Becoming a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy is a prestigious and rewarding career option for young aspirants who dream of sailing the high seas, leading ship operations, and exploring the world. The Deck Officer plays a crucial role in navigation, safety, and overall management of the vessel. In India, thousands of students prepare each year to take this challenging yet fulfilling path.

If you’re aiming to become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy, understanding the process, eligibility, and training requirements is essential. This guide by SkillsStation, a leading platform offering guidance and access to the best merchant navy coaching, outlines everything you need to know.

Who is a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy?

A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy is a licensed maritime professional responsible for the safe navigation, cargo operations, and overall command duties aboard commercial ships. They start their careers as Deck Cadets and can rise up to the rank of Captain (Master) with experience and certification.

Deck Officers ensure that the ship follows planned routes, maintains compliance with maritime laws, and safely manages cargo loading and unloading.

Why Choose to Become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy?

Choosing to become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy opens the door to a dynamic career with opportunities such as:

High salaries at senior ranks
International travel and exposure
Prestigious command positions onboard ships
A structured promotion ladder leading to Captain

For those with a passion for the sea, discipline, and leadership, this is one of the best career paths available in the maritime industry.

Eligibility to Become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy

Before beginning your journey to become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Academic Requirements:

10+2 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
Minimum 60% aggregate marks in PCM
At least 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th

Medical Requirements:

Normal vision (6/6 in each eye); no color blindness
Physically fit as per DG Shipping medical standards

Age Limit:

Usually between 17 to 25 years at the time of application

How to Become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Appear for IMU-CET

The Indian Maritime University – Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) is the most common route to enter approved courses for a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy. Coaching from a reputed institute like SkillsStation can significantly improve your success in this competitive exam.

Step 2: Choose the Right Course

To become a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy, candidates can pursue one of the following:

B.Sc. in Nautical Science (3 years)
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) leading to B.Sc. (1 year)

Both courses are approved by the Directorate General of Shipping and include onboard training after completion.

Outdated official DG Shipping course link (Archived):

https://web.archive.org/web/20180930120414/http://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/NauticalScienceCourse.aspx

Step 3: Sponsorship from Shipping Company

Before joining the course, it’s highly recommended (and often required) to obtain sponsorship from a shipping company. This ensures onboard training and placement after the course.

SkillsStation can help you prepare for sponsorship interviews with expert mentoring and mock tests—key advantages of joining the best merchant navy coaching program.

Step 4: Pre-Sea Training

Upon admission and sponsorship, you must undergo pre-sea training at a DG Shipping-approved institute. This usually lasts for 1 year in the DNS program.

Step 5: Sea Time Training

After pre-sea training, cadets must complete 18 months of onboard training to qualify for the Second Mate’s Examination.

Step 6: Appear for Second Mate (FG) Examination

Conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping, this exam includes written tests, oral assessments, and safety training. Passing this exam officially qualifies you as a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy.

Career Progression for a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy

Rank	Time Required (Approx.)	Promotion Exam / Criteria
Deck Cadet	1–2 years	Sea Time & Assessment
3rd Officer	6–18 months	Performance + Sea Time
2nd Officer	1–2 years	Onboard Experience + Oral Exams
Chief Officer	1–3 years	Master’s FG Exam
Captain (Master)	Variable (5–10 years)	Experience + DG Shipping Clearance

Each step up the ladder requires additional sea time, certifications, and DG-approved assessments. With dedication and support from coaching experts, you can steadily rise to the top.

Why You Need the Best Merchant Navy Coaching

Becoming a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy is competitive, especially during IMU-CET and sponsorship stages. Here’s how the best merchant navy coaching from SkillsStation can benefit you:

Structured IMU-CET prep courses
Mock sponsorship interviews and aptitude tests
Medical and fitness guidance
Counseling on selecting the right DG-approved colleges
Post-course career support

Salary of a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy

Salaries vary based on rank, type of vessel, and company. Here’s a general overview:

Deck Cadet: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000/month
3rd Officer: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakhs/month
2nd Officer: ₹2 – ₹3.5 lakhs/month
Chief Officer: ₹3.5 – ₹5 lakhs/month
Captain: ₹6 – ₹10 lakhs/month

These figures can increase significantly on foreign vessels or oil tankers.

Conclusion

Becoming a Deck Officer in Merchant Navy requires a mix of academic excellence, physical fitness, disciplined training, and industry awareness. It is a highly respected and financially rewarding career that promises global exposure, adventure, and professional growth.

To navigate this competitive path successfully, trust SkillsStation—your dedicated partner offering the best merchant navy coaching in India. With expert faculty, proven track records, and hands-on support, SkillsStation equips you to not just become a Deck Officer, but to excel as a maritime leader.

Rayyan Alam

11:55 27 Jun 24

I heard about Skill Station from a senior and decided to join. When I got to Dehradun, I was thrilled with the great faculty and environment. Amrinder Sir is amazing – his communication skills, style, and personality are top-notch. He's more than a teacher; he's like a friend, brother, and mentor. Joining Skill Station was the best decision I made. Unlike other places, Sir helps you until you get selected. Last year, I achieved a 5452 rank in IMUCET but didn't get any company sponsorship. However, Sir didn't leave me. He took care of us until we were selected and continued to guide us even after our selection. This year, with his guidance, I improved to a 4600 rank in IMUCET and got sponsored by ESM. Skill Station feels like a family. Thank you, Sir!

Abhinav Garwal

10:40 27 Jun 24

Thank you Team Skills Station!

For always guiding me.
For not only making a relationship as a teacher-student but also to make a bond like a family members.

Special thank to Amrinder Sir for not only helping and guiding us but also to treat us like an elder brother in our all the tough and difficult situation.

❤️Thank you to all the members of Skills Station team.
- Abhinav Garwal

aakarsh negi

08:22 27 Jun 24

One of the best institutes I have seen that not only has good results but also great management. When I joined this institute, I was a bit shy and was not able to speak in public, but now my personality has completely changed. I am confident and bold, and now I like to socialize even more. Because of the teachers and their guidance, I was able to score a good rank in IMU-CET and got sponsored by Anglo.

Kirti Mishra

08:21 27 Jun 24

I'm a student of skill station by Amrinder sir , I'm a type of student who scared to talk in front of crowd and have a lack of confidence , but after joining skill station family Amrinder sir taught me and helped me in every single step I improved my personality . Our faculties present over there are very supportive , friendly and kind hearted they always present there to help us wherever we need they motivate us to keep growing.One more thing from my side Amrinder sir's classes is not just for interview's it'll always help you further in your life how to stay , how to adjust and how to grow with limited resources. With skill station family I learnt a lot of things .
Thanks skill station family specially a great personality Amrinder sir 🙏

ARYAN KAMRA

08:14 27 Jun 24

Skills Station Is Best academy For The preparation of merchant Navy , all the teachers Are very helpful and Hardworking they have years of experience joining skills station is one of my best decision I have ever taken in my life, Specially Amrinder Sir Who helped us in every situation we have faced during Our exams or interviews thank You to all the whole team of Skills Station Family because of you I Have secured Good Rank in Imucet I highly recommend new Comers please join Skills Station.

Deepika Rohilla

07:01 26 Jun 24

This is the best institute for Merchant Navy and Communication skills. Amrinder Sir helped me to gain confidence to clear the interviews. He always focuses to develop our personality. I am more confidant and more skillful now.