R.L. Institute of Nautical Sciences (RLINS), a unit of Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy Foundation (SLF) offers the following pre-sea training courses approved by Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India :

4 year (8 semesters) B.S. (Marine Engineering) - Degree programme [Residential].

4 year (8 semesters) B.S. (Nautical Technology) - Degree programme

[3 year Residential + 1 year at sea].

The above programmes are conducted in collaboration with Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan under their OFF-CAMPUS Programmes. Degrees like B.S. (Marine Engineering) or B.S. (Nautical Technology) will be awarded to the successful cadets by BITS, Pilani.

The degree certificate will enable the cadets to take up jobs on board ships or pursue their academic studies further.

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE (BITS), Pilani, founded in 1964, is a deemed university. It is one of the premier All-India Institutes offering degree programmes at three tiers both on-campus and off-campus in Engineering, Sciences, Management, Pharmacy and Humanities. It has forged strong linkages with Industry through its Practice School, Distance Learning and Collaborative Programmes.

Today it has an on-campus strength of 4,500 students and off-campus strength of 10,000 students. The Birla Institute has made pioneering efforts in conducting collaborative programmes with the industry as a means of continuing education for the working professionals. BITS' Off-Campus network is spread across the length and breadth of the country besides some locations outside India. STCW Modular courses : Elementary First Aid (EFA), Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR), Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF), Oil Tanker Familiarization (OTF) and Medical First Aid (MFA).Training for Trainers and Assessors (TOTA) course.

The Merchant Navy - a brief It is made up of large number of shipping companies who recruit their own officer cadets. Merchant sea farers, both officers and ratings, are civilians employed by these companies.

Companies vary greatly in the size of ships, types of ships and areas of the world they operate. Types of modern merchant ship include container ships, oil tankers, gas tankers, cruise liners, bulk carriers etc. Their trade routes may take them to every continent and across every ocean on the globe.

On board ship, there are three main operational departments. The deck department staffed by navigating officers while Engineering department is staffed by Marine Engineering officers. The third one is catering Department which provides the crew and passengers with catering and domestic services.

Navigating (Deck) Officers

Navigating officers maintain watches on the bridge and are responsible for passage planning, the safe navigation of the ship, cargo loading and discharge, ship stability, communications and the maintenance of the hull and deck equipment.

The ship’s Captain or Master, is in overall command with ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, cargo and crew. Only Navigating Officers can be promoted to the rank of Master.

Marine Engineering Officers

Marine Engineering Officers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s main propulsion machinery, deck machinery, air conditioning plants, refrigeration plants and domestic and electrical services. Depending on the type of ship and operational circumstances Engineer Officers will be required to keep watches in the ship’s engine room.

The Chief Engineer officer is in charge of the department and is responsible to the ship’s Master for its efficient operation. As for as the salary and status are concerned it is very similar to that enjoyed by the Master.

Career Prospects

The recent analysis shows that the world sea borne trade is increasing day by day. This calls for a number of trained and qualified personnel.

Most companies permit Senior officers to carry families on board. When one wants to settle ashore, there are ample opportunities for shore jobs.

The personnel get an opportunity to see many foreign countries and meet and work with people of all religions, colour and countries.

Employment is not restricted to India. In fact 85% of Indian sailors work for foreign companies.

Technical and managerial skills learned at sea are readily transferable and can be developed by further training.

The remuneration are considered to be one of the highest for any salar