering**
Duration:- 4 years
Eligibility:- 10+2 with PCM and at least 60% marks, and minimum 50% in English (10th or 12th).
Career Path:- Become a Marine Engineer after onboard training.
College Approved by:- DG Shipping
2. B.Sc Nautical Science / Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS).
Duration:- 3 years (B.Sc) / 1 year (DNS) + sea training
Eligibility:- 10+2 (PCM) with 60% marks and 50% in English./In case Dns depending upon your company eligible criteria.
Career Path:- Become a (Deck Officer), and later rise to the rank of (Captain).
3. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course.
Duration:- 4 Months
Eligibility:- Diploma or Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Telecommunication Engineering.
Career Path:- Manage electrical systems and automation onboard ships.
4. GP Rating Course
Duration:- 6 months
Eligibility:- 10th with 40% aggregate and 40% in English.(ITI student are applicable)
Career Path:- Entry-level deck or engine crew (supporting officers).
🧭 Step 3: Apply Through DG Shipping Approved Institutes (IMU)
Always choose a DG Shipping-approved institute & IMU . You can check the updated list at the official DG Shipping website:
👉 [www.dgshipping.gov.in](https://www.imu.edu.in/imunew/index/home)
Some top maritime institutes include:
1. Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
2. Maharashtra Academy Naval Education and Training Pune
3. International Maritime Institute Greater Noida
4. Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy, Karjat
5. IMU Campuses (Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Vizag)
6. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies Pune
7. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
🧪 Step 4: Appear for the IMU-CET Exam
To get admission into IMU & IMU-affiliated colleges, you must clear the IMU Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET).
Note - Appear for Jee Mains Student are also Applicable.
IMU-CET Details:
Eligibility:- 10+2 (PCM)
Subjects Covered:- Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, and General Aptitude.
Application:- Apply online via [www.imu.edu.in](https://www.imu.edu.in)
🩺 Step 5: Complete Medical Fitness Test by DG approved Doctor.
Every candidate must be (medically fit) as per DG Shipping standards. The test ensures good eyesight (6/6 vision), color vision, hearing, and general health.
Approved medical examiners’ list is available on the DG Shipping website.
🌊 Step 6: Get a Sponsorship (DNS & GME)
Many shipping companies offer **sponsorship programs** before joining college. A sponsored candidate is guaranteed a ship placement after course completion.
Popular sponsoring companies:
1. Anglo-Eastern Ship Management
2. Great Eastern Shipping Company
3. Fleet Management
4. Synergy Maritime
5. MSC
💼 Step 7: Start Sea Training and Career Growth
After completing your course, you’ll start your **sea training** (6 to 18 months).
Deck cadets → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
Engine Cadet → Fourth Engineer → Third → Second → Chief Engineer
ETO - Traine eto - Junior eto - ETO
🌏 Benefits of Joining the Merchant Navy
Tax-free international salary 💰
Global travel and adventure 🌍
Long vacations after contract 🚢
Respectful and disciplined lifestyle ⚓
⚠️ Important Tips
✅ Choose only DG Shipping,Indian Maritime University (IMU)-approved, institutes
✅ Don’t fall for fake agents promising guaranteed jobs
✅ Maintain good physical fitness and English communication skills
✅ Keep checking IMU and DG Shipping websites for latest updates
✨ Final Thoughts
Joining the **Merchant Navy after 12th** is one of the best career options for youngester who love the sea. With the right education, discipline, and determination, leadership quality, you can build a rewarding international career — all while exploring the world.
Author:- Fleet Frontier Maritime Team
Website:- [www.fleetfrontier.in](https://www.fleetfrontier.in)
Category:- Career Guidance | Merchant Navy | IMU & DG Shipping Updates
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