Career·India· 6 min read

How to Join the Merchant Navy

An overview of the main routes into the Merchant Navy from India — DG Shipping-approved courses, IMU CET, pre-sea training, and what to verify on the official DG Shipping website before you apply.

Key facts

Regulatory authority: Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India
Admission gateway (one route): Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET)
Training type: Pre-sea training at DG Shipping-approved maritime institutes
Official site: dgma.gov.in

The Merchant Navy and who regulates it

The Merchant Navy refers to the commercial fleet of ships that carries cargo and passengers internationally. In India, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways regulates merchant shipping, seafarer certification, and approved training institutes.

A career at sea can begin through several departments — deck (navigation), engine, and catering/hospitality — each with its own entry route and certification pathway. Eligibility, course durations, and entry conditions are set officially and updated periodically.

Main entry routes

There are two broad paths into the Merchant Navy from India.

The first is through the Indian Maritime University (IMU), a central university that conducts the IMU Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) for admission to undergraduate nautical and marine engineering programmes at IMU campuses and affiliated institutes.

The second is through DG Shipping-approved maritime institutes that offer pre-sea training courses such as the Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) programme, the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course, and ratings courses. Entry eligibility for these courses varies and is set by DG Shipping.

IMU CET: for B.Sc. Nautical Science, B.Tech. Marine Engineering and related UG programmes
DG Shipping-approved pre-sea courses: GME, ETO, ratings, and others
Verify the current approved-institute list on dgma.gov.in before enrolling

Certification and the STCW framework

Seafarers worldwide work within the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Indian seafarers must obtain certificates of competency issued or recognised by DG Shipping in line with STCW requirements.

Certification is progressive: completing an approved pre-sea training course and the required sea service leads to certificates of competency that allow a seafarer to hold responsible positions aboard ships. The exact certification stages and sea-service requirements are set in the Merchant Shipping Act and DG Shipping circulars.

Medical fitness requirements

A medical fitness certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor is required before joining pre-sea training and throughout a seafaring career. The fitness standard covers eyesight, hearing, cardiovascular health, and other parameters. Confirm the current medical requirements on the DG Shipping website before enrolling.

What to verify on the official DG Shipping site

Before committing to any training or institute, verify the current list of DG Shipping-approved institutes and courses on dgma.gov.in. Institute approvals can be granted or withdrawn, and only approved institutes' courses count towards DG Shipping certification. Also confirm the current eligibility conditions — including any educational qualifications and the applicable seafarer medical standards — on the official site, as these are revised periodically.

A career at sea involves demanding conditions and long periods away from home; research the lifestyle carefully before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What is IMU CET, and who conducts it?

The Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) is an entrance test for admission to undergraduate programmes at IMU campuses and affiliated maritime institutes. It is conducted by the Indian Maritime University (IMU), a central university under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Verify current eligibility and dates on the IMU official website.

Which authority approves maritime training institutes in India?

The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India, approves maritime training institutes and pre-sea courses. Only training from approved institutes is recognised for seafarer certification.

Do I need a medical certificate to join the Merchant Navy?

Yes. A medical fitness certificate from a DG Shipping-approved medical examiner is required. The standards cover eyesight, hearing, and general fitness and are set under DG Shipping regulations. Verify the current requirements on dgma.gov.in.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) / DG Shipping — official site.

Last verified: 2026-06-06.