Joining the merchant navy after diploma is a career dream for many students who are passionate about traveling the world while earning a handsome salary. But is it really possible? The short answer is yes—but with conditions. A diploma can lead to a rewarding merchant navy career, provided you meet the necessary eligibility criteria and choose the right training path.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about joining the merchant navy after diploma, including eligibility, course options, career prospects, and more.

At Skill Station, the best merchant navy coaching institute in Dehradun, we meet hundreds of aspirants asking the same question: “Can I join the merchant navy after my diploma?” Let’s break it all down clearly and professionally.

What Does It Mean to Join Merchant Navy After Diploma?

The merchant navy after diploma route is for those who have completed a 3-year diploma course (in mechanical, electrical, marine, or similar fields) and are now interested in marine careers. Unlike those who join after Class 12 through B.Sc. or B.Tech., diploma holders can still access this field by enrolling in specific training programs approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India.

Eligibility for Merchant Navy After Diploma

One of the first questions we get at Skill Station is about eligibility. Here’s a clear list of what you need:

Diploma Qualification: Must be a 3-year diploma (not lateral entry) from a government-recognized institution.
Minimum Marks: Usually 60% aggregate marks in diploma courses.
Age Limit: Between 17.5 and 25 years.
Medical Fitness: Eyesight (6/6) and no color blindness.
Maritime Pre-Sea Training: You must complete a pre-sea training course to become eligible to sail.

If you meet these criteria, your dream of joining the merchant navy after diploma is still very much alive.

Courses Available for Diploma Holders

After completing a diploma, you can opt for the following courses to enter the merchant navy:

1. GME (Graduate Marine Engineering)

If you have a diploma in mechanical engineering, you can go for this one-year course to become eligible for marine engineering roles.

2. ETO Course (Electro Technical Officer)

Students with a diploma in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation can opt for this 4-month course. It leads to roles as electrical officers on ships.

3. Pre-sea Training for Diploma Holders

Some institutes offer pre-sea training specifically for merchant navy after diploma aspirants. Skill Station helps students get into top DGS-approved colleges for this training.

These courses are vital to convert your diploma qualification into a sea-going opportunity.

Career Scope and Salary

A major reason people want to join the merchant navy after diploma is the lucrative salary and global exposure. Here’s a rough idea of salary ranges:

Trainee Marine Engineer/ETO: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000/month
After 6–12 Months of Experience: ₹75,000 to ₹200,000/month
Senior Roles (After 5–7 Years): ₹300,000+/month

The salary depends on your rank, experience, shipping company, and specialization. You can also switch between companies once you gain sailing experience.

At Skill Station, we guide students not only through coaching but also in planning a long-term career path in the merchant navy.

How Skill Station Helps After Your Diploma

Navigating the process of joining the merchant navy after diploma can be confusing without expert help. That’s where Skill Station steps in. Here’s how we assist:

Eligibility Check & Career Counseling
Pre-Exam Preparation for IMU-CET, Sponsorship Tests, and Company Interviews
Mock Tests & Interview Training
Admission Support in pre-sea training institutes
Continuous Mentorship throughout the training and placement process

Many students from Skill Station, Dehradun, are now sailing on global vessels because they chose the right coaching and mentorship after their diploma.

Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Merchant Navy After Diploma

While your diploma gives you a head start, there are certain mistakes you should avoid:

Skipping Medical Tests before applying
Choosing Unrecognized Institutes that don’t have DGS approval
Not Preparing for Sponsorship Tests, which are mandatory for some shipping companies
Ignoring Soft Skills like English communication and discipline—these matter onboard

A coaching center like Skill Station helps you avoid these pitfalls by providing end-to-end guidance.

Merchant Navy vs. Other Career Options After Diploma

If you’re still unsure whether merchant navy after diploma is better than going for a B.Tech. or a regular job, consider this:

Criteria	Merchant Navy After Diploma	Regular Engineering Jobs
Starting Salary	₹25,000–₹50,000/month	₹10,000–₹25,000/month
Job Satisfaction	High (Travel, Adventure)	Varies
Career Growth	Fast after training	Slower
Entry Time	Short (1-year training)	4 years (B.Tech.)

If you’re serious about a high-growth, adventurous career, joining the merchant navy after diploma is one of the most rewarding options.

Real Success Stories from Skill Station

Our alumni include students from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab who joined us right after completing their diploma. With the right preparation and support, they passed sponsorship exams, got admission into reputed pre-sea training colleges, and are now sailing internationally.

One such student, Rahul Singh from Dehradun, says:

“Joining Skill Station was the best decision after my diploma. They guided me step-by-step and now I’m working as an ETO in a top company.”

Final Thoughts: Is Merchant Navy After Diploma Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re passionate about the sea, disciplined, and ready to take on challenges, the merchant navy after diploma route is an excellent career choice. It allows you to start early, earn well, and gain global exposure—all without spending four years in a traditional engineering college.

But the journey isn’t easy. You need the right guidance, preparation, and training. That’s where Skill Station becomes your trusted companion.

So, if you’re planning to join the merchant navy after diploma, take your first step today with the best merchant navy coaching institute in Dehradun — Skill Station.

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.