What are the Average Fees for the Second Mates Exam in the Merchant Navy?

The fees for the Second Mates exam in the merchant navy can vary significantly depending on the country and the specific maritime institution or examination authority. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with this important certification process:

Fees for the Second Mates Exam Across Different Countries

Below are some general estimates as of my last update on various countries that you may be considering:

India

The fees for the Second Mates examination conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) can range from 5000 to 15000 Indian Rupees (approximately 60 to 180 USD).

United Kingdom

The cost for the Second Mates exam can be around ￡300 to ￡600 (approximately 370 to 740 USD), depending on the institution.

United States

The fees for the exam might be in the range of 100 to 500 USD, depending on the state and the specific maritime academy.

In other regions, fees can vary widely, typically ranging from 100 to 1000 USD.

It is important to check with the specific maritime education and training institutions or the relevant maritime authority in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Course Costs and Additional Expenses

Based on the recommendations of experienced seniors, it is advisable to save approximately 300,000 INR (or 3-2.5 Lacs) from your total cadetship. The average cost to prepare for the Second Mates examination is around 2-3 Lacs INR, depending on the city and additional expenses such as food, travel, stay, and room.

Some individuals may spend less if they already have their home in Mumbai, as commuting and living expenses are lower.

Detailed Breakdown of Fees in India

The Second Mates examination in India is comprehensive and structured into several parts:

Signals Pass Marks: 70 out of 100

The fee for the signal examination is different depending on whether you are taking all the written examinations for the first time. If you are taking all six written examinations for the first time, the fee for the signals examination is free. However, if you fail in the first attempt or do not take all six papers together, you will need to pay 1000 INR for the signals examination.

Written Examination

The written examination consists of six subjects, each worth a pass mark:

Terrestrial Navigation (140 out of 200) Celestial Navigation (140 out of 200) Meteorology (50 out of 100) Bridge Equipment (100 out of 200) Cargo Work (120 out of 200) Stability and Ship Construction (120 out of 200)

For each function, you need to pay 1000 INR, so for all six subjects in a single function, the total fee is 6000 INR. However, if you appear for a single subject in a function, you still have to pay 1000 INR.

Oral Examination

The oral examination is also structured into three functions. If you pass all 6 written papers in the first attempt, you will pay 3000 INR for the written examination, which includes the fees for the signals paper and 6 written papers. For the oral examination, the fees for all three functions are also 3000 INR. Therefore, if you pass all examinations in your first attempt and clear all your orals in one shot, you will only pay 6000 INR in total.

This is the most ideal situation, and many individuals aim for this to save on costs.

Conclusion

Studying and preparing for the Second Mates exam in the merchant navy can be a significant investment, both in terms of time and financial resources. Understanding the typical fees and the associated costs can help you plan your budget more effectively and make informed decisions about your career in maritime navigation.

Remember to check the specific details of the examination fees and requirements in your chosen country, as these can change over time.