Merchant Navy Colleges in Kerala

A merchant navy college in Kerala should be DG Shipping approved, and which programme fits depends on what you have already passed — 10th standard, 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or a relevant degree. Eurotech Maritime Academy, in Kizhakkambalam near Kochi, runs courses across all three entry points.

Some of these programmes are admitted through IMU-CET, the national entrance test for degree and diploma courses affiliated to the Indian Maritime University. Rating and catering courses, and the graduate-entry GME and ETO programmes, admit candidates directly on qualification instead.

What to check before you choose

• Check that the specific programme, not just the institute, is on the DG Shipping list of currently approved pre-sea training courses.
• For a degree or diploma such as BSc Nautical Science or DNS, confirm it is affiliated to the Indian Maritime University; rating, catering and graduate-entry courses do not carry this affiliation.
• Ask the institute for its current DGS Comprehensive Inspection Programme grade, and verify it independently rather than relying on what the college states.
• Check the campus training facilities relevant to the programme — navigation or engine-room simulators, workshops and a swimming pool for the mandatory STCW modules.
• A residential hostel and dining hall matter, since most pre-sea courses run for several months to a few years with candidates living in.
• Ask what placement support is offered — career guidance, interview preparation and industry connections — since no institute can guarantee a job or quote a placement percentage.
• Confirm the total fee, what it includes and the payment schedule in writing before you pay anything toward a course.

What Eurotech Maritime Academy offers in Kochi

Candidates who have passed 10th standard with Science and Mathematics at a minimum 40% aggregate, and 40% in English, can join General Purpose Rating (GP Rating), a six-month course (fee ₹3,00,000) leading to roles such as Ordinary Seaman or Wiper, or the Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC), a six-month course (fee ₹2,10,000) for the catering department. Candidates who hold a diploma or degree in hotel management can instead join the shorter Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP), fee ₹30,000.

Candidates who have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at a minimum 60% aggregate and a rank in IMU-CET can join the one-year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) or the three-year BSc Nautical Science, both leading to a deck officer career. DNS requires sponsorship from a shipping company before admission; BSc Nautical Science is affiliated to the Indian Maritime University.

Mechanical engineering and naval architecture graduates can join the one-year Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) programme, and electrical or electronics graduates and diploma holders can join the four-month Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) programme; neither needs IMU-CET. All these programmes run at the academy's residential campus in Kizhakkambalam, Kochi, which has a 520-bed hostel and dining hall.

Related: B.Sc. Nautical Science colleges in Kerala · Marine engineering colleges in Kerala · Merchant navy courses · Fees & scholarships