Career in Merchant Navy can be pursued either as an officer or a rating in mainly two specialized fields, i.e. Marine Engineering and Nautical (deck). To become a seafarer, following streams of entries (Pre-Sea courses) are available to Indian citizens in the Government as well as in private training institutions (recognized and approved by Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping):-

Officers

1. Three year degree course in Nautical Science for (10+2) students.
2. Four year degree course in Marine Engineering for (10+2) students.
3. Two year course for Diploma Holders.
4. One year course for Graduate Mechanical Engineers.
5. Three month course for Deck Cadets for (10+2) students.

Rating (Entry standard Xth)

1. Four month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose (GP) rating.
2. Three month Pre-Sea Course for Deck rating.
3. Three month Pre-Sea Course for Engine rating.
4. Four month Pre-Sea Course for Saloon rating.

In addition, a candidate can join as utility hand or Petty Officers (Fitters) after completing 4 Basic Courses, i.e. FPFF, EFA, PSSR and PST.
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Govt training Institutes : There are four Government Training Institutes providing Pre-Sea and Post-Sea training of international standard :

1. Training Ship Chanakya, Navi Mumbai.
2. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata.
3. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai.
4. Lal Bahadur Shastri College of advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai.