Diploma in Nautical Science or DNS is an exclusive programme for those who want to join the nautical department of the merchant navy. A career in the Nautical department needs a high level of discipline and a high level of ability and knowledge. This course is a very popular career path in the academic area across the country. The basic requirement of the DNS course is to appoint Officer in charge who watches the entire Navigational activities. Moreover, this Course has approved by Indian Maritime University and the Director-General of Shipping.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Name | DNS |
| Full Form | Diploma in Nautical Science |
| Course Type | Diploma |
| Duration | 1.5 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 12th Pass |
DNS course provides one and half year full-time course that includes Pre-sea training at IMI. After completion of the course, candidates are awarded an advanced diploma in Nautical Science. This course offers knowledge of Physics, mathematics, IT, and nautical. At the time of training, candidates should focus on navigation, cargo operation and ship maintenance. Once you complete the course, you may get opportunities in such areas- operation companies, Indian naval science department, weather forecasting area etc.
Admission to Diploma in Nautical Science course is differing from college to college. Students who are willing to choose the DNS course must have to complete the following requirement-
A diploma in Nautical Science offers an excellent platform for students interested in subjects like physics and Mathematics. The course prepares you for joining the shipping industry in either navigation, maintenance or cargo operations. With the help of this one year program, you get to learn about the theory & practical aspects. So, if you are concerned about the pay and love travelling to new places, you should go ahead and opt for a Diploma in Nautical Science. The course also teaches you about ship geometry, hydrostatics.
There are specific skill sets that you should have if you are opting for Diploma in Nautical Science. Check out some of those below.
The admission process for Diploma in Nautical Science depends on the institute that you choose. Some institutes offer direct admission based on merit. However, many colleges ask you to appear in the entrance exam before offering you admission. In both cases, the admission process is quite similar. If the college offers merit-based admissions to Diploma in Nautical Science, you can apply for the college and wait for the cut-off list. The admission is finalized after you complete the documentation and deposit the fee.
In case of an entrance test, you need to first submit the application. After that, the institute will give you the dates for the Diploma in Nautical Science entrance exam. The shortlisted candidates' details are published after the results, and the admission can be secured later by depositing the fee. Some of the Diploma in Nautical Science exams are ETO, IMU CET, GME, and IMU DNS.
If you wish to opt for Diploma in Nautical Science, then you should start preparing early. It helps to have clear fundamentals in physics and mathematics. These are the two subjects that you will be using throughout the job. Even in the entrance test, you are asked about these two subjects. It also helps to know geography and general affairs. So, if you wish to join the merchant navy, you should start preparing after the 10th. This will give you an edge over other candidates seeking admission in Diploma in Nautical Science.
We have listed some of the best institutes for Diploma in Nautical Science in India. Check out the details below.
| SL No. | Name Of The Colleges | Location | Average Fees |
| 1 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology | Jalandhar | Rs 30,000 |
| 2 | B.P Marine Academy | Mumbai | Rs 3.5 Lakh |
| 3 | Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies | Mumbai | Rs 6.5 Lakh |
| 4 | The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies | Pune | Rs 6.5 Lakh |
| 5 | Shriram Institute of Maritime Studies | New Delhi | Rs 2.5 Lakh |
| 6 | Cosmopolitan Technology of Maritime College | Chennai | Rs 2.25 Lakh |
| 7 | Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training | Coimbatore | Rs 2.75 Lakh |
| 8 | Indian Maritime University | Chennai | Rs 2 Lakh |
| 9 | International Maritime Academy | Chennai | Rs 1.5 Lakh |
| 10 | Southern Academy of Maritime Studies | Chennai | Rs 2.5 Lakh |
The next important thing is the subjects that you will study during your Diploma in Nautical Science. You should always check out the subjects before getting admission. You should note here that this is a one year course. It is further divided into two semesters. The subject in each semester would vary. However, the generalized subjects for Diploma in Nautical Science are
The course fee for Diploma in Nautical Science is quite a subjective question, and it depends on the institute you are studying in. As per the general observation, the institute may charge anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 3 Lakh for the course. This is the usual course fee for the whole duration. The living expense and the exam fee is separate. Some colleges offer hostel facilities while others may not. If you don't get a hostel facility, you should then factor in the cost of living.
A diploma in Nautical Science is one of the best courses considering the employment opportunities. With the increase in international business, the dependency on international shipping has been increasing. In such a case, you can be assured that there will always be a demand for graduates from Diploma in Nautical Science course. The cost of shipping using waterways is always going to be a lot cheaper than airways. In such a case, you have a significant competitive advantage. The scope of the job is not just restricted to the cargo industry, but you can also work in marine tourism, marine electronics, hydro-geology, aquaculture and marine industry. Some of the reputed companies in this space are AGB Shipyard, Maersk, American Cruise Lines, GE Shipping, TMC Shipping, GMMCO, Star Cruises, Essar Shipping and many more.
You are most likely going to start your career as a trainee engineer, and you can progress through your way to chief engineer. It also depends on your domain on what post you will work in. If you would like to continue your studies, you can seek a lateral entry in Bachelor Course in Nautical Science and later, you can opt for a Master's degree.
There is not one domain of work after completing a Diploma in Nautical Science. There are multiple domains, and the salary depends on the domain. There are job roles that would require you to stay away from home for half of the year. Such job roles are very rewarding, and you are paid sufficiently for your sacrifice. Check out the estimated salary as per the job roles below.
| Position | Average Starting Salary |
| Lecturer | Rs 4 Lakhs |
| Marine Engineer | Rs 10 Lakhs |
| Marine Engineering Instructor | Rs 6 Lakhs |
| Operations Manager | Rs 8 Lakhs |
| Training Navigating Officer | Rs 5 Lakhs |