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

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 |
|
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) |
|---|---|
|
3 Lakh - 3.3 Lakh |
|
|
10.5 Lakh |
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
2.3 Lakh - 6.8 Lakh |
|
|
4.5 Lakh |
|
|
2.2 Lakh - 6.6 Lakh |
|
|
5.3 Lakh - 5.4 Lakh |
|
|
10.4 Lakh |
|
|
4.4 Lakh - 6.8 Lakh |
|
|
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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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#38 NIRF
Nautical Science Applications open till Apr 30, 2026. Apply Now
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Nautical Science Applications open till Apr 30, 2026. Apply Now
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceChitkara University, Chandigarh
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceAcademy of Maritime Education and Training
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)Indian Maritime University (Chennai Campus)
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceIndian Maritime University (Chennai Campus)
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceIMU - IMU Navi Mumbai Indian Maritime University
- Diploma in Nautical ScienceIMU - IMU Navi Mumbai Indian Maritime University
- Diploma in Nautical ScienceTolani Maritime Institute- TMI
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceTolani Maritime Institute- TMI
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceThe Neotia University
- B.Sc. in Nautical ScienceIMU Kochi
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26 Colleges
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- B.E. / B.Tech
1 College
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1 College
News & Updates
Apr 27, 2026
Student Forum
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
h
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
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
R
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
R
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
R
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
R
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
R
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
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
R
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
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
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
R
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
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
R
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
R
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
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
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
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
N
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
A
Beginner-Level 1
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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!