What is GME Course in Merchant Navy?

The GME course in merchant navy is one of the most popular routes for engineering graduates who wish to pursue a career at sea. It acts as a conversion course, helping mechanical engineers become marine engineers. For students who have completed their B.E. or B.Tech in mechanical or naval architecture, this course opens up vast career opportunities on commercial ships.

At Skill Station, we regularly interact with students eager to know what the GME program is and how it fits into their future plans. This guide will walk you through every detail of the GME course in merchant navy—from eligibility and course structure, to career scope.

What is GME Course in Merchant Navy?

GME stands for Graduate Marine Engineering. It is a one-year pre-sea training course approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India. The GME course in merchant navy is designed to train mechanical engineering graduates for marine engineering roles on ships.

This course is a mandatory requirement for joining a ship as a trainee marine engineer if you’re not from a marine background originally.

Who Can Apply for GME Course in Merchant Navy?

Before you apply, check the following eligibility criteria:

Must have a B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or Naval Architecture
Minimum 50% marks in the final year and 60% in English (Class 10 or 12)
Age limit: Up to 28 years
Medically fit with 6/6 eyesight (no colour blindness)

At Skill Station, we also help students verify their eligibility and guide them through the entrance procedures for top GME institutes in India.

Course Curriculum of GME

The GME course in merchant navy spans 12 months and includes both theoretical and practical learning. It covers subjects like:

Marine Machinery
Thermodynamics
Internal Combustion Engines
Naval Architecture
Safety at Sea (STCW)
Engine Room Simulator Training

Institutes conducting the GME course also provide hands-on training with ship engine replicas, emergency drills, and safety operations.

List of Top GME Institutes in India

Some renowned DGS-approved colleges offering the GME course in merchant navy are:

Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy
Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
International Maritime Institute (IMI), Noida
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

At Skill Station, we offer counselling and application support for students aiming to get into these colleges.

Career Path After GME Course

Once the GME course is complete, students receive a Certificate of Competency (COC) and join a ship as a trainee marine engineer. After 6 months of sea service and clearing the MEO Class IV exam, candidates are promoted to the rank of 4th Engineer.

Here’s a typical career progression:

Trainee Marine Engineer
4th Engineer
3rd Engineer
2nd Engineer
Chief Engineer

This progression depends on performance, exams passed, and time spent at sea.

Salary After GME Course in Merchant Navy

The GME course in merchant navy leads to highly rewarding careers. Here is a salary overview:

Trainee Marine Engineer: ₹25,000–₹50,000 per month
4th Engineer: ₹150,000–₹200,000 per month
3rd Engineer: ₹250,000–₹350,000 per month
2nd Engineer: ₹400,000–₹500,000 per month
Chief Engineer: ₹600,000–₹800,000 per month

Note: Salaries vary depending on the shipping company, vessel type, and experience. Skill Station also guides students on selecting good placement-backed training institutes.

Advantages of Doing GME Course

High Salary: As seen above, the earnings are attractive.
Quick Promotion: With dedication, one can become a chief engineer in 8–10 years.
Global Exposure: Sail across continents while working.
Tax-Free Income: If you spend more than 183 days outside India in a year.
Job Security: The Merchant Navy offers long-term career stability.

Skill Station mentors often emphasise these benefits when students consider their future options.

GME Course vs B.Tech Marine Engineering

Feature	GME Course	B.Tech Marine Engineering
Duration	1 Year	4 Years
Eligibility	B.E./B.Tech (Mech/Naval Arch)	12th PCM with 60%
Cost	₹3.5 – ₹5 Lakhs	₹8 – ₹12 Lakhs
Entry Rank	Lateral Entry	Direct After 12th

So, if you’re a mechanical engineer looking to shift to marine roles, GME course in merchant navy is ideal.

How Skill Station Supports GME Aspirants

Skill Station plays a pivotal role for GME aspirants by

Preparing students for sponsorship exams
Offering mock interviews and psychometric test support
Helping with application forms and documentation
Connecting with DGS-approved institutes

Many of our students have secured placements with leading shipping companies, thanks to our strategic coaching and mentorship.

Final Thoughts

The GME course in merchant navy is the perfect gateway for mechanical and naval architecture graduates seeking high-paying, adventurous, and respected careers at sea. With just one year of training, it prepares you to work on international ships and grow into senior engineering roles.

If you’re serious about joining this elite profession, connect with Skill Station, the best merchant navy coaching institute in Dehradun, to get expert guidance from day one.

FAQs on GME Course in Merchant Navy

Q1. Is GME better than an MBA for mechanical engineers? A: If you prefer hands-on technical roles and international careers, then GME is more suitable.

Q2. Can I join the merchant navy after GME without sponsorship? A: Yes, but it is highly recommended to get sponsored to ensure placements.

Q3. Is Skill Station offering coaching for GME entrance tests? A: Yes, we offer coaching for sponsorship exams, interviews, and documentation help.

Q4. Are there government jobs after GME? A: No, GME leads to private-sector shipboard roles, not government jobs.

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.