Nautical Science Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2026 & Future Scope

Updated on Aug 2, 2023 04:43 IST
Diya Nihalani

Diya NihalaniContent Author

The Nautical Science career focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of this field. After graduating, students can join Merchant Navy.

The career scope offers a lot of options. options are Deck Officer, Nautical Surveyor, Superintendent, Marine Engineer, etc. The average salary  is around Rs. 2.2 LPA to Rs. 43.5 LPA.

Merchant Navy Jobs

Candidates can see table below for jobs - 

Job Profiles

Job Description

Navigation or Deck Officer

This role is responsible for safely navigating a ship and ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and cargo on board. The Navigation or Deck Officer is an integral part of the ship's crew, working closely with other officers and crew members to ensure smooth operations.

Engineering Officer

Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy is a crucial role responsible for the smooth operation and maintenance of the ship's machinery and systems. They are highly trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of the vessel's engineering department.

Electro-Technical Officer

This role requires individuals with a strong technical background and specific knowledge of electrical and electronic systems. The ETO is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all electrical and electronic equipment onboard a ship.

Marine Superintendent

It is a vital position that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of maritime vessels. This position holds significant responsibility and requires a high level of expertise and knowledge in various aspects of ship management.

Marine Engineer

It is a specialized field that involves the design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of the machinery and systems used in ships and other marine vessels. A marine engineer is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the ship's propulsion systems, power generation, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment on board.

Merchant Navy Salary

Candidates can see table below for salary -

Job Profiles

Annual Salary 

Navigation or Deck Officer

INR 2.2 LPA

Engineering Officer

INR 10.7 LPA

Electro-Technical Officer

INR 19.4 LPA

Marine Superintendent

INR 43.5 LPA

Marine Engineer

INR 10.7 LPA

Merchant Navy Salary: Experience Wise

Candidates can see table below for experience wise salary -

Years of Experience

Average Salary 

0 – 5 years

INR 7.50 LPA and above

6 – 10 years

INR 17 LPA and above

11 – 15 years

INR 30 LPA and above

16 – 20 years

INR 54 LPA and above

20 years & above

INR 1 Crore and above

Best Recruiters

Candidates can see table below for recruiters -

Top Recruiters

Boston Putford offshore safety Ltd.

Carisbrooke Shipping

Carnival UK

Foreland Shipping Ltd

Condor Ferries

P&O Cruises

Global Marine

Jubilee Sailing Trust

Saga Cruises

Rio Tinto Marine

Princess Cruises

-

Merchant Navy Jobs in Bangalore

Candidates can see table below -

Company

Average Starting Salary Per Month (INR)

Vision placement services

70,000

Seaspan

60,000

Msc cruises

70,000

R G Technosolutions

1.50 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Pune

Candidates can see table below -

Company

Average Monthly Salary (INR)

Royal marine services

1.75 L

RCM- marine

3.75 L

Lilly maritime

1.80 L

BSM ship management company

1.80 L

Blue Whale

2 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Hyderabad

Candidates can see table below -

Company

Average Monthly Salary (INR)

Shri Maritime

80,000

S S placement services

65,000

Dynacons systems and solutions

70,000

MSC ship management

70,000

Ac Mechanical services

1.20 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Chennai

Candidates can see table below -

Company

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Maritime smart services

4.50 L

Imates Consultants

8 L

Confidential

5 L

Nidhi maritime consultancy

9.50 L

Dhanaj construction

12 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in New Delhi 

Candidates can see table below -

Company

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Fleet management

7.60 L

Anglo-eastern group

4.60 L

Ocean sparkle

9 L

Pacific international lines

17.30 L

Nyk ship management

9 L

Best Colleges for Merchant Navy

Candidates can see table below -

College Name

Total Fees (in INR)

Amity University, Noida

3 Lakh - 3.3 Lakh

Chitkara University, Chandigarh

10.5 Lakh

Tamil Nadu Fisheries University

32,000

IMU Chennai 

2.3 Lakh - 6.8 Lakh

The Neotia University

4.5 Lakh

Indian Maritime University

2.2 Lakh - 6.6 Lakh

Tolani Maritime Institute

5.3 Lakh - 5.4 Lakh

Academy of Maritime Education and Training

10.4 Lakh

IMU Kochi

4.4 Lakh - 6.8 Lakh

Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training

7.7 Lakh

Types of Merchant Navy Officers

Candidates can see table below -

Type

Average Salary

Trainee Cadet

INR 10.20 LPA

Deck Cadet

INR 14 LPA

Chief Officer

INR 72 LPA

Captain

INR 2.4 Crore PA

Engineer

INR 50 LPA

Q:   Is Merchant Navy a good career option?
A:

Merchant Navy is a good choice if you like sea and want experience in it. 

This career gives many benefits that make it a desirable option. Salaries are also good and even tax free if you spend a good amount of time at sea.

It also offers good promotion!

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Q:   What is the qualification for Merchant Navy?
A:

Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below: 

Age: 17 years to 25 years 

eyesight: 6/6

Should not have night blindness, colour blindness

Physically fit

Note: The information is taken from other sources and can be different.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   Is it risky to join the Merchant Navy?
A:

Yes Merchant Navy jobs are a little risky. 

Working in merchant navy involves various occupational hazards that seafarers must be prepared to face such as Accidents and Injuries, Health Risks (physical strain, isolation, mental health issues and also exposure to hazardous substances)

An ongoing concern in merchant navy is threat of piracy and maritime security. Seafarers working in merchant navy must adapt to unpredictable working conditions. Merchant navy operates under strict international regulations and legal frameworks.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   Does height matter in the Navy?
A:

Yes height does matter to join Merchant Navy. Merchant Navy is popular for its strict physical prerequisites which often raise questions about role of height in this branch of military.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What is the job of a Merchant Navy?
A:

Following are job responsibilities -

Working on cargo ships, tankers, container ships, etc.

make sure of the cargo safety

Navigate ship

Maintaining ship machine and tools.

Look after loading & unloading 

Make sure there is good storage

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Table of contents
  • Popular Nautical Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Nautical Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Nautical Science UG Courses
  • Popular Nautical Science PG Courses

Popular Nautical Science Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Nautical Science Colleges in India. Learn more about these Nautical Science colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 L - 3.28 L

#38 NIRF

Nautical Science Applications open till Apr 30, 2026. Apply Now

1 Course
46.2 K

#29 NIRF

6 LPA
10.5 L - 11.1 L
4.9

#78 NIRF

10 L - 22.24 L

#149 NIRF

3 Courses
5.1 L - 12.6 L
3.6 LPA

Popular Private Nautical Science Colleges in India

3 L - 3.28 L

#38 NIRF

Nautical Science Applications open till Apr 30, 2026. Apply Now

3 Courses
5.73 L - 7.14 L
4.9
3.5
2.3
2 Courses
3.3 L - 9.9 L
4.4
4 Courses
7.43 L - 14.25 L

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Nautical Science. Students interested in pursuing a career on Nautical Science, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

To Be Notified:

CUET UG 2026 Intimation Slip

TENTATIVE

To Be Notified:

CUET UG 2026 Admit Card

TENTATIVE

24 Apr ' 26 - 24 May ' 26

CUET PG 2026 Result

Apr '26 - May '26

CUET PG Final Answer Key 2026

TENTATIVE

2 May ' 26

SAT India exam (May attempt)

22 May ' 26

Last date to apply for June Attempt

Popular Nautical Science UG Courses

Following are the most popular Nautical Science UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Nautical Science PG Courses

Following are the most popular Nautical Science PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

Hi.

Mandatory Vision Standard

  • 6/6 vision in both eyes WITHOUT spectacles (unaided)
  • No color blindness (even partial is not allowed)

This is one of the the strictest conditions — if you wear glasses, you are not eligible unless corrected.

 Laser Surgery (LASIK)

  • Allowed only if vision becomes 6/6 without gl

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered a week ago

While the primary fees are clearly listed, there are a few additional costs. Students enrolled in B.Sc. Nautical Science at MANET Pune have to pay examination fees each semester. Other costs include a one-time INDOS registration, CDC fees, and fees for mandatory STCW or value-added courses.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, the fee structure is quite inclusive for students. For the B.Sc. Nautical Science at MANET Pune, the semester fees specifically include hostel accommodation, mess charges for meals, and laundry services. Every semester, students pay a fixed amount of INR 47,500 for the hostel and INR 50,000 for

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

The scholarship provides a cost reduction of INR 30,000, but it doesn't cover the entire cost of the program. For B.Sc. Nautical Science at MANET Pune, the scholarship specifically reduces the first-year tuition burden. Students still need to pay for the remaining semester fees, which include hostel

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit to the top 10 students entering the B.Sc. Nautical Science programme at MANET Pune. The selection is made using your PCM percentage or your final-year Diploma scores. If you rank among the top ten performers in your intake, you will receive a scholars

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

To join, you need at least 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Math in your Class 12 exams. You also need 50% in English in either Class 10 or 12. Since this is a seafaring career, you must be physically fit and have 6/6 vision without glasses. No color blindness is allowed. You also need to clear the IM

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

MANET Pune is known for its "Ship-in-Campus," which is a huge, real-life model of a ship's engine room and deck. They have advanced bridge simulators that can simulate various weather situations and sea passages. This will prepare you practically for any situation, giving you the confidence to do we

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

No, MANET Pune does not offer any management or NRI quota seats for BSc Nautical Science. All admissions for the 2026 session are strictly merit-based and require candidates to follow the standard application and entrance exam procedure.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

The final selection for the 120 available seats at B.Sc. Nautical Science seats at MANET Pune is based on a merit-based combination of your 10+2 PCM percentage, your IMU CET rank, and your performance in the Personal Interview conducted by the institute. Admission is only confirmed after successful

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

While there is no specific seat reservation quota for SC/ST students at B.Sc. Nautical Science seats at MANET Pune, they are eligible for a 5% relaxation in PCM marks (requiring 55% instead of 60%) and a 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Although you could start filling out the application form even without it, a passport is an absolute requirement for you to enroll into the program. Apply for your passport in advance to ensure that your name on the passport matches with your 10th standard certificates.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Certainly, students who are taking their class 12 exam in the same admission year are eligible to apply. They need to tick "Result Awaited" button on the application form. Nevertheless, you will be required to submit documentation that proves your eligibility, which is securing 60% aggregate in PCM

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, clearing the IMU CET (Common Entrance Test of Indian Maritime University) is compulsory for getting admission to the B.Sc. Nautical Science course. Along with this entrance test, one has to qualify the personal interview and medical test as well.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Eyesight is a critical factor for safety at sea. For B.Sc. Nautical Science, you must have 6/6 vision in both eyes without spectacles. For B.Tech Marine Engineering, the limits are slightly more flexible, allowing 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in one and 6/18 in the other. However, normal color vision is

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

No, you cannot apply. MANET strictly requires candidates to have completed their Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) through a regular, full-time mode of education. The maritime industry demands rigorous physical and academic preparation that distance or correspondence courses cannot provide. Theref

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

To join MANET, you must have normal color vision; color blindness is a disqualification. For B.Tech Marine Engineering or B.Sc. Nautical Science, your unaided vision should be at least 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 and 6/18.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes. For MANET BTech courses, SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation, and OBC candidates get 3 years. Female candidates applying for B.Tech Marine Engineering or B.Sc. Nautical Science receive an additional 2-year relaxation to encourage participation.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

No. MANET only accepts candidates who completed their education through regular schooling. Applications for B.Tech Marine Engineering or B.Sc. Nautical Science involving part-time, distance learning, or correspondence courses will not be considered for any of the maritime programs.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

Career Path as Navigating Officer after clearing DNS education from MANET Pune:

  • Complete SSTP → Attempt Sem III-V exams
  • Attend 4-month Semester VI (post-sea training)
  • Complete mandatory STCW courses (ROC/ARPA, GMDSS, PSCRB, AFF, MFA, ECDIS)
  • Become eligible to join sea-going vessel as Third Officer
  • Qualif

...Read more

N

Nishtha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For the academic session 2024-2025, the Indian Maritime University has set the following age criteria for B.Sc. Nautical Science:

Minimum Age: 17 years.

Maximum Age for Male Candidates: * General: 25 years

OBC (NCL): 28 years

SC/ST: 30 years

Maximum Age for Female Candidates:

General: 27 years

OBC (NCL): 3

...Read more

A

Adwait Vaibhav Deshmukh

Beginner-Level 1

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