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Pre-Sea Program

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

A 1-year D.G. Shipping approved course leading to B.Sc. (Applied Nautical Science) after 18 months of sea service, preparing candidates for roles as Deck Officers on merchant ships.

Fees

₹9,75,000

Duration

Duration

1 years

Fees

Fees

₹9,75,000

Affiliation

Affiliation

Indian Maritime University (IMU)

Approval

Approval

Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India

Commencement

Commencement

August 2026

Course Overview

Course Details

The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) program offers comprehensive training in navigation, seamanship, and maritime safety. The curriculum aligns with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards. Upon successful completion, candidates are eligible to pursue a B.Sc. in Applied Nautical Science and obtain a Certificate of Competency as a Deck Officer.

Program Features IconKey Program Features

    • D.G. Shipping approved curriculum
    • Comprehensive training in navigation and maritime operations
    • Experienced faculty with industry background
    • On-campus workshops and practical training
    • Structured career progression path

Program Features IconLearning Outcomes

    • Proficiency in navigation and maritime operations
    • Understanding of maritime safety and regulations
    • Readiness for onboard responsibilities as a Deck Officer

Required documents IconRequired Documents

    • Certificate of Medical Fitness
    • Passport
Program Features Icon
Document Submission

Upload documents during application or via your student profile after enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

Program Features IconKey Program Features

Option 1: 10+2 (PCM) from a recognized board Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) English: 50% minimum in either 10th or 12th standard Option 2: B.Sc. Degree B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or Electronics with Physics as a subject 60% minimum average in the final year Option 3: B.E./B.Tech. Degree From a recognized university with at least 50% marks in the final year Must also have more than 60% marks in PCM in 10+2

Minimum Marks:

  • 60% aggregate in PCM (in 10+2)
  • 50% in English in 10th or 12th (whichever is higher)

Note:

Candidate must have appeared and qualified in IMU-CET Passport must be available at the time of joining Sponsorship from a DGS-approved company is mandatory for admission Candidates must be unmarried at the time of admission.

Program Features IconAge Limit

Minimum Age Limit: 17

Maximum Age Limit:

Male:

General - 25 years
OBC (NCL) - 28 years
SC/ST - 30 years

Female:

General - 27 years
OBC (NCL) - 30 years
SC/ST - 32 years

Note:

The reference date for calculation of the age will be 2024-08-01.

Program Features IconMedical Examination

Eye-Sight:

Unaided 6/6 in each eye, no visual aids permitted

Eye Health:

No color blindness, normal vision confirmed via Ishihara Chart

Physical Fitness:

As per DGS Medical Guidelines. Candidate must be declared “Fit for Sea Service” by a DGS-approved doctor

Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET)

National-level online test covering English, GK, Mathematics, Physics, and Aptitude Entrance Exam

EventDate
Registration Window Opens06 Feb 2026
Last date for Online Registration24 Apr 2026
Online City Selection start date for CET-2604 May 2026
Online City Selection end date for CET-2610 May 2026
Date of IMU-CET24 May 2026
Result AnnouncementJune 2026
Online Counselling Registration BeginsJune 2026

Mandatory Requirements

Valid IMU-CET Rank

Candidates must obtain a valid rank in IMU-CET for eligibility.

Sponsorship

Candidates must secure sponsorship from a shipping company before admission.

Medical Fitness Certificate

As specified above.

Passport

A valid passport is required prior to joining.

Admission Process

  • 1

    Application Submission

    Complete the online application form and pay the application fee

  • 2

    Entrance Test

    Appear for the IMU-CET

  • 3

    Interview

    Attend a personal interview to assess suitability

  • 4

    Medical Examination

    Undergo a medical fitness test by a DGS-approved doctor

  • 5

    Admission Confirmation

    Receive admission offer upon successful completion of the above steps

  • 6

    Fee Payment

    Pay the course fee as per the institute's schedule

Ready to Begin Your Application?

Start your journey towards a rewarding career in marine engineering

Program Structure

The DNS program blends classroom learning with simulation and workshop-based training. It prepares students to undertake the responsibilities of a deck officer on board.

Career Path

  • 1

    Deck Cadet

    Trainee officer learning ship operations and navigation under supervision

  • 2

    3rd Officer

    Handles safety gear, navigation equipment, watchkeeping

  • 3

    2nd Officer

    Plans voyage routes, manages bridge watches

  • 4

    Chief Officer

    Oversees deck crew and cargo operations

  • 5

    Captain (Master)

    Commands the vessel and is responsible for all onboard operations

Shore-Based Career Opportunities

After years at sea and obtaining further CoCs, DNS graduates can transition into strategic, training, or compliance roles onshore.

  • Port & Terminal Operations

    Coordinate cargo movement and berth allocation at seaports

  • Fleet Management

    Oversee vessel operations, maintenance, and budgeting from shore-based offices

  • Marine Surveying

    Inspect ships and cargo for compliance with international regulations

  • Maritime Education

    Serve as nautical instructors in maritime academies

  • Logistics & Freight Forwarding

    Work in global shipping logistics and supply chain management sectors

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