Can I Join as Deck Cadet After STCW Course and CDC? Complete Career Path Guide for Indian Seafarers 2025

 Have you completed your STCW course and already hold a CDC? Now you're wondering if you can join as a deck cadet after working on cruise ships? This is a common question that reflects some confusion about merchant navy career progression in India.

Let's clear this up with official guidance from DG Shipping and IMU regulations.

## Understanding the Career Path Confusion

If you already have a CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) and completed STCW basic courses, it means you've already worked at sea - possibly as a rating, cruise ship crew, or in another entry-level maritime role.

Here's the critical clarification: **Deck Cadet is typically an ENTRY-LEVEL training position, not a promotion or lateral move from other maritime jobs.**

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## What is a Deck Cadet?

A Deck Cadet in the Indian Merchant Navy is a training position for individuals pursuing officer-level certifications in the Deck Department. The standard path is:

1. **10+2 with PCM (60% aggregate)**

2. **Pass IMU-CET or direct admission to maritime academy**

3. **Enroll in DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) or B.Sc. Nautical Science**

4. **Get sponsored by a shipping company**

5. **Complete shore-based training (4-12 months)**

6. **Join as Deck Cadet for 18-24 months sea training**

7. **Appear for Second Mate examination**

8. **Become Third Officer (Deck Officer)**

## Can You Become a Deck Cadet After STCW/CDC?

**Short Answer: It depends on your current qualifications and career goals.**

### Scenario 1: You Have STCW Basic Courses Only

If you completed only the 4 basic STCW courses (PST, PSSR, EFA, FPFF) and have a CDC as a **rating** (GP Rating, OS, AB), you CANNOT directly join as a deck cadet.

**What you need:**

- Pass IMU-CET or equivalent entrance exam

- Enroll in a DG Shipping approved DNS or B.Sc. Nautical Science program

- Secure company sponsorship

- Start the formal deck cadet training pathway

### Scenario 2: You're Working on Cruise Ships

Cruise ship experience (especially in hotel/service departments) **does NOT automatically qualify you for deck department cadet positions** on merchant vessels.

**Why?**

- Cruise ships vs. merchant ships have different operational requirements

- Deck cadet positions require enrollment in approved nautical courses

- Sea time on cruise ships may not count toward officer-level certification requirements

**However:**

If you worked in the **deck department** of a cruise ship as a rating and have proper sea service documentation, this experience might be considered, but you still need to:

1. Enroll in a nautical course

2. Get proper deck cadet training

3. Meet DG Shipping's structured training requirements

## The Correct Path: From Rating to Deck Officer

If you're currently a rating with sea experience and want to become a deck officer, here are your options:

### Option 1: Through IMU-CET and DNS

**Best for:** Those who meet age and educational criteria

**Requirements:**

- 10+2 with PCM (60%)

- Maximum age: 25 years (varies by category)

- Pass IMU-CET

- Enroll in 3-year DNS program

**Timeline:** 3-4 years total (including sea time)

### Option 2: 6-Month Pre-Sea Certification Course

**Best for:** Sponsored candidates with company backing

**Requirements:**

- Same educational qualifications

- Company sponsorship before joining

- Approved institute offering 6-month course

**Post-completion:** 36 months sea service (or 24 months with SSTP)

### Option 3: Lateral Entry (If Eligible)

Some institutes offer lateral entry for candidates with relevant sea experience, but this is rare and has strict DG Shipping approval requirements.

## Does Cruise Ship Experience Count?

**For Deck Department:** 

Sea time on cruise ships in the deck department (as OS, AB, etc.) MAY count toward general maritime experience, but:

- It does NOT replace the need for formal deck cadet training

- DG Shipping requires structured training programs approved by IMU/DG Shipping

- You still need to complete Training Record Book (TRB) requirements

**For Hotel/Service Departments:**

Experience in cruises as steward, F&B, housekeeping, entertainment does NOT count toward deck department progression.

## Key Documents You'll Need

To transition into a deck officer career path:

✓ Educational certificates (10th, 12th with PCM)

✓ IMU-CET scorecard

✓ Medical fitness certificate (DG Shipping approved)

✓ Current CDC and STCW certificates

✓ Sea service testimonials (if applicable)

✓ Company sponsorship letter (for some programs)

✓ Proof of age

## Common Misconceptions Clarified

**Myth 1:** "I have CDC, so I can directly join as deck cadet"

**Reality:** CDC only proves you're fit for sea service. Deck cadet requires formal training enrollment.

**Myth 2:** "STCW course makes me eligible for officer positions"

**Reality:** Basic STCW courses are mandatory for ALL seafarers. Officer positions need specific competency certifications.

**Myth 3:** "Cruise ship experience = Merchant Navy experience"

**Reality:** While both are maritime, operational requirements and certification paths differ significantly.

**Myth 4:** "I can skip deck cadet training with my sea experience"

**Reality:** DG Shipping mandates structured training programs for all aspiring officers.

## Your Next Steps

If you're serious about becoming a deck officer:

**Step 1:** Assess your eligibility

- Check age requirements

- Verify educational qualifications

- Review IMU-CET exam pattern

**Step 2:** Prepare for IMU-CET

- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Aptitude

- Previous year papers

- Mock tests

**Step 3:** Research approved institutes

- IMU campuses

- Affiliated maritime academies

- Check DG Shipping approval

**Step 4:** Apply for company sponsorship

- Major shipping companies

- Ship management firms

- Manning agents

**Step 5:** Complete the training pathway

- Shore-based training

- Sea-going training as deck cadet

- TRB completion

- Second Mate exam preparation

## Official Resources

For accurate, updated information:

- **DG Shipping:** www.dgshipping.gov.in

- **Indian Maritime University:** www.imu.edu.in

- **e-Samudra Portal:** dgshipping.gov.in/esamudra

- **IMU-CET Information:** www.imu.edu.in/imucet

## Conclusion

While having STCW certification and CDC shows your commitment to a maritime career, becoming a deck cadet requires enrolling in a formal nautical training program. Cruise ship experience is valuable, but it doesn't replace the structured training mandated by DG Shipping for officer-level positions.

The good news? If you're determined and meet the basic eligibility criteria, you CAN pursue the deck officer career path. It requires going through the proper channels: IMU-CET, DNS/B.Sc. Nautical Science, deck cadet training, and ultimately the Second Mate examination.

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