Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is B.Sc. in Nautical Science the equivalent to other graduation degrees of Mumbai University such as B.A, B.Sc. or B.Com?
Yes. Very much so.
2. Can a seafarer do an MBA / IAS after acquiring the B.Sc. in Nautical Science?
Yes. You can go for any post graduate qualification or exam after acquiring the B.Sc. in Nautical Science.
3. Why are B.Sc graduates who major in Chemistry / Math / IT not acceptable?
Director General Of Shipping guidelines permit only graduates with physics in one of the years.
4. Why is the pre-sea training duration increased to 12 months?
Director General Of Shipping has decided to increase the duration from 3.5 months to one year. Director General Of Shipping periodically reviews courses and training programmes and makes changes as it sees fit.
5. Is the onboard training of 18 months to be completed at a stretch?
Not necessarily, it depends on the cadets and/or the shipping company. It could be two ships - nine months each or three ships - six months each etc.
6. Do they have to sign a bond?
Some companies require you to sign a bond especially if they are bearing the training costs.
7. I only wish to pursue D.Nsc and not B.NSc as B.NSc is too expensive. Is it possible to do so?
This is not possible. The D.Nsc is awarded after two semesters i.e. the one year pre sea course - this is followed by three semesters (18 months) on board with a distance learning programme (structured shipboard training programme - SSTP) followed by the second mates course (four months) and short courses which take about two months. Then the second mates examination which is accepted by IGNOU as the sixth semester exam - after which a B.Sc. in nautical science degree is awarded.
8. After pre-sea training is a job guaranteed?
No job guarantees are given. However there are plenty of opportunities for a smart and hardworking candidate.
9. Eyesight requirements are 6/6 unaided. Will c/o or masters have to quit sea if they need to wear spectacles?
Spectacles are allowed till 2.5 power for masters.
10. What are the pros and cons of Indian companies versus Foreign companies?
On Indian ships you have Indian food, Indian people to sail with and salary of Rs.13000-15000 per day for masters (3.9 - 4.5 lakhs per month, even more- on tankers and gas carriers). On foreign ships all persons may not be on Indian nationality, and there is normally a mix of many nationalities, therefore the food is not normally of Indian palate, salary for masters is in the range of $ 8000 per month (more on tankers and gas carriers).
11. What are the drawbacks / dangers of a seafaring career?
Drawbacks include staying away from home and friends, limited entertainment, seven day week, long days and nights. There are also dangers of the sea but safety training is meant to minimise the normal hazards that one may face.
12. What are the recreational / medical facilities on board?
Most ships have TV, Video, Games (mostly table top and board games), Table Tennis, Gymnasium, Books, Novels, Magazines, Computers, Email and Internet (limited), They also have a medical chest on board and trained officers to provide medical assistance. Medical advice by radio can also be provided if required.
13. Is the seafaring career open to women? What are the prospects / safety factor for women on board?
Yes, more and more women are opting for a seafaring career. Prospects and safety for women are like any other job and at par with men. But sea life is far more disciplined.
14. What are the job prospects for masters / chief engineers ashore?
There are plenty of jobs available for masters / Chief engineers ashore in marine related or engineering related fields. Seafarers are also sought for management positions in the corporate world.
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