DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) in Merchant Navy – Eligibility, Admission, Top Colleges, Jobs & Salary

DNS, or Diploma in Nautical Science, is a diploma course that provides students with comprehensive knowledge and skills related to nautical science and the operation of ships. The course typically lasts for three years offered by various Maritime institutes and universities around the world. and in India it is (1 year Pre-Sea + 18 Months onboard Training + Followed by IMU Final year Exams to get B.Sc Degree) which is again offered by various Indian Maritime institutes/ Colleges affiliated to IMU (Indian Maritime University)

The curriculum of the DNS course covers various subjects, including navigation, ship stability, cargo handling, marine engineering, maritime law, and ship management. The course also includes practical training, such as ship visits, simulator training, and onboard training.

Upon completing the DNS course, graduates can pursue careers in the merchant navy as deck officers. They can work on various types of ships, including cargo ships, tankers, and passenger ships. Deck officers are responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the ship, and they work closely with other members of the crew to ensure that all operations run smoothly.

To be eligible for the DNS course, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with science subjects and have obtained a minimum of 60% marks. They must also have cleared entrance exams conducted by the maritime institutes or universities. Additionally, candidates must meet certain medical and physical fitness standards to be eligible for admission to the course.

A Brief Overview of DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)

DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) started with the objective of producing more Deck officers for the Shipping industry globally because of the high rise in demand for seafarers. The initial stages as always come with difficulties and challenges for any program, so it came with DNS too. India was creating a good number of Deck officers globally but was not able to provide jobs to all, which was the drawback for the DNS course at that time.

The only way to deal with the drawback was to provide jobs to all and that’s how the government came up with the rule that if you want to pursue a DNS course you will have to take sponsorship first from a company which means you will have a job before even getting into the college and now India ranks 2rd globally for producing Deck officers for the shipping industry.

Now let us discuss what exactly DNS is and how one can make a glorious career (Well this Glorious Career is not Glorious anymore) in Merchant Navy by pursuing DNS.

Diploma In Nautical Science (DNS)

Diploma in Nautical Science is an undergraduate course of one year. The course consists of two semesters and provides an opportunity for class 12 students to pursue a career as a Deck Officer.

The one-year pre-sea training course is followed by 18 months of sea time training, during which cadets are entitled to a Stipend (which means you will start getting some money) and free boarding and lodging.

Upon completing 18 months of pre-sea (Which is generally completed by Cadets in 2 years, some take 3 years and Personally It took me 4 years to complete it), the candidate comes home.

Important: After completion of on-board training of 18 months, a cadet must obtain an SSTP completion certificate from the institute and must attempt/ appear for IMU Semester III, IV & V Exams. He/She is eligible to give his semester end exams of IMU (Leading to B.Sc Degree). It will take you another 2-3 months to book, give exams and clear in First attempt.

After completing exams, a cadet is awarded a degree of B.Sc. (Applied Nautical Science) by Indian Maritime University.

But Believe me, you’re going to take your own sweet time to give your Degree exams because Cadets feel usually exhausted after Signing off from Ships and they tend to enjoy their Home vacations when after 2-3 months they realize, Oh I need to get that B.Sc Degree.

Subsequently you enroll yourself for a 4 months 2MFG (2nd Mates) Course in a Training Institute which is the preparatory course for the ‘Second Mates’ examination conducted by the Directorate-General of Shipping (DGS), at approved institutes, after which you also become Eligible for Second mate CoC examination for the post of 3^rd mate conducted by the MMD – Mercantile Marine Department of the Government of India.  

But things are not Over yet, Welcome to Reality my friends

Now, the cadet also has to complete mandatory STCW courses (ROC/ARPA, GMDSS, PSCRB, AFF, MFA, and ECDIS) for his/her ‘Second Mates’ (Foreign Going) license which takes Hell of time. (It takes alot of time because Cadet has to check the availability of the seats for the courses,  Sometime you may not get it, then you’ll have to wait for next Batch. Some cadets may fail in these courses, then they have to Re-attempt until cleared)

and Then comes the Orals Part – Toughest of all

On successful completion of Second Mates examination and STCW courses, a cadet is awarded Second Mates (F.G) Certificate of Competency by D.G. Shipping, Govt. of India and qualifies to join any seagoing vessel as a third officer. 

Again Good luck Finding a Job with that License 😂

Don’t HANG me for being so Harsh, It’s really Hard if you’re not a Sponsored cadet or If your company refuses to take you in due to xyz reasons or maybe due to Recession in the market or Due to long waiting Periods.

DNS Eligibility Criteria  

The eligibility criteria of DNS course are as given below: –

AGE

The maximum age is 25 years, and the minimum age is 17 years on the date of commencement of the course. A relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 2 years for women candidates.

Educational qualifications

At the 10+2 level, A minimum of 60% in aggregate ( min 70% in AEMA and 65% aggregate) in PCM subjects is necessary to apply for a DNS course.  A candidate who has completed B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics (with Physics) from a recognized university, with an average of more than 50% marks in the final year and more than 60% as a PCM aggregate at 10+2 level.  A candidate who has completed a B. Tech degree from a university recognized by UGC with a minimum of 50% in the final year and more than 60% marks in PCM at the 10+2 level.

English	Candidate should have obtained not less than 60% marks in English as a separate subject, at either 10th or 12th standard or in the Degree course conducted by a recognized Board/   University. No relaxation for SC/ST candidates in English.
Physical fitness and Medical Criteria	Candidates should be physically fit with 6/6 eyesight without visual aids and no color blindness or night blindness, as specified by DG Shipping.

DNS Admission Procedure

For admission in the DNS course, one needs to have the sponsorship of a shipping company and also must have cleared IMUCET (A good rank helps in merit).

Talking about IMUCET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Examination), It is an examination that takes place all throughout the nation, conducted by the Indian Maritime University.

The duration of the examination is 3 hours, and it consists of 200 MCQ format questions which are divided into sections of Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Aptitude, and General Knowledge. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers but there is always a chance of change in pattern in the future.

For example, during the pandemic period, the IMUCET exam could not be conducted, and students were given awarded ranks as per 10+2 basis (called Normalization).  For DNS aspirants, IMUCET is conducted twice each year in the month of June (for the August batch in which around 2-3 Lakhs students apply) and December (For the February batch in which around 50,000-75,000 students apply). 

Tip: Try giving in December if you missed in June, you’ll get a Good Rank because less students apply in December (I don’t know Why)

For more details for the IMUCET exam click on the link below: –

• www.imu.edu.in

Admission for DNS

Now for admission into the DNS course, the second most important part is getting a sponsorship from a good shipping company. 

So, What is Sponsorship?

Sponsorship is a process in which shipping companies have already selected you as a future employee before the start of your pre-sea training. This means that the company has already provided you with a job offer and you do not need to worry about placements after the completion of the course. In simplified terms, it means getting campus placements even before joining the college, which is one of the biggest advantages of the DNS course.

So, the question of JOB SECURITY never arises in your mind. 

Sponsorship does not mean that the shipping company will be paying for your education.

How and When to Apply for Sponsorship?

The application process for sponsorship starts much before the IMUCET exam. So, one must be very vigilant as different shipping companies and colleges take out their forms at different times. 

To obtain sponsorship, one must clear the online test, psychometric test followed by an interview, and medical rounds for that particular Shipping company you want to Apply/Join.

So, the challenge is if you have applied for the sponsorship for three shipping companies, even though the exam pattern may remain the same that is online test followed by a psychometric test and then followed by an interview round, but the questions asked by the companies can be entirely different.

For example- Scorpio focuses a lot on aptitude and reasoning questions whereas Anglo Eastern focuses on Mathematics a lot and on the other hand Great Eastern focuses on GK, Current Affairs a lot. this was a BIG BULLSHIT.

Just Focus on your 12th Class Preparation, you’ll easily get through. There’s absolutely no need to pay anything to any Fake Mentors on Youtube, Fake Merchant Navy Websites.

About Interview, Well Interview is obviously the most important part for any recruiter that tests your Aptitude, Knowledge, Attitude blah blah……. where one can be asked anything from Non-technical questions like your Introduction, Fav Movies you watch, your strengths and weaknesses, Why you want to Join merchant navy is their fav question – Just Reply I want to Earn money to be True.

They can also ask technical questions like simple trigonometric formulae, Reflection, Refraction, Questions from GK, Current Affairs, Geography, and the list goes on. So a student must not only be good at communication skills but have a good understanding of subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, etc. 

Please Note: It is the sponsorship that defines your career. Getting sponsorship from a good shipping company means your future is in safe hands. It is better to wait or quit on your dreams, than joining a bad shipping company or taking a shortcut to get into the merchant navy.

Reputed Companies Offering Sponsorships are Listed Below

Companies offering Sponsorships	Colleges
Anglo-Eastern group	Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA).
Great Eastern Shipping	Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS).
Executive Ship Management	Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)
Synergy	Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) and   International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida, TS Rahaman.
Scorpio	TMI, Applied Research International (ARI), and IMI Noida, TS Rahaman.
Shipping Corporation of India	Shipping Corporation of India – Maritime Training Institute (SCI-MTI)
Torm Shipping	ARI, Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
Fleet Ship Management	ARI, International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida and Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI), TS Rahaman.
Dockendale Ship Management	International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida
Mediterranean Shipping Company	International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida , Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
Tolani Shipping	Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
Wilhelmsen Ship Management.	Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
MSI Ship Management	International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida
Pacific International Lines	International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida
MMSI Shipping	International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida
V Ships	International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida

Sponsorships are essential for a secure future in shipping. The college will ask you to submit the documents regarding your sponsorship and other personal details, after which the candidate will be asked to take admission to the college. 

It is important to note that the Government of India has made it mandatory for students to obtain a sponsorship before joining DNS pre-sea training.

Best DNS Colleges in India

Given below is the list of all the DNS colleges that are recommended by IndianMerchantNavy.org (We don’t take money from colleges to Rank them better)

These colleges have been shortlisted on the basis of their facilities, infrastructure, faculty, and training standards. DNS aspirants should attempt to achieve one of these colleges given below, rather than settling for something lesser

Other Merchant Navy Websites may brainwash you that Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) is the Best Training Institute in India today in 2023 but DO NOT BELIEVE THEM PLEASE.

For me TMI – Tolani Maritime Institute is the Best DNS Training Institute

1. TMI – Tolani Maritime Instutute

Joining an institution is a big decision to make on your part. But If you want a career in merchant navy , TMI is best for that because of the one main Reason (It let’s you choose to work with Ownership company)

In a global industry such as merchant navy , it is imperative for one to consider various factors prior to embarking on a journey at sea. While there are numerous institutions providing education in this sector , quite a few things are important to consider beyond placements. A wider approach can lead you through a long term career trajectory, rather than thinking about immediate future which might create hurdles after a few years. A few things to consider are-

Quality of education – I would not be able to comment on other institution’s quality of education as only a student can judge that aspect. Being an alumni of TMI , I can vouch for its quality education. As the period of our generation’s career at sea has reduced immensely in the modern times, there would be a stage in life where you would decide to venture into shore opportunities. That would be the moment you will realise the importance of what you have learnt during your undergraduate studies. For Tolani , the sheer qualifications and industrial experience of faculty is capable to inspire you .

Personally speaking, you would get your role-models in the faculty at TMI. Their majestic achievements and knowledge would provide you with a path to follow. During my various contracts at sea, I found the knowledge TMI provided us with was way higher than the regular standards . This not only raised the expectations bar for us, it differentiated us as soon as we joined the ship. Again , thinking beyond the obvious is what flows in the blood veins of TMI’s curriculum. A good focus is laid on your soft skills like English communication , using design software, presentations on various subjects which prepares you holistically.

Infrastructure – Well we have our own lake at the centre of TMI – that should be enough to estimate the area we cover . You can find almost all sports facilities with a great swimming pool . The hostels are quite spacious , facilities are top notch and mess food is edible to eat. (P.S. Who eats in the mess :P)

Alumni Network – Networking would help you at every point in your life. On ship or on shore , TMI has produced enough engineers to help you out through your problems and doubts. I owe a lot to my Alma Mater – Tolani Maritime Institute and that is the reason I chose to write this artice.

The intake is around 80 students and the fees for the one-year diploma course is around 5 lakhs (which is Reasonable) not overhyped like Anglo Eastern. It is located in Pune, Maharashtra. TMI has established itself as one of the most premier institutes for pre-sea training providing best-in-class training facilities. 

Tolani will first ask you to get a Sponsorship by a good Shipping Company like

• Fleet Management 
• Scorpio Marine Management  
• TORM Shipping 
• Wilhelmsen Ship Management 
• Mediterranean Shipping Company 
• Nortrans Shipping 
• V-Ships 

TMI DNS Selection Procedure:

Upon receipt of the IMU test result & Class XII exam result, inform TMI indicating your registration number.  Passing of IMU test and a minimum of 60% in the PCM group in Class XII is mandatory.

Panel interview  Shortlisted candidates who’ll pass the online tests, shall be notified via email to appear for   an interview.  Medical Examination and Eye-test – Candidates, who’ll pass the interview, will be directed to undergo a medical examination conducted by company-appointed doctors who will also be conducting an Eye Test which conforms to the requirements of medical examination rules of Directorate general of Shipping   General of Shipping. (https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/MerchantShippingRules.aspx)

Shipping companies will select the candidates and issue sponsorship letters.  Candidate to  submit/report to TMI with sponsorship letter and other documents.

2. Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)

It is considered the best training institute today by almost 99% of the Maritime Websites but please don’t believe them. It is and will always remain a notch below TMI – Tolani Maritime Institute

Anglo is just known and ranked #1 because it has its own Ship Management company Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, which has more than 700 ships in its fleet but it is a Ship Management company and Not a Owner’s Company like Maersk Line, TORM, NYK, Chevron etc

And Ship Management companies are like Shit Infront of Ownership companies. Many aspiring Cadets fell prey for its numbers of having 700+ Ships but they really don’t know the Difference.

Please Read: Differences between Ship Management companies VS Ship Ownership Company

About AEMA: It is in Karjat, Maharashtra. For the August Batch total of 160 candidates and for the February batch total of 80 candidates are selected. Anglo-Eastern Ship Management is the only company providing sponsorship in AEMA and you do not need Sponsorship for getting into AEMA because they only take their Cadets onboard their ships.

• Good employee treatment once placed in the company. 
• Institute of one of the biggest shipping companies today. 
• Top of the class training facility. 

It conducts its own examination named Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) online written test. The DNS course fees in this institute is around 8.50 lakhs which is way tooo much for a one year DNS Course.

Idk What make them Inflate the Course to this much that it’s almost 2X than the Competition.

AEMA DNS Admission Procedure:

Senior School Certificate/ Higher Secondary Examination/ Class XII/ 10+2 From a recognized Board/ University with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), with not less than 70% marks in PCM and 65% aggregate/ Equivalent GCE – UK “A” level/ International Baccalaureate Diploma

Online Entrance Test The test consists of 2 sections,  for a total duration of 3 hours.  Part-1  Topics  English, Aptitude, and Mechanical   Engineering Topic.  Duration: 2 Hours  Marks  Total 100 Marks (No Negative marking   applies)  Levels  The level of difficulty for this test is based on the Degree level Syllabus. Part-2  PSY Test  “Personality based   questions” Duration: 1 Hour

Panel interview  Shortlisted candidates who’ll pass the online tests, shall be notified via email to appear for   an interview

Medical Examination and Eye-test  Candidates, who’ll pass the interview, will be directed to undergo a medical examination conducted by   Company-appointed doctors will also be conducting an Eye Test that conforms to the requirements of medical examination rules of the Directorate General of Shipping.  (https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/MerchantShippingRules.aspx)

To know more click this link: Admission – DNS

3. Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies – GEIMS

GEIMS is similar to TMI and AEMA, GEIMS is also an institute with its own shipping company (Great Eastern Shipping), but the difference lies in the type of company. Great Eastern is an Indian shipping company and salary is paid in Indian Currency.

The DNS course fee in GEIMS is around Rs. 6.5 lakh rupees. A total of 120 students are admitted, combining both February (40) and August (80) batch. It is situated in Lonavla, Maharashtra. Unlike Anglo Eastern, Great Eastern does not have a huge fleet of ships so to keep the waiting period short they have been calling a lot of shipping companies to their college for the recruitment like ChelShip, Seaspan, Goodwood, World Tankers, MTM etc.

GEIMS Admission Procedure

Eligible candidates will be informed to   undergo Basic   Intelligence Test (IQ Test). Shortlisted   candidates will appear for IMU (Maritime   University) CET as GE Shipping sponsored candidates. 

Candidates will have to undergo a full medical checkup as per the practicing doctor approved by D G  Shipping. (https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/MerchantShippingRules.aspx).

Shortlisted Candidates must compulsorily undergo a psychological screening test. 

4. International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida 

International Maritime Institute (IMI) Noida is a private institution established by the efforts of 12 eminent personalities from the world of shipping in 1991 to eliminate the shortage of manpower in running the global supply chain.

The DNS course fee in this institute is around Rs. 5.72 lakh rupees. It is situated in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 120 students is admitted, combining both January and July batches.

 Some of the good shipping companies which are part of their DNS program are Fleet Management, MSC, MSI, MMSI, PIL, Synergy, Dockendale, and V ships. 

IMI Noida DNS Admission Procedure

Upon receipt of the IMU test result & Class XII  exam result, inform IMI  Noida indicating your registration number.  Passing of IMU test and a minimum of 60% in the PCM group in Class XII is mandatory.

Medical Examination and Eye-test  Candidates, who pass the interview, will be directed to undergo a medical examination conducted by company-appointed doctors who will also be conducting an Eye Test which conforms to  the requirements of  medical examination  rules of Directorate General of Shipping. (https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/MerchantShippingRules.aspx)

Shipping companies will select the candidates and issue sponsorship letters.   The selection procedure includes Written   Offline/Online Test, a Psychometric/LI PI Test, and Personal Interview.

5. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies – SIMS

SIMS (Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies) is another private institution that has Executive Ship Management as one of the stakeholders. A total of 160 students is admitted, combining both January and July batches.  The total fee is close to 6.6 lakh rupees and provides the best infrastructure and training facilities in the country.

It is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Even though this college is the best college in the entire country when it comes to infrastructure and training it is not recommend as the waiting period is too high sometimes even going up to 10 months after completing the DNS course.

You can surely join the college just after confirming the Status of the Current Waiting period. In the recent past even they have started calling other shipping companies so I think, that is helping them.

SIMS Admission Procedure

Eligible candidates will be informed to   undergo an MCQ   examination (60   minutes) and an   English writing exam for 10 mins.  Shortlisted Candidates must compulsorily   undergo a   psychological screening test. 

Cadets who have cleared online tests, as well as psychometric tests, undergo a personal interview. After they have successfully cleared the interview, they are called for medicals.

Candidates will have to undergo a full medical checkup as per the   practicing doctor   approved by D G   Shipping. (https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/MerchantShippingRules.aspx)

6. TS Rahaman

T S Rahaman (Training Ship Rahaman) is another private institution that also has been consistent in providing quality training to Indian seafarers since 1910. It is not affiliated with any Shipping company. The training facility and infrastructure is great.

The total fee is close to 3.55 lakh rupees. It is located at Mumbai, Maharashtra. Some of the good shipping companies which are part of their DNS program are Scorpio, Goodwood, Synergy, Fleet.

TS Rahaman Admission Procedure

Eligible candidates will be informed to undergo an entrance examination and psychometric test.

Shortlisted Candidates must compulsorily   undergo an interview.

Candidates will have to undergo a full medical checkup as per the   practicing doctor  approved by D G   Shipping. (https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/MerchantShippingRules.aspx)

DNS Syllabus and Curriculum

The syllabus for the one-year pre-sea Diploma in Nautical Science course is given below. The syllabus may vary from one college to another. Diploma in Nautical Science course includes the study of Navigation, Conservation Laws, Naval Architecture, Effects of Waves, Movement Variables, Ocean Structures, Towing and Mooring, Project Planning, Ship Geometry, Fluid Dynamics, Dynamics of Onshore Structures, Principles of Naval Architecture, and Coastal Structures.

Apart from this, students learn principles of load lines, ship geometry, hydrostatics, classification, marine vessel stability, and examination of propulsion systems and drilling rills. 

Diploma in Nautical Science course also covers vibration monitoring of submerged vehicles and structures, effects of waves, and how to effectively design breakwaters and design seawalls.

They are also introduced to methods for preparing, collecting, and presenting data through written reports that include the analysis, planning, and evaluation of each experiment done by the students. This ensures the overall understanding and operational readiness of the student when they will go for their first sail.  

DNS Course Syllabus

Overview of DNS Syllabus

DNS SEM 1 Syllabus	Chartwork ·Navigation Maritime History HR  English (Part of English)  Applied Maths  Applied Physics  Electrical Electronics  Bridge Equipment  Ship Construction  Stability  Cargo work  Seamanship Workshop (Practical only)
DNS SEM 2 Syllabus	Chartwork  Navigation  English Lab (Practicals)  Bridge Equipment Navigation lab (practical)  Workshop (practical)  Ship Construction  Stability  Cargo work  Seamanship(both practical and theory)  MARPOL Marine Engineering

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) FAQ’s 

Merchant Navy used to be a Great Career choice, Now it is a Good Career Choice.

I Hope it remains as Good as it is today :p