Deck officer via the one-year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
Official reference: TEAP Part A II/1 para 2.3 · Appendix II/1C
A 10+2 PCM school-leaver or a science/engineering graduate takes the approved one-year Diploma in Nautical Science (which leads on to a B.Sc. Nautical Science degree), serves a longer cadetship at sea than degree cadets, then attends the post-sea Second Mate competency course and proficiency courses before the Second Mate (foreign-going) examinations.
Where this route can take you
Who can apply
Each requirement is summarised from the official publication linked beside it — follow the link for the exact wording.
Academic: 10+2 PCM, or B.Sc. Physics / B.E. / B.Tech
TEAP manual, Part A ↗Either Class 12 with at least 60% average in PCM, or a B.Sc. with Physics at 55% or more in the final year, or any B.E./B.Tech degree.
English
TEAP manual, Part A ↗At least 50% in English in Class 10, Class 12 or at degree level.
Age at start of course
TEAP manual, Part A ↗Not more than 25 years old when the course begins.
Medical fitness (pre-sea standard)
TEAP manual, Part A ↗Medically fit to the pre-sea standard.
Age at issue of certificate
M.S. (STCW) Rules 2014, Rule 20 ↗At least 18 years old when the certificate is issued.
Pre-sea medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner
Medical Examination Rules 2000, Rule 6 ↗A medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner, done after selection for pre-sea training.
MS (Medical Examination) Rules 2000 are the operative rules. TEAP I/9 names 'Medical Examination Rules 2013', which DGMA does not publish; the MS (Medical) Rules 2026 (r.22 same arrangement) are PROPOSED — gazette number G.S.R. XX — and replace the 2000 Rules only on publication
Step by step
- 1
Pre-sea: approved Diploma in Nautical Science
The approved one-year Diploma in Nautical Science, leading to a B.Sc. in Nautical Science.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 2
Basic safety and security courses (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, STSDSD)
The approved safety, pollution-prevention and security courses (the five basics).
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 3
- 4
Bridge watch-keeping under supervision, documented in the Training Record Book
At least 8 hours of bridge watch in every 24 hours at sea, recorded in the Training Record Book.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 5
Structured Shipboard Training Programme (SSTP) with Training Record Book
Successful completion of an approved Structured Shipboard Training Programme (SSTP).
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 6
Post-sea Second Mate (F.G.) competency course
The post-sea Second Mate competency course applies to candidates from every other entry stream.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 7
Post-sea proficiency courses (ROSC, ARPA, ECDIS, GMDSS GOC, PSCRB, AFF, MFA, security)
The post-sea proficiency courses — ROSC, ARPA, ECDIS, GMDSS GOC, PSCRB, AFF, MFA and the security course.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 8
Examination: Navigation at the Operational Level (written, oral, visual signalling)
An approved competency course, then the written, oral and visual-signalling examinations.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 9
Examination: Cargo Handling and Stowage; Controlling the Operation of the Ship (written and oral)
The written and oral examination in Cargo Handling and Stowage at the operational level.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 10
Certificate of Competency: Second Mate of a foreign-going ship (OIC NW, Form 1)
The Certificate of Competency is issued in Form 1 (Second Mate, foreign-going).
M.S. (STCW) Rules 2014, Rule 20 ↗
The rules behind this route
Rules made under the repealed Merchant Shipping Act 1958 continue in force under section 324(2)(a) of the Merchant Shipping Act 2025.
MS Act 2025 s.324(2)(a): rules made under the repealed MS Act 1958 continue in force
Rule 20 requires twelve months of approved sea service within an approved training and assessment programme.
The TEAP manual specifies pre-sea education and training for four direct streams of entry.
This page is built from the official DGS Training and Examination Advisory Programme (the TEAP manual) and the current orders of DGMA (the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, called DG Shipping until June 2026). Requirements are summarised in plain language — every section links to the official publication for the exact wording. Requirements made under the old Merchant Shipping Act 1958 still apply under the new Merchant Shipping Act 2025.