Careers for a Nautical Technology Graduate

A Deck Officer will progress along his/her chosen career path, moving up the ranks by periodically undergoing competency examinations conducted by the government. In addition to taking certain modular and preparatory courses, he/she will need to acquire minimum stipulated amounts of sea service time before appearing for the examinations.

Seafaring Third Officer

Upon obtaining the B.S. Nautical Technology degree after 4 years (three years at TMI and one year at sea) and passing the Second Mate's Examination, a student will be eligible for appointment as a Third Officer on merchant navy ships. A Third Officer receives emoluments of about Rs. 50,000 per month plus free boarding and lodging while on board.

Seafaring Second Officer, Chief Officer and Captain

From the rank of Third Officer, a deck officer will progress to a Second Officer, a Chief Officer and ultimately the Captain of a ship. With promotions come substantial improvements in remuneration. A Captain receives Rs. 2,00,000 per month or more net of taxes. It takes about 8 years for a Third Officer to get promoted to the rank of Captain, depending on individual capabilities and the job opportunities available.

Shore Based Opportunities

Having worked in a self-contained environment, a deck officer will have learnt to be resourceful and analytical in problem solving. Such a wealth of experience gives a Deck Officer many opportunities after a sea career. Ports employ ex-captains as Pilots to navigate ships inside harbours, and shipping companies and ship agents employ ex-captains in their Operations Department. Survey companies employ ex-captains as cargo surveyors for insurance claims and there are jobs available in the Mercantile Marine Department as Nautical Surveyors. Some ex-captains are employed with ship broking firms while those who have interest in teaching can join educational and training institutions. The excellent remuneration earned while at sea has helped many Deck Officers start their own successful businesses.

Further Studies

For those who desire to study further, the B. S. Nautical Technology degree provides a solid foundation for advanced studies in Shipping Management programmes. An officer possessing a B. S. Nautical Technology degree can do an M. S. programme in Nautical Technology or an MBA programme.

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