Ways To Become Deck Officer in Merchant Navy
Merchant mariners are a lucrative and exciting field of work that requires a great deal of commitment from the moment one enters a maritime academy, whether studying marine science or marine engineering.
As with choosing any major, choosing a merchant marine career path requires careful research to ensure that applicants choose the major that best suits their needs. Some may aspire to become a deck officer, while others may be interested in pursuing a career in marine engineering.
With numerous maritime academies offering a range of courses, it is natural for candidates to become confused and make an incorrect decision.
With so many excellent maritime academies around the world, it is natural for you to find yourself faced with a variety of options. However, it is important to realize that not all jobs will give you the opportunity to become a deck officer in the way you imagined.
Who are Deck Officers?
The role of a deck officer in the merchant navy is vital, and it is important that new students understand their duties on board.
Deck officers perform a variety of duties on board ships, including navigation and maneuvering, handling all safety equipment, cargo handling, communications, and security.
These seemingly daunting tasks are assigned to cadets, third officers, second officers, and chief officers under the supervision of the captain.
The basic requirements for admission to the Merchant Navy course are generally low, except for physical fitness and medical requirements. However, interested individuals are advised to contact the institution offering the course to determine the exact criteria.
The following Deck Officer Training Courses will greatly help individuals determine the best path for them to become a Deck Officer.
B.Sc. in Nautical Technology
This is a 3-year course, with an additional 1-year extension, available only in India. The degree is offered by the Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani, and two other colleges in India. The first three years of the Merchant Navy course are conducted at the college, where a diverse range of subjects is taught. In the final year, cadets will undergo training on board a ship for a minimum of 12 months.
The training period is very important, as the rank can only be conferred after the completion of the mandatory sea training.
The Second Officer License is obtained after completing the mandatory sea training period and passing the Mercantile Marine Directorate (MMD) examination. The 3-year study period encompasses 48 subjects, a detailed list of which can be found on the website or in the admission prospectus of each college. The following are the institutions in India that offer fleet deck officer training programs:
- Torani Maritime Institute (TMI), Pune
- RL Institute of Marine Sciences (RLINS), Madurai
Bachelor of Marine Science
This program, implemented in India over three years, is designed to train deck officers. In the UK, the course is a four-year program. However, the mechanism for completing the program is different in India and the UK.
In India, a deck cadet spends a full three years at the maritime academy and is awarded a certificate after completing the course. Thereafter, he seeks employment and joins a merchant navy ship as a cadet deck officer. In the UK, work and learning are integrated into the curriculum as part of the deck officer recruitment process, and core modules and work-based learning are properly divided over the four years of study. Many institutions offer courses for marine seafarers, the most notable of which are:
- Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), Chennai
- Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Liverpool
Higher National Diploma in Marine Science
HND stands for Higher National Diploma. It is a two-year training course conducted in collaboration between an institute in India and another institute in the UK. The first 39-40 weeks of the course are spent at an academy in India, followed by a few weeks at an academy in the UK.
Deck cadets must sail for at least 15 months after completing the Deck Officer Training Course. A 3-month Second Officer Preparatory Course must be completed at the relevant academy. After passing the examination of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the cadet will be awarded a British Second Officer License and become a Chartered Deck Officer. The institutions that offer renowned HND courses in the marine sector are:
- AMET University, Chennai, in conjunction with South Tyneside College, UK
- International Maritime Academy, Noida, in conjunction with Glasgow Maritime School, Scotland
Diploma in Marine Science
This is a one-year course taught at the Indian Maritime University. Future trainees on board ships complete a year of training followed by a seagoing period of at least 18 months. Many merchant marine academies offer this course. It is advisable to check the website of the Directorate General of Shipping of India and the Indian Maritime University for details on the license and courses offered by the academy.
In the United States, the Merchant Marine is a civilian auxiliary of the United States Navy. The system in the United States is very intensive. Candidates should refer to the academy website for information about the Merchant Marine courses in the United States.
The most important aspect of choosing the right merchant marine academy and course to become a deck officer is ensuring that the relevant government departments of the country recognize it. It is also advisable to find out about the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) issued by the state government to avoid any confusion later.
In addition to the above courses, many shipping companies also offer sponsorship programs for deck officers.
Choosing the right path to become a deck officer in the merchant navy is essential to have a good start in your career. Besides good memories and a memorable college life, the right institution that suits your needs can help you develop the right attitude towards the job. It is essential to note that the job description and salary of a deck officer primarily depend on the shipping company.
