Top Companies for DNS Sponsorship

DNS Sponsorship Companies: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

A Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is the first step towards becoming a professional deck officer in the Merchant Navy. Getting sponsorship is one of the most crucial stages in this journey, as it ensures that a cadet has a secured placement with a shipping company after successful completion of training. Sponsorship also guarantees sea-time training, which is mandatory for progressing in this career. This blog highlights some of the leading companies and institutes in India that provide DNS sponsorship, their affiliated colleges, their approximate waiting period and stipend, whether they come externally or internally, and why they are considered prestigious choices for maritime aspirants. But before that, here's a list of terms you need to understand about these companies to know them in a better manner and choose your preferred company accordingly.

Note: To pursue the DNS course at any DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institute in India, you must secure sponsorship and clear the IMUCET exam.

Terms to Understand:

• Affiliated Colleges: It refers to the college in which the shipping company sends its cadets for pre-sea training.
• Pre-Sea Training: In DNS, Pre-sea training is a mandatory 1-year residential course that provides foundational maritime knowledge and practical skills to aspiring seafarers before they join a commercial ship.
• Stipend: It's an amount of money that is paid regularly to the cadets as wages or an allowance during the cadetship/training period.
• Waiting Period: The waiting period in the Merchant Navy is the time after completing the pre-sea training before you can join a ship for the first time or for your next voyage.
• Externally/Internally?: It refers to whether that company releases its own forms and conducts its own written test as well as sponsorship interviews (Externally) or has a tie-up with a college for shortlisting the candidates based on their profile (PCM%, IMUCET Rank and Score in College Entrance Test) and only takes the final sponsorship interviews (Internally).
• No. of Vessels: It refers to the number of Merchant ships being managed or owned by the shipping company.
• No. of Seats: It refers to the number of vacancies for sponsorship in the shipping company.
• Time to apply: It refers to how many times the company releases its form. Companies release their forms in either the August Batch or the February Batch or both.

Note: External companies have a higher number of seats compared to the internal companies

List of top Shipping Companies that provide Sponsorship:

1. Fleet Management Limited

Affiliated Colleges: IMI Noida, TS Rehman

No. of Seats: 160 (For Aug Batch), 40 (For Feb Batch)

Stipend: $400-$500 per month

Waiting Period: 2-3 months

No. of Vessels: 650+

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch & the February Batch

Fleet Management is one of the world's largest independent ship management companies. They manage a diverse fleet of bulk carriers, tankers, container vessels, and offshore units. Cadets sponsored by Fleet are assured of structured training, sea time on modern vessels, and career progression opportunities up to senior ranks.

Selection Process: Includes an offline written test, psychometric test, interview, and medicals. Fleet is known for its discipline, training, and global standards.

Official Website: https://training.fleetship.com/

2. Anglo Eastern Ship Management

Affiliated Colleges: Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy

No. of Seats: 160 (Aug Batch), 120 (Feb Batch)

Stipend: $500-$550 per month

Waiting Period: 1-2 months

No. of Vessels: 700+

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch & the February Batch

AEMA is one of the most reputed maritime academies in India, operated under Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, a leading global ship management company. The academy has world-class infrastructure, simulators, and faculty, making it a preferred choice for cadets.

Why Choose AEMA? The institute has an excellent placement track record with Anglo-Eastern's global fleet. Cadets undergo holistic training that combines academics, practical skills, and discipline. The sponsorship ensures employment upon successful completion of the DNS program.

Selection Process: Includes an offline written test, psychometric test, interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://www.aema.edu.in/admissions-dns/

3. Synergy Group

Affiliated Colleges: IMUs, Tolani Maritime Institute, AMET Chennai, HIMT Chennai

No. of Seats: 80

Stipend: $400-$500 per month

Waiting Period: 4-5 months

No. of Vessels: 590+

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: August Batch

Synergy Group is one of the fastest-growing ship management companies with offices worldwide. They provide cadets with modern training methods, including simulation-based navigation and practical seamanship.

Highlights: Synergy cadets receive exposure to a global fleet and are offered career stability with excellent chances of moving into officer ranks within a short span. Their focus is on safety, professionalism, and competency development.

Selection Process: Includes an offline written test, psychometric test, interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://synergyexam.excelindia.com/Synergy/

Great Eastern Shipping

Affiliated Colleges: Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies

No. of Seats: 80 (Aug Batch), 80 (Feb Batch)

Stipend: $300-$400 per month

Waiting Period: 4-6 months

No. of Vessels: 43

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch & the February Batch

GEIMS is among the oldest and most respected maritime institutes in India. Located in the scenic hill station of Lonavla, the campus offers top-class infrastructure, hostels, and training facilities. The institute has its own shipping arm, Great Eastern Shipping Company, ensuring onboard training and employment.

Why GEIMS? It provides guaranteed ship placement and exposure to real-time ship operations. The alumni network is vast, giving cadets strong connections within the industry.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, psychometric test, offline interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://www.geinstitute.com/course-overview/diploma-in-nautical-science

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM)

Affiliated Colleges: Tolani Maritime Institute Pune, HIMT Chennai, TS Rehman

No. of Seats: Varies every year

Stipend: $500-$600 per month

Waiting Period: 2-3 months

No. of Vessels: 650+

Externally/Internally?: Internally

Time to Apply: Mostly in the August Batch

BSM is part of the Schulte Group, a global leader in ship management. They have a strong focus on quality training and grooming cadets into competent officers.

Advantages: Cadets sponsored by BSM undergo structured training with global exposure. The company operates a diverse fleet, offering wide-ranging learning opportunities. Its international presence provides long-term career stability and growth.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, psychometric test, online interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://www.bs-shipmanagement.com/careers-at-sea/

V Ships India Private Limited

Affiliated Colleges: AMET Chennai, SOMS Centurian University

No. of Seats: Varies every year

Stipend: $400-$500 per month

Waiting Period: 2-3 months

No. of Vessels: 1000+

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: Mostly in the August Batch

V Ships is one of the largest ship management companies in the world. The company's Indian arm sponsors DNS cadets and provides extensive onboard training opportunities.

Why V Ships? Cadets get trained on different types of vessels, making them versatile officers. The organization emphasizes professionalism, safety, and personal development, which makes its sponsorship highly valued in the industry.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test cum psychometric test, online interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://vgrouplimited.com/join-our-group/v-global-cadet-program/

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

Affiliated Colleges: SOMS Centurian University, HIMT Chennai, IMI Noida

No. of Seats: 80

Stipend: $300-$400 per month

Waiting Period: 1 month

No. of Vessels: 700+

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: August Batch

MSC, short for Mediterranean Shipping Company, is a global shipping line founded in 1970. It is the largest container shipping company worldwide, offering extensive services and a vast network of ports. It is an international shipping line founded by Gianluigi Aponte in Italy in 1970, with headquarters in Switzerland since 1978. The privately held company is owned by the Aponte family.

Why MSC? It is primarily an Ownership Company that provides the cadets with great crew treatment, and the organization emphasizes professionalism, safety, and personal development, which makes its sponsorship highly valued in the industry. It is also the No. 1 shipping company in terms of TEU Capacity.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, psychometric test, offline interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://mscshipmanagement.com/crewing-services/msccs-india/msccs-india-cadet-career

Scorpio Tankers

Affiliated Colleges: Tolani Maritime Institute Pune, TS Rehman, Ganpat University

No. of Seats: Unknown

Stipend: $600-$650 per month

Waiting Period: 1 month

No. of Vessels: 200+

Externally/Internally?: Internally

Time to Apply: Mostly in the August Batch

Scorpio Tankers is a renowned shipping company established in 2009. With a commitment to excellence, it specializes in providing comprehensive ship management services to the maritime industry. The company prioritizes safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. It sends their sponsored candidates to TS RAHAMAN, TMI, and Ganpat University for a pre-sea training course.

Advantages: Cadets sponsored by Scorpio Tankers undergo structured training with global exposure. The company operates a Tanker fleet, offering wide-ranging learning opportunities. Its international presence provides long-term career stability and growth.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, Group Discussion, psychometric test, online interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://www.scorpiotankers.com/

Seven Islands Shipping Ltd. (SISL)

Affiliated Colleges: Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute

No. of Seats: 80 (Aug Batch), 80 (Feb Batch)

Stipend: $300-$350 per month

Waiting Period: 2-4 months

No. of Vessels: 25

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch and the February Batch

It is a leading maritime training institute based in Mumbai, India. Established in 2002, SISL offers comprehensive courses and training programs for aspiring seafarers. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, SISL provides quality education and practical skills development to equip students for successful careers in the maritime industry.

Advantages: The Company is committed to safe transportation, efficient services, and cleaner seas. They recognize their responsibility for the safety of life at sea and ensuring a cleaner environment, hence developing and maintaining high standards of their fleet.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, psychometric test, online interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://simtinstitute.org/dns/

Wallem Ship Management

Affiliated Colleges: Tolani Maritime Institute Pune, AMET Chennai

No. of Seats: Varies every year (depends upon requirement)

Stipend: $300-$400 per month

Waiting Period: 6-7 months

No. of Vessels: 190+

Externally/Internally?: Internally 

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch and the February Batch

A renowned global maritime solutions provider founded in 1903. The company offers comprehensive ship management services, including technical management, crew management, and asset management. With a commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability, Wallem ensures seamless operations and optimal performance for a diverse range of vessels, serving clients worldwide. It sends their sponsored candidates to TS Rehman and TMI for the pre-sea training course.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, an offline interview, and medicals. Wallem Ship Management is known for its discipline, training, and global standards.

Official Website: https://www.wallem.com/

IMEC (International Maritime Employers' Council)

Affiliated Colleges: TS Rehman, HIMT Chennai

No. of Seats: Unknown

Stipend: Depends on the partner shipping company

Waiting Period: Depends on the partner shipping company

No. of Vessels: Depends on the partner shipping company

Externally/Internally?: Internally

Time to Apply: Usually in the August Batch

IMEC is not a shipping company itself, but rather the International Maritime Employers' Council, an organization that represents over 250 individual shipping companies and managers as their employer representative for industrial relations and training. These member companies operate a wide variety of ships, including dry bulk, container, cruise liners, and tankers. It sends their sponsored candidates to the TSR and the HIMT for a pre-sea training course.

Why IMEC? It is an Organization that gives the cadets opportunities to get sponsored by top-class shipping companies.

Official Website: https://himtcollege.com/imec-dns/

Torm Tankers

Affiliated Colleges: Tolani Maritime Institute, Ganpat University

No. of Seats: Varies every year (depends upon requirement)

Stipend: $600-$700 per month

Waiting Period: 1 month

No. of Vessels: 90+

Externally/Internally?: Internally

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch and the February Batch

Torm Tankers is a renowned shipping company established in 1889 in Denmark. It operates a fleet of around 80 modern vessels, all in compliance with the most stringent safety and environmental standards. TORM is one of the world's largest owners and operators of product tankers that transport refined oil products and chemicals.

Advantages: Cadets sponsored by Torm Tankers undergo structured training with global exposure. The company operates a Tanker fleet, offering wide opportunities. Its international presence provides long-term career stability and growth.

Selection Process: Includes an online written test, psychometric test, online interview, and medicals.

Official Website: https://www.torm.com/careers/careers-at-sea/programs-at-sea/default.aspx

Executive Ship Management (ESM)

Affiliated Colleges: Samudra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)

No. of Seats: 40 (Aug Batch), 40 (Feb Batch)

Stipend: $250-$300

Waiting Period: 7-8 months

No. of Vessels: Around 200

Externally/Internally?: Externally

Time to Apply: Both in the August Batch and the February Batch

The Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS) is a premier maritime training institute in India, with campuses in Lonavala and Mumbai. Established by Executive Ship Management (ESM) Pte Ltd, Singapore, the institute offers comprehensive training for aspiring seafarers, with a strong focus on both pre-sea and post-sea courses.

Selection Process: Includes a written test, an interview, and medicals. SIMS is known for its discipline, training, and global standards.

Official Website: https://www.samundra.com/trainingprogram_dns.html

Conclusion 

Choosing the right company for DNS sponsorship is one of the most important decisions of a cadet's career. A sponsorship not only ensures financial and placement security but also provides confidence to start the maritime journey with stability.

Tips for Aspirants:

• Prepare well for aptitude and written exams.

• Work on communication and interview skills.

• Maintain good physical fitness and meet medical standards.

• Research thoroughly about the company before applying.

Sponsorship with a reputable company is the foundation for a successful career at sea. With determination, discipline, and the right guidance, every cadet can achieve their dream of becoming a Merchant Navy officer.

Download the free "Roadmap to DNS Course" by Team Marine Edge attached below

Do checkout Marine Edge courses for class 11th, 12th, & Droppers for IMUCET & Sponsorship Preparations here