B.Sc. Nautical Science

B.Sc. in Nautical Science is an undergraduate course approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, which falls under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.
The course is a study of the basic academic and practical devices required to safely navigate and operate marine vehicles, such as a ship. The subjects of study that form part of the course’s curriculum are navigation and seamanship, which is the basic science of application of shipboard equipment and tools.

The program aims to train eligible candidates in becoming Deck Officers and imparts lessons in Nautical Technology and its application, which are vital for a Deck Officer on board.

The average course fees in India ranges between INR 2 and 8 lacs for the total duration. The average annual salary offered to successful postgraduates of the course ranges between INR 6 and 8 lacs.

B.Sc. in Nautical Science: What is it About?

The course covers all both theoretical and practical aspects related to maritime studies. Towards completion of the course, cadets go on to assume professional capacities in the field, such as Navigation Officer on Merchant Navy ships. Before cadets can assume such roles as Navigating Officer in Merchant Navy ships, they are made to go through mandatory 12- months long sea service.

The 3- year long course is divided across 6 semesters, each lasting 6 months. Upon completion of the course, candidates are needed to undergo a year-long sea service. Having completed the sea service and qualifying the subsequent viva- based examination, candidates are eligible to obtain the Second Mate’s Foreign-going Certificate of Competency. The certificate enables such graduates to hold the post of Navigation Officer on Merchant Navy ships.

After 18 months of sea service as a Navigation Officer, and clearing the written and viva- based examinations, such professionals could gradually obtain the First Mate’s Foreign-going certificate of competency.
similarly, after 12 months of Sea Service as the Chief Mate and upon clearing both written and oral- based examinations, they could obtain the Master’s Foreign-going certificate of competency.

B.Sc. in Nautical Science: Who Should opt?

The necessary skills required in ideal candidates of the course are:

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Excellent Math and IT skills

• Communication and negotiating skills

• Excellent technical knowledge

• The ability to manage a team

• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) skills

• The ability to prioritize workloads and plan effectively

• Budget-management skills

• Diving skills if the job involves underwater work.

Top Institutes offering B.Sc. in Nautical Science

Listed below are some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by each.

Name of Institute	City	Average Fees in INR
Academy of Maritime Education and Training	Karnataka	2,10,00
Vels University	Chennai	98,900
HIMT College	Chennai	8,25,000
GMK Institute of Marine Science and Technology	Chennai	2,75,000
Coimbatore Marine College	Coimbatore	6,60,000
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education	Pune	6,35,000

Eligibility for B.Sc. in Nautical Science

As a minimum criterion of eligibility, the course requires the candidate to have attained the 10+2 qualification in the science stream with Physics, Math and Chemistry as main subjects, and a minimum aggregate score of 60%.

Students awaiting the final year examination’s results are eligible to apply too.

Along with educational qualification, medical standards are also relevant and important in candidates’ assessment. Aspiring candidates are needed to have a 6/6 eyesight, and not be suffering from vision impediments such as night blindness and color blindness. Candidates are also needed to be physically fit to apply for the course.