How to Become a Seafarer in India: A Practical Guide

Eve Church
11 Sep, 2025
07 Mins read

a container ship called Martide flying the flag of India

Are you an Indian national who’s thinking about whether a maritime career is right for you? Well, it might help you to know that you’d be tapping into one of the world’s strongest maritime talent pipelines.

Our India-specific guide walks you through the Indian education, training, certifications, and documents you’ll typically need to work on commercial vessels including container ships, oil tankers, cruise ships, or offshore support.

What maritime career streams can you choose at sea?

Most Indian seafarers enter the maritime industry through one of three routes:

Deck (Navigation/Operations): Bridge watchkeeping, navigation (ECDIS/radar/ARPA), cargo ops, mooring, COLREGs, safety and environmental compliance.
Engine (Marine Engineering): Propulsion and power systems, maintenance, diagnostics, fuel/lube, refrigeration, pollution prevention, planned maintenance systems.
Electro-Technical (ETO): Electrical distribution, high-voltage, automation/PLC, communications, sensors/alarms, navigation electronics.

You can also get started by working as a rating (a hands-on crew member - such as an Oiler or Deckhand) and later upgrade or pursue the Officer Cadet route.

What should you study in school to prepare for Indian seafarer jobs?

For Classes 10 –12, aim for:

Mathematics & Physics: Essential for stability, navigation, thermodynamics, and operating machinery.
English & Communication: Focus on clear written/spoken English, plus you can follow up with Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) later.
IT/Digital Literacy: Ships run on digital systems - ECDIS, PMS, and data logs. Having IT skills will be a huge advantage.
Bonus Subjects: Basic electronics, technical drawing/CAD, geography/meteorology.

Strong marks in Math/Physics are particularly important for officer-track admissions and later license exams.

a young female Indian maritime officer studying with a book and laptop

How does the maritime officer route work in India?

Officer training in India runs through Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) - approved programs and Indian Maritime University (IMU) - affiliated institutes.

Deck Officers (Second Officer/Mate → Chief Officer/Mate → Master)

Common pathways:

B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years) at an IMU-affiliated Maritime Training Institute (MTI), followed by required sea time as a Deck Cadet and the Second Officer (FG/NCV) certificate process.
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS, 1 year) leading to a B.Sc. (NS) after sea time and academic modules; then eligibility for Second Officer exams per DGS norms.

Core training includes STCW Basic Training, BRM (Bridge Resource Management), Radar/ARPA, ECDIS, GMDSS (General Operator’s Certificate), PSCRB, Advanced Firefighting, Medical First Aid/Medical Care (as applicable), plus structured Training Record Book tasks completed onboard.

Engine Officers (MEO Class IV → Class II → Class I)

Common pathways:

B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years) at a DGS-approved institute, then onboard training as TME (Trainee Marine Engineer) and eligibility for MEO Class IV (Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch).
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME, approx.1 year) for Mechanical/Production/Automobile/Naval Architecture grads at a DGS-approved MTI, then shipboard training and MEO Class IV process.

Expect STCW Basic, Engine Room Resource Management (ERRM), High-Voltage (where applicable), PSCRB, Advanced Firefighting, and other modular courses per DGS circulars.

a marine electrician working on a vessel

Electro-Technical Officers (ETO)

Typically: relevant EE/EEE/ECE degree or diploma + DGS-approved ETO course (approx. 4 months), sea training as an ETO trainee, and compliance with ETO competence requirements (including HV safety and automation).

Admissions note: Many Officer routes require the IMU CET entrance exam (for IMU-affiliated programs), plus medical and eyesight standards. Some companies run sponsorship tests before college entry and these can help to secure your berth at sea earlier.

What if you prefer the rating seafarer job route first?

Starting your maritime career as a rating lets you earn while you learn (perfect!) and then you can later upgrade your seafarer rank.

GP Rating (General Purpose Rating, approx. 6 months) at a DGS-approved MTI, covering seamanship/engine room basics + STCW Basic Training. Successful candidates will join as an OS (Ordinary Seaman) on deck or as a Wiper/Motorman in the engine room.
With documented sea service and additional approved courses (e.g., RFPNW/RFPEW, Able Seafarer Deck/Engine), you can progressively upgrade and later qualify for officer certification pathways if you meet DGS requirements.

You’ll probably also come across catering and hotel type roles (these are more relevant to passenger and cruise ships). If working in a Steward job or working as a bartender or waiter appeals to you, find out more about DGS/TESDA-style vocational tracks and study hygiene/safety modules.

Which documents and IDs will you need to work in jobs at sea as an Indian?

Before sailing anywhere, you can expect to typically arrange the following:

Passport - make sure you have plenty of validity.
INDoS number (Indian National Database of Seafarers) - your unique seafarer ID used across DGS systems.
e-SID (Seafarer Identity Document) - the biometric seafarer ID used internationally.
CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) - the Indian “seaman’s book,” issued by DGS.
DGS-approved medical fitness certificate from an approved medical examiner. Usually this includes checking your vision (including color vision for deck jobs), hearing, and general fitness.
STCW certificates - basic training and any role-specific CoPs such as PSCRB, AFF, STSDSD.
GMDSS GOC - for deck officers on watchkeeping routes.
Company/flag-specific visas and vaccinations - for example, a Yellow Fever vaccination where required.
Offer letter/contract - issued through a DGS-licensed RPSL manning agency.

*Don’t forget to keep scanned backups and multiple paper copies somewhere safe and keep a close eye on your document expiry dates! (Tip: Martide is a great place to keep your seafarer documents stored safely in the cloud.) *

a phone with Martide's seafarer jobs app on the screen

How do seafarer assessments and licenses work in maritime jobs in India?

Licensing in India is governed by DGS under the STCW framework. In broad terms:

Deck: After approved education and cadet sea time (and completing the Training Record Book), you become eligible for the Second Officer (FG/NCV) process (written/oral/simulator as applicable). With more sea time, advanced courses, and exams, you can upgrade to Chief Officer (FG) and then Master (FG).
Engine: After pre-sea and onboard TME service, you’ll probably want to attempt MEO Class IV; further sea time and courses allow MEO Class II, then MEO Class I.
ETO: Meet sea time and competence requirements, including high-voltage and safety modules, for the ETO CoC/endorsement where applicable.

Important: Always train at DGS-approved institutes and track the latest DGS circulars as minimum sea time, refresher cycles (often 5-year for several STCW modules), and exam requirements can be updated.

Which endorsements should you consider to boost employability when looking for work at sea in India?

Pick endorsements aligned with the type of vessels you want to work on:

Tanker familiarization & advanced tanker (oil/chemical/LPG/LNG).
Passenger ship crowd/crisis management for cruise ships/ferries.
Ro-Ro cargo handling for car carriers.
High-Voltage competence (for Marine Engineers/ETO jobs).
Dynamic Positioning (DP) for offshore vessels (via an NI-approved scheme).
Ship Security Officer (SSO) or STSDSD where required.
Refresher training: BT, AFF, PSCRB, and others on their 5-year cycles.

Many companies in the maritime industry will sponsor endorsements after you join them and arriving with the right ones may just speed up you being able to set sail.

a man working in a deck crew job checking something on a clipboard

How do you get your first job on a ship in India?

Most Indian seafarers sign up through DGS-licensed RPSL manning agencies. Typical steps include:

Pass your medicaltest with a DGS-approved examiner.
Complete the mandatory STCW modules (and pre-sea for ratings).
Register documents (INDoS, e-SID, CDC) via DGS e-governance portals.
Pass company screening (Marlins/CES/technical interviews plus simulator testing for Officers).
Your visa/vaccination/flag paperwork should be coordinated by the manning agency.
Join your ship (the bit you’ve been waiting for!) - remember to take your original documents,

Tip: Verify an agency’s RPSL number and the training center’s DGS approval before paying fees or committing to anything.

How long does it usually take to qualify as an India seafarer?

Timelines vary with berths, the time it takes for you to study, and availability of training courses, but as a rough feel:

GP Rating to first contract: approximately 6 months training + employer processing.
DNS: approximately 1 year DNS + sea time (often approx.18 months across phases) + exams → Second Officer eligibility.
B.Sc. Nautical Science: 3 on years campus + approximately 12 months cadet sea time + exams → Second Officer.
B.Tech Marine Engineering: 4 years on campus + shipboard training → MEO Class IV eligibility.
GME: approximately 1 year pre-sea + shipboard training → MEO Class IV eligibility.
ETO: approximately 4 months course + onboard training → ETO certification route.

You should also expect periodic refreshers and upgrades throughout your maritime career while working at sea.

What soft skills do Indian maritime employers value?

As well as certificates employers in the Indian maritime industry will look for:

Clear English & SMCP/Maritime English over the radio and in logs/handovers.
Safety mindset & teamwork - BRM/ERRM principles in practice.
Digital comfort - ECDIS updates, PMS entries, email reporting.
Professionalism - punctuality, respect in multicultural crews, compliance with drug/alcohol policies.
Documentation discipline - accurate sea-service letters (IMO number, GT/kW, dates, rank/duties).

a man working in a seafarer job on deck wearing safety gear

Can we summarize the Indian maritime career path step-by-step?

Pick your stream: Deck, Engine, or ETO.
Choose the entry route: Officer (IMU-affiliated/DGS-approved) or GP Rating.
Pass IMU CET/sponsorship tests if required for your chosen college/company.
Enroll at a DGS-approved MTI; complete STCW Basic early.
Get INDoS, e-SID, and CDC in order; maintain a document binder and digital copies.
Complete sea phases as cadet/rating; keep your Training Record Book immaculate.
Finish advanced/role courses: ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, BRM/ERRM, PSCRB, AFF, GMDSS, HV, etc.
Attempt the CoC exams (Second Officer / MEO Class IV / ETO route) per DGS requirements.
Join via an RPSL agency, maintain medicals/vaccinations/visas, and refresh STCW in time.
Upgrade with sea time and exams working toward Chief Officer/Master or MEO Class II/I.

Final thoughts on Indian maritime careers

India’s seafaring pathway is clear, structured, and globally respected. Whether you begin as a GP Rating or enter through an Officer Cadet program, your success will hinge on approved training, documented sea time, clean medicals, and disciplined record-keeping.

Focus your endorsements on the vessels you want to work on, whether that’s tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, cruise ships or offshore vessels - and keep your certificates current.

Successful careers at sea reward preparation!

Good luck and if you’re looking for your next maritime job, don’t forget to check out Martide’s seafarer job vacancies!

Disclaimer: The information above is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing and is provided for informational purposes only as a starting guide. Requirements change and can vary by company, flag, and vessel type. We highly recommend checking the latest official guidance from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Indian Maritime University (IMU)/your chosen MTI, and your RPSL-licensed manning agency before making decisions.