What is Sponsorship in Indian Merchant Navy
In the Merchant Navy, “sponsorship” has a slightly different meaning. It differs from other academic disciplines where sponsorship results in a fee waiver. The most widespread misconception regarding sponsorship in the Merchant Navy is that joining or academic fees will be covered by businesses or universities.
What does sponsorship actually mean in the Merchant Navy, then?
Sponsorship in the Indian Merchant Navy is defined as the company’s “GUARANTEE OF PROVIDING JOB” to the candidate following the completion of their pre-sea training program.
In other words, once you complete your pre-sea training and pass the exams, you will have a sponsorship and be guaranteed a job during on-board training. In other words, you won’t have to pay anything more after finishing your course because the cost of your on-boarding training is covered by your academic fees.
Difference between sponsored and non-sponsored colleges
Sponsored colleges:
The colleges that require a sponsorship letter from a shipping company in order to grant admission are known as sponsored colleges. For on-board training, these colleges typically send their students to work for their own shipping company. If not, they have agreements in place with other shipping firms to provide on-board instruction.
The reason the academic fees of sponsored colleges are higher than those of non-sponsored colleges is that they include the costs of on-board training. After completing your pre-sea training, the process of getting admitted to a sponsored college guarantees placement.
Non-sponsored colleges:
Most of the non-sponsored colleges don’t require you to take an exam in order to be admitted, unlike sponsored colleges. Certain colleges might administer their written exams. Colleges that are not sponsored only offer pre-sea training; onboard training is not guaranteed. There are some colleges that offer campus placements, although these are typically not very reliable.
To cover the cost of pre-sea training, non-sponsored colleges have far lower academic fees than sponsored ones. You will have to pay for on-board training separately when you go after, and the cost is typically higher than for sponsored colleges.
Top 5 sponsored Colleges in India
1. Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)
About College:
The location of Anglo-eastern Maritime Academy is in Karjat, Maharashtra. It is owned by the Anglo-Eastern Group, a top ship management company with over 600 ships under its fleet. Candidates are assigned to one of the Anglo-Eastern ships upon completion of the course.
Course offered:
2. The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS)
About College:
Maharashtra’s Lonavala is home to the Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies. With a close relationship to the maritime sector, GEIMS aims to provide India with top-notch seafarers. The institute has one of the best reputations in the field and is among the oldest of its kind. It provides placement opportunities through Great Eastern Shipping or other top international shipping firms.
Course offered:
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- Graduate in Marine Engineer (GME)
- Electro Technical officer(ETO)
- General Purpose Rating (GPR)
3. Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)
About College:
The Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies is in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of the most sophisticated hubs for marine engineering (marine propulsion) and navigation in India. Candidates ranging from cadets to ship masters can receive comprehensive instruction and training from the institution in pre- and post-sea training. Executive Ship Management Private Limited is a sponsor of the institute.
Course offered:
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- Graduate in Marine Engineer (GME)
- Electro Technical officer(ETO)
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering
About College:
Tolani Maritime Institute is in Pune, Maharashtra. Candidates are placed with Fleet Management, MSC, Nortrans, Scorpio Marine Management, Tolani Shipping, TORM, V-Ships, or Wilhelmsen Ship Management following course completion.
Course offered:
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- B.sc. in Nautical Science
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering
5. Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute
About College:
The Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute is Kansal, Maharashtra. It is managed by a liquid seaborne logistics business with headquarters in Mumbai that has been running ocean-going tankers for the previous 20 years. Upon course completion, candidates are assigned to Seven Islands Shipping.
Course offered:
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- Graduate in Marine Engineer (GME)
- Electro Technical officer(ETO)
- General Purpose Rating (GPR)
Top Shipping Companies Conducting Sponsorship exam in India
1. ESM (Executive Ship Management)
ESM pledges to employ and provide the necessary internal training for the crew members operating its owned vessels. At the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), the training center, each candidate undergoes an intense curriculum tailored to the needs of the ship. By 2018, the company hopes to be in a unique position where all of its managed fleet will be run by officers who have received training at SIMS, with over 80% of the officers on ESM managed ships having graduated from cadetships.
You can pursue a Diploma in Nautical Science(DNS), or a B.Tech in Marine Engineering, or a B.Tech Lateral from Samundra Institute if you want to work for this company.
2. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Since late 2021, MSC has dominated the container shipping industry, with operations in all significant ports worldwide. It runs 570 container ships and travels more than 215 trade routes.
MSC administers sponsorship exams for the Diploma in Nautical Science and B.Tech in Marine Engineering, has affiliations with numerous DG-approved institutes throughout India. Selected cadets will be assigned to DG Shipping Approved Institutes based on final results after passing exams.
3. Maersk Line
The Synergy Group offers a variety of opportunities on its global fleet of bulk carriers, container ships, LPG and LNG carriers, and oil and chemical tankers. It takes pride in hiring the best seafarers and offering them an elite environment in which to develop professionally. You can submit an application for sponsorship for courses in G.P. Rating, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, DNS, or BSc in Nautical Science.
Around the world, Scorpio Shipping is a well-known owner and operator of modern Handysize and Supramax dry bulk ships. Its own ships, sailors, and internal technical operations increase responsiveness and offer seamless support and service to clients.
You can definitely look into career opportunities with Scorpio if you’re looking for opportunities with sustainable growth that will expand your horizons in a fast-paced environment. Scorpio Marine Management handles the hiring process for the candidates who completed Diploma in Nautical Science.
How to get Sponsorship after completing a course in Merchant Navy
If your Pre-Sea course from a non-sponsored college has already been completed. After that, you can show up for sponsorship exams administered by shipping companies. Throughout the year, a number of shipping companies held sponsorship exams. You can register for these tests, pass them, and then become a member of the company.
Applying for sponsorship examinations is possible through the websites of several prominent shipping companies, such as ESM, Maersk, Great Eastern Shipping Company, MSC, Synergy, and Scorspio.
How to prepare for Sponsorship Exams
The written test, psychometric test, medical test, and interview are the four components of the sponsorship examinations for Merchant Navy. It is necessary to complete each of these sections in order to be sponsored.
For Sponsorship preparations you can visit Rife Consultancy, where they provide complete preparation for IMU-CET and Sponsorship Exams. They cover all subjects, including English, maths, physics, chemistry, marine knowledge, general aptitude, and psychometric tests etc. Along with helping with your medicals, they also get you ready to ace your interview.
With years of experience in the marine industry, knowledgeable marine officers explain the subjects. To get in touch you can fill the Registration form here.