The Merchant Navy is a lucrative and enjoyable line of work that demands a great deal of hard work right from the day you step into a maritime academy, whether for nautical science or marine engineering.
As with choosing any stream of education, selecting a career in the Merchant Navy also requires considerable research so that a prospective individual can select a course that best suits his/her needs. Some might aspire to become deck officers, while others might be interested in knowledge of marine engineering.
With a plethora of maritime institutes offering a variety of courses, it is natural for a candidate to get confused and, in the process, make the wrong decision.
There are several good maritime institutes worldwide, and it is natural to be spoiled for choice. However, it is necessary to understand that not all of them offer the path to becoming a Deck Officer on a ship in the way that is imagined.
The role of a Deck Officer in the merchant navy is indispensable, and it is important for prospective Cadets to know what a deck officer does on board ships.
A Deck Officer executes various tasks on ships, namely navigation and manoeuvring the vessel, handling all safety equipment on board, and handling cargo, communications, and safety.
All of this seemingly daunting work is designated, divided, and handled among the Trainee Cadet, 3rd Officer, 2nd Officer, Chief Officer, under the supreme supervision of the Captain of the vessel.
The prerequisites to join a maritime course pertaining to the Merchant Navy are generally kept low, except for the physical fitness and medical requirements. However, it is advised that an interested individual inquire with the respective institute offering the course to get the exact criterion.
The following deck officer training courses will help individuals greatly in determining what’s best for their chosen path to becoming one.
1. B.S. Nautical Technology
This is a 3+1 year course available only in India. The degree in question here is offered by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and is offered in two other institutes in India. The first three years of the merchant navy course are spent in the institute, where a variety of subjects are taught extensively. The final year is devoted to an internship on board a vessel as a deck cadet for at least 12 months.
The internship period is crucial as the degree is only conferred when an individual finishes his sea time.
The 2nd Mate license is obtained after finishing the mandatory sea time upon clearing the MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) examinations. A total of 48 subjects are covered in the study period of 3 years, a detailed list of which can be obtained from the website/brochure of the institutes concerned. Following are the institutes in India that offer this merchant navy program to become a deck officer:
2. B.Sc. Nautical Science
This is a three-year deck officer training course available in India. In the UK, it is a four-year course. However, the method incorporated in completing this course varies between India and the UK.
In India, a deck cadet spends his entire 3 years in a Maritime Institute and gets a degree after the course ends. Following that, he seeks employment and gets on board a ship as a Trainee Merchant Navy Deck Officer. In the UK, work and learning are incorporated within the course (a part of the deck officer recruitment process), with the core modules and work-based learning divided aptly within the four years of study. There are a host of Institutes offering this merchant navy program, the notable ones being:
3. HND Nautical Science
HND stands for the Higher National Diploma. This is a two-year course conducted in liaison between an Indian Institute and one in the UK. The first 39-40 weeks of the course are spent studying at an Institute in India, whereas the next 39-40 weeks are spent at an Institute in the UK.
Deck cadets must sail for a minimum of 15 months after completing the course for the deck officer cadetship. A 3-month 2nd Mate Preparatory course must be undertaken at the deck cadets’ respective Institute. Upon clearing the examination conducted by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), the Cadet is awarded the 2nd Mate UK license to become a certified deck officer. The notable HND courses of merchant navy are conducted by:
4. Diploma in Nautical Science
This is a one-year course at the Indian Maritime University. Prospective deck cadets undergo a year-long period of study followed by a sailing period of a minimum of 18 months. Many merchant navy institutes offer this course. It is advisable to check the Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Maritime University websites for institute approvals and course details.
In the United States, the Merchant Marine is a civilian auxiliary of the US Navy. The US system is very intensive. Candidates should refer to one of the Academy websites for a methodical procedure regarding the US Merchant Marine.
Check the list of best maritime colleges in the United States for more information.
The most important aspect of choosing the suitable merchant navy Institute and course to become a deck officer is ensuring that the country’s respective Government Authority approves the course. It is also advisable to know that the nation is issuing the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) to prevent any confusion later.
In addition to the courses mentioned above, several shipping companies also conduct sponsorship programs for deck officers.
Choosing the right path to becoming a Deck Officer in the merchant navy can play a vital role in having a solid kick-start to the career. Apart from good memories and an unforgettable college life, a proper institute catered to your requirements can help an individual develop the right attitude towards this line of work.
The deck officer job description and salary are key factors that potential candidates consider when looking to pursue a career in the maritime industry. It is important to note that the responsibilities and compensation of a deck officer largely depend on the shipping company they work for.
Deck officers play a crucial role in ensuring the safe navigation of the vessel, managing the crew, and overseeing various operations on board. They are responsible for maintaining the ship’s safety equipment, navigation systems, and communications devices. Additionally, deck officers are in charge of coordinating cargo loading and unloading, as well as implementing emergency procedures in case of accidents or adverse weather conditions.
In terms of salary, deck officers can expect varying levels of compensation based on factors such as the size of the company, the type of vessel they work on, their level of experience, and their certifications and qualifications. Some shipping companies may offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain talented deck officers, while others may have different compensation structures in place.
Overall, the deck officer job description and salary are important considerations for individuals looking to pursue a career in the maritime industry. By understanding the responsibilities and compensation associated with this role, aspiring deck officers can make informed decisions about their career path and future opportunities in the shipping industry.