General Merchant Navy FAQs
The Merchant Navy is the commercial shipping sector responsible for transporting goods and passengers across the world via sea routes. It includes cargo ships, tankers, cruise ships, etc.
The Indian Navy is a defense force, while the Merchant Navy is for commercial trade and transport. Merchant Navy jobs are private or company-sponsored, not military.
Yes, Merchant Navy offers high salary, travel opportunities, quick career growth, and tax-free income (for qualifying sea service periods).
Yes, girls can join as Deck Officers, Marine Engineers, or in other capacities if they meet the eligibility criteria.
IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) FAQs
IMU-CET is an entrance exam conducted by Indian Maritime University for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate maritime courses.
12th pass students with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and meeting the minimum 60 percentage and Age between 17.5 to 25 years can apply.
DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)
B.Sc Nautical Science
B.Tech Marine Engineering
Other UG/PG maritime courses
With proper preparation, it is achievable. The syllabus covers English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, General Aptitude, and General Knowledge.
Once a year — in May/June. You should check the official IMU website for exact dates.
Self-study is possible, but coaching improves your chances by providing expert guidance, study material, and mock tests.
GP Rating FAQs
GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is a pre-sea training course that prepares students to work as Deck or Engine crew on merchant ships.
Minimum 10th pass with 40% aggregate
40% in English (10th or 12th)
Age between 17.5 to 25 years
Medically fit as per D.G. Shipping standards
The course duration is typically 6 months of pre-sea training at a DG-approved institute.
After completing the course and getting placed onboard, you can work as a Deck/Engine Rating, and with experience, you can grow to higher ranks.
While not mandatory, having company sponsorship ensures job placement after training, making it highly recommended.
One Ocean Academy Related FAQs
Yes, we offer comprehensive online and offline coaching for IMU-CET, including study material, mock tests, and expert mentoring.
Absolutely, we prepare students for GP Rating entrance exams and guide them for company sponsorship as well.
Yes, we guide students for sponsorship exams, interviews, and selection process for top shipping companies.
Medical & Physical Requirement FAQs
Candidates must be medically fit as per standards set by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. A medical certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor is mandatory.
The general minimum height required is 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females. However, this may vary slightly based on the institute or company.
For Deck Cadets or GP Rating (Deck side): 6/6 vision in both eyes, without glasses; no color blindness.
For Engine Cadets or GP Rating (Engine side): Slightly relaxed; glasses may be allowed depending on role.
For DNS or B.Sc Nautical Science: Unaided 6/6 vision is compulsory.
Note: Color blindness is strictly not permitted for deck side roles.
For Deck Officer roles like DNS or B.Sc Nautical Science, spectacles are not allowed. For Engine side roles, mild use of spectacles may be accepted, subject to medical clearance.
No, color blindness is strictly not permitted for sea-going positions.
IMU-CET & College FAQs
There are two categories:
✅ IMU Campuses: 6 campuses directly under Indian Maritime University
✅ IMU Affiliated Colleges: Over 30 DG-approved institutes across India
- IMU Chennai (Headquarters)
- IMU Kolkata
- IMU Mumbai Port
- IMU Navi Mumbai
- IMU Visakhapatnam
- IMU Kochi
For DNS and B.Sc Nautical Science, IMU-CET is compulsory. Some private colleges offer GP Rating or other short-term courses without IMU-CET, but it’s recommended to go through proper channels.
Not all. It’s important to choose reputed, DG-approved colleges with good placement records. One Ocean Academy can guide you on this.
Top Shipping Companies FAQs
Top companies include:
Great Eastern Shipping (GE Shipping)
Anglo Eastern
Synergy Marine Group
Fleet Management
Maersk Line
V Ships
Scorpio Marine
MSC
Tolani Shipping
Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
Torm Shipping
And many more.
It is not legally compulsory, but highly recommended. Sponsorship ensures job placement after training, making your career start smooth and secure.
By clearing sponsorship exams, interviews, and medical tests conducted by shipping companies. One Ocean Academy provides complete preparation for sponsorship exams.
Additional Useful FAQs
Yes, through the GP Rating course, provided you meet the age, academic, and medical criteria.
Freshers (GP Rating or Cadets) can expect ₹40,000 to ₹50,000/month onboard. Salary increases significantly with experience and rank.
While working at sea involves some challenges, strict safety protocols and modern ship technology minimize risks.
For Deck roles, 6/6 vision without glasses is mandatory. Engine side may allow minor vision correction based on medical standards.
For Deck roles, 6/6 vision without glasses is mandatory. Engine side may allow minor vision correction based on medical standards.
Some institutes conduct their own entrance tests. Many top companies also conduct exams/interviews for GP Rating sponsorship.
Top companies include Anglo Eastern, Synergy, Great Eastern, MSC, Maersk, Fleet Management, V Ships, and many others.
Placement depends on your sponsorship status, college reputation, and performance. Company-sponsored candidates have the highest placement chances.
