Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve done 12th (PCM) and dream of being a deck officer in the merchant navy, BSc Nautical Science is one of the most direct, prestigious routes. But not every institute is equal and if it’s not DG-approved, your certificate may not count.
This guide walks you through:
- What is BSc Nautical Science
- Eligibility, structure, and sea training
- Why DG approval matters
- Top BSc Nautical Science colleges in India (with key features & fees)
- How to pick among them
- Things to watch out for
Let’s set sail.
What Is BSc Nautical Science?
Course Definition & Aim
BSc Nautical Science is a three-year undergraduate degree (six semesters) combining academic course work and maritime training. The goal: prepare students to serve as deck officers in the merchant navy.
During the course, you’ll study:
- Navigation
- Ship stability
- Cargo operations
- Meteorology
- Marine law
- Basics of engineering
- Seamanship and safety
- Other maritime subjects
After completing academics, students must undertake sea time (onboard training). The typical requirement is 12 months of sailing duty. Only after that, plus relevant exams, are they eligible for Certificate of Competency (2nd Mate Foreign-Going).
The degree is recognized globally, so if you have the training and sea time, you can work aboard Indian or foreign ships.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
To enroll in BSc Nautical Science, these are the usual criteria:
- 12th (10+2) PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) background is required.
- Some colleges require a minimum aggregate percentage (often 60% or more) in PCM and possibly English.
- Entrance exam: Many colleges use IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test).
- Medical fitness as per DG Shipping norms (vision, general health, no major physical/medical disqualifications).
- The institute must be DG-approved so your certificate is valid.
If a college is not DG-approved, even if it gives you a diploma, you may not legally be allowed to sail commercially. So always verify approval.
Why DG Approval Matters
- Only DG-approved institutes are recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping in India, which regulates merchant navy careers.
- If your institute is not on the DG list, your certification or degree may be invalid in the eyes of maritime authorities and ship operators.
- DG approval ensures the college meets standards in faculty, infrastructure, training, safety, sea time management, etc.
So one basic filter: shortlist only DG-approved nautical science colleges in India.
Top DG-Approved BSc Nautical Science Colleges in India
Based on the Rife article and additional public sources, here’s a list of top institutes offering BSc Nautical Science in India, along with their strengths, fees, and things to consider.
| No. | College | Location | Highlights / Strengths | Approx Fee* | Website |
| 1 | Tolani Maritime Institute | Pune, Maharashtra | Strong reputation, good placements | ~ ₹17,28,000 | Link |
| 2 | TS Chanakya (IMU, Navi Mumbai / Mumbai) | Maharashtra | Part of Indian Maritime University; well known | Male :- ₹2,20,000 Female :- ₹1,40,500 | Link |
| 3 | TS Rahman Institute | Mumbai | One of the older maritime institutes; offers sponsorship | ~ ₹7,75,000 | Link |
| 4 | IMU Kolkata Campus | Kolkata, West Bengal | Part of IMU, good academic backing | Male :- ₹6,60,000 Female :- ₹4,21,000 | Link |
| 5 | IMU Chennai Campus | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Core IMU campus | Same fee structure as above for IMU campuses | Link |
| 6 | AMET University | Kanathur, Tamil Nadu | University status, strong industry ties | ~ ₹10,80,000 | Link |
| 7 | HIMT College | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | DG-approved, good infrastructure | ~ ₹3,25,000/yr | Link |
| 8 | MANET (Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training) | Pune, Maharashtra | Has ship-in-campus, practical setups | ~ ₹9,85,000 | Link |
| 9 | Coimbatore Marine College (CMC) | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Strong local presence, DGS approval | ~ ₹7,20,000 | Link |
| 10 | UV Patel College of Maritime Studies | Mehsana, Gujarat | Closer to many students from Gujarat; has DG courses | ~ ₹10,20,000 | Link |
*Fee amounts are approximate and can change. Always check with the institute.
Alos Read: How to Tackle Emergency Situations on Board Ships: A Crew’s Practical Guide
How to Choose the Right BSc Nautical Science College
When picking among these, don’t rely only on “brand name.” Consider:
- DG Approval & Accreditation — must be valid as of your selection year
- Placement & Alumni Record — which shipping companies recruit from there?
- Infrastructure & Practical Training — simulators, labs, ship-in-campus, workshops
- Fee & Financial Support — total cost including hostel, food, travel, books
- Location — closer means less travel, lower living costs
- Sponsorship / Tie-ups — some students get onboard placements via institute tie-ups
- Reputation & Feedback — talk to current students or alumni
- Entrance criteria & competitive exam — how hard is the cut-off, competition
Course Structure & Sea Training
To give you clarity, here’s how the course usually flows:
- Six Semesters (3 years): theory, labs, simulations, seamanship, navigation, safety, cargo operations, maritime laws.
- After finishing academics, 12 months onboard sea time as part of structured shipboard training.
- After sea time + passing required exams, you become eligible to take CoC (2nd Mate FG) exams and begin your career as a deck officer.
You must log your training hours, keep record books, and follow DG / IMU guidelines during your onboard period.
Strengths & Challenges of BSc Nautical Science
Strengths
- Recognized degree and international acceptance
- Solid academic + practical mix, preparing you beyond just a certificate
- Opportunity to rise higher: many captains / senior officers have a nautical science degree
- Flexibility: you may switch to related courses or advanced studies later
Challenges
- High fees in many top institutes
- Getting sea-time placement may be competitive
- Entrance exams (IMU CET) and high cut-offs
- Relocation and lodging costs if college is far
- Ensuring constant DG compliance, infrastructure upkeep
Tips to Prepare & Strengthen Your Chance
- Prepare well for IMU CET — it’s usually your gateway
- Maintain strong PCM results; English also matters
- Visit campus (if possible) to inspect labs, simulators, faculty
- Ask alumni about real placements (which ships, how many students)
- Explore financial aid or scholarship options
- Keep backup options (other colleges) in case top choices are full
Choosing a BSc Nautical Science college is a big decision it shapes your seagoing career. The 10 DG-approved colleges listed here are solid options, each with pros & tradeoffs. But the final pick should match your priorities: cost, location, infrastructure, placement chances.
