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Let’s dive into this article and understand how to become a seafarer.
“In today’s world, most careers mean office cubicles, fixed schedules, and familiar routines. But for seafarers, every day is an adventure. Working on vast oceans, traveling to new countries, and being part of the lifeline of global trade.”
If you have ever dreamed of working on ships, exploring international waters, and being part of a global industry, then becoming a seafarer in India could be your calling.
But how exactly does one start? What courses, skills, and steps are required? This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a seafarer in India, from eligibility and training to career paths and growth opportunities.
Who is a Seafarer?
A seafarer is any individual who works onboard a ship, whether it is in navigation, engineering, catering, or support roles. Seafarers form the backbone of the shipping industry, ensuring the smooth operation of vessels that transport nearly 90% of global trade.
In India, the demand for trained seafarers has been steadily increasing due to the country’s strong maritime heritage and reputation for producing competent officers and crew.
Why Choose a Career as a Seafarer?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s look at the “why.” Choosing a career at sea comes with several unique benefits:
- Global Exposure – Work with international crews and travel to ports around the world.
- Attractive Salary Packages – Tax-free income (under certain conditions) and competitive wages.
- Structured Career Growth – Clear progression from cadet/junior ranks to senior officer positions.
- High Demand – Continuous global need for skilled seafarers.
- Adventure & Lifestyle – A career unlike a typical 9–5 job, with opportunities to experience life at sea.
Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Criteria
To become a seafarer in India, aspirants must meet certain educational and medical standards.
1. Educational Qualifications
Depending on the role you wish to pursue, the requirements differ:
- Deck Cadet (Navigational Officer):
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and at least 60% aggregate.
- English should be passed with 50% marks.
- Marine Engineer (Engine Cadet):
- 10+2 PCM with 60% aggregate.
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.E./B.Tech) in Marine Engineering OR Diploma leading to Marine Engineering.
- GP Rating (General Purpose Rating):
- Minimum 10th Pass with 40% aggregate in English, Science, and Mathematics.
- Age is usually between 17.5 to 25 years.
- Saloon Rating (Catering Department):
- 10th pass or equivalent with English proficiency.
- Preference for those with hotel management or catering background.
2. Medical Fitness
- Must pass a medical examination by a DG Shipping-approved doctor.
- Eyesight: 6/6 vision (without glasses for deck cadets), no color blindness.
- General physical fitness, as seafaring is a physically demanding career.
Step 2: Choose the Right Course
The next step is to enroll in a DG Shipping-approved maritime course. These institutes are regulated by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.
Common Entry-Level Courses:
- DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) – 1-year course leading to B.Sc. Nautical Science (IGNOU/DG Shipping).
- B.Sc. Nautical Science – 3-year course to become a deck officer.
- B.Tech Marine Engineering – 4-year course to become a marine engineer.
- GME (Graduate Marine Engineering) – 1-year program for graduates in mechanical/naval engineering.
- ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) – 4-month program for electrical/electronics engineers.
- GP Rating Course – 6-month training for entry-level crew roles.
Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing:
- Only join DG Shipping-approved institutes to ensure valid certification.
- Avoid fraudulent agents or unauthorized colleges. Always cross-check on DG Shipping’s official website.
- Select a course based on your educational background, budget, and long-term career goals.
Step 3: Obtain the Mandatory Documents
Every seafarer in India must have essential documents before stepping onboard:
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) – Acts as a seafarer’s identity document.
- INDOS Number – A unique ID for Indian seafarers, issued by DG Shipping.
- STCW Certificates – Basic safety training certificates (firefighting, personal survival, first aid, etc.).
- Passport – Mandatory for international travel.
Step 4: Get Onboard Training
After completing your course, the real journey begins with onboard training (cadetship/sea time). This is compulsory to gain hands-on experience.
- Deck Cadets require 12–18 months of onboard training.
- Engine Cadets usually complete 6–12 months of training.
- GP Rating candidates join directly as trainee OS/Wiper.
Onboard training is typically arranged through shipping companies or via campus placement from maritime institutes.
Step 5: Appear for Certificate of Competency (CoC) Exams
Once you finish your sea time, you must clear examinations conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), DG Shipping.
- Deck cadets become Officers of the Watch (OOW) after clearing CoC.
- Engine cadets can qualify as 4th Engineer.
- With experience and further exams, one can progress to Chief Officer/Chief Engineer and ultimately Master (Captain).
Step 6: Career Progression
The maritime career path is structured and rewarding:
For Deck Department:
Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain (Master)
For Engine Department:
Trainee Marine Engineer → 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer
Each promotion brings greater responsibilities, higher salaries, and broader exposure.
Challenges You Should Know
While the career is lucrative, it’s important to know the challenges:
- Long months away from family.
- Physically and mentally demanding environment.
- Strict discipline and responsibility onboard.
- Competition for placements after courses.
Being mentally prepared helps you sail through these challenges.
Tips for Aspirants
- Research thoroughly before joining any course.
- Prioritize institutes with good placement records.
- Stay fit as medical fitness is non-negotiable.
- Network with seafarers through communities like seafarers.in.
- Keep upgrading skills (like ECDIS, Simulator Training, Advanced Safety Courses).
Also read: Top 5 Online Courses for Seafarers to Boost Personal Development
Becoming a seafarer in India is not just about choosing a career, it’s about embracing a lifestyle of discipline, adventure, and global exposure. The journey requires dedication, the right training, and resilience, but the rewards both financial and personal are worth it.
If you are an aspirant who dreams of working at sea, start today by exploring approved institutes, preparing for entrance exams, and connecting with experienced professionals. Platforms like seafarers.in are here to guide you, connect you with opportunities, and help you navigate every step of your maritime career.
