How to Become Ship Captain in India After 12th – Complete Career Guide

Becoming a Ship Captain in India is one of the most prestigious careers in the Merchant Navy. Many students dream of commanding a ship, navigating through oceans, and leading a crew on international voyages. However, the journey from finishing 12th standard to becoming a Ship Captain requires dedication, proper education, training, and years of sea experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to become a ship captain in India after 12th, including eligibility, courses, career path, exams, salaries, and future opportunities.

Who is a Ship Captain?

A Ship Captain, also known as the Master of the Ship, is the highest-ranking officer on a vessel. The captain is responsible for:

• Navigating and commanding the ship
• Ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and cargo
• Managing ship operations, documents, and compliance
• Coordinating with port authorities and shipping companies
• Making final decisions in emergencies

Essentially, the Captain is the CEO of the ship – responsible for everything that happens on board.

Eligibility to Become a Ship Captain in India After 12th

To start your journey after 12th class, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualification
   • You must pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
   • Minimum 60% aggregate marks in PCM subjects.
   • English must be passed with at least 50% marks.
2. Age Limit
   • Minimum: 17 years
   • Maximum: 25 years (for most undergraduate Merchant Navy courses)
3. Medical Fitness
   • Candidate must be medically fit as per DG Shipping norms.
   • Normal eyesight (6/6 vision) and no color blindness.
4. Entrance Exams
   • IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) is the key entrance exam for maritime courses.
   • Some institutes also conduct their own entrance tests or interviews.

Step-by-Step Path to Become a Ship Captain

Becoming a Ship Captain is not an overnight journey. It requires multiple stages of education, training, and sea service. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Join a Maritime Course After 12th

After completing 12th (PCM), you must join a Merchant Navy-approved course. Popular options include:

1. B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years)
   • Offered by IMU and other DG Shipping-approved institutes.
   • Focuses on navigation, seamanship, cargo handling, and ship operations.
2. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) leading to B.Sc. Nautical Science
   • A 1-year course followed by sea training.
   • Later upgraded to B.Sc. Nautical Science after completing seatime and exams.
3. B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years) (For those who want to become engineers, not captains)

👉 To become a captain, Nautical Science (B.Sc. or DNS) is the correct path.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Sea Training

After securing admission, you will undergo pre-sea training at a DG Shipping-approved institute. Here, cadets learn basic seamanship, navigation, ship safety, and undergo STCW courses (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping).

Some mandatory STCW courses include:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

Step 3: Join as Deck Cadet

After completing pre-sea training, you will be placed on a ship as a Deck Cadet. This is your entry-level job at sea. Responsibilities include assisting officers in navigation, cargo operations, and deck maintenance.

• Seatime required: 18 months to 24 months (depending on course).

Step 4: Appear for 2nd Mate Exam

After completing your cadetship and mandatory sea time, you can appear for the 2nd Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam, conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) under DG Shipping.

• After passing, you are promoted to Third Officer (3rd Mate) and then Second Officer (2nd Mate).

Step 5: Climb the Ranks – Chief Officer to Captain

The path to becoming a captain involves several promotions:

1. Third Officer (3rd Mate) → Responsible for safety equipment, navigation watch.
2. Second Officer (2nd Mate) → Navigation planning, cargo operations.
3. Chief Officer (Chief Mate) → Second in command, responsible for cargo handling and crew management.
4. Captain (Master) → Final authority, commanding the ship.

Each promotion requires:

• Completing required sea service (minimum 18–36 months depending on rank).
• Passing further CoC exams like Chief Mate (FG) and Master (FG).

Duration to Become a Ship Captain

On average, it takes 10 to 12 years from joining as a cadet to becoming a captain.

• 3 years B.Sc. Nautical Science
• 18–24 months as Cadet
• 1–2 years as 3rd/2nd Officer
• 2–3 years as Chief Officer
• After clearing Master’s CoC exam, you can be promoted to Ship Captain.

Top Maritime Institutes in India

If you want to become a Captain, it’s important to choose a DG Shipping-approved institute. Some of the best are:

1. Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai
2. Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
3. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), Lonavala
4. T.S. Chanakya, Navi Mumbai
5. International Maritime Institute (IMI), Greater Noida
6. HIMT College, Chennai
7. AMET University, Chennai

Salary of a Ship Captain in India

The salary of a Ship Captain depends on ship type, company, and experience.

• Deck Cadet: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month
• Third Officer: ₹1.2 – ₹2 lakh per month
• Second Officer: ₹2 – ₹3.5 lakh per month
• Chief Officer: ₹4 – ₹6 lakh per month
• Ship Captain (Master): ₹7 – ₹15 lakh per month (USD $10,000 – $20,000)

Captains on large container ships, oil tankers, and LNG carriers can earn even higher salaries.

Skills Required to Become a Ship Captain

Along with academic qualifications, a captain needs strong personal skills:

• Leadership & decision-making
• Excellent communication
• Knowledge of international maritime laws
• Problem-solving in emergencies
• Navigation & technical expertise
• Team management

Challenges in Becoming a Ship Captain

While the career is rewarding, it also comes with challenges:

• Long months away from family
• High responsibility for crew & cargo
• Harsh weather and risky situations
• Continuous exams and training for promotions

However, the respect, salary, and adventurous lifestyle make it worth it.

Future Scope and Opportunities

The demand for qualified Ship Captains is increasing globally due to rising international trade. With experience, captains can:

• Move into shore-based jobs like Port Captain, Marine Superintendent, or Fleet Manager.
• Work with DG Shipping, IMU, or training institutes as examiners or lecturers.
• Start a shipping or maritime consultancy business.