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The Vessel Navigator Course (VNC) is a 2-year trade course offered by the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) under the Craftsman Training Scheme of the Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.
Objectives and Overview
The VNC course is designed to produce practical tradesmen for the marine sector, specifically to provide manpower for the deck side of fishing vessels. The course aims to provide students with academic and practical experience in specialized subjects like navigation, marine engineering, and other relevant areas so that they can find employment on fishing vessels, marine crafts, and shore establishments dealing with fishing gear manufacturing and maintenance.
Course Curriculum
The VNC curriculum covers the following subjects:
- General English
- Applied Mathematics
- Fishing Gear Material, Accessories and Design
- Seamanship, Safety and Watch Keeping
- Elementary Marine Engineering
- Employability Skills
- Naval Architecture & Ship Construction
- Fishing Technique
- Marine Fisheries, Fish Processing & Fish Finding Equipments
- Practical Navigation
- Marine Meteorology & Basic Principles of Oceanography
- Chart Work
- Fishing Gear Viva Voce
- Seamanship and Navigation
- Fishing Gear Technology
- Onboard Training-Navigational aspects and Fisheries Report
- Report on Onboard Training- Navigational Aspects and Fisheries
Mode of Study
The VNC course follows a theory and practical-based approach:
Theory: The theory classes are handled by experienced faculty using modern teaching aids like multimedia, internet, overhead projectors, and live models.
Practical: The curriculum emphasizes practical aspects in nautical science, fishery biology, fishing craft technology, and fishing gear. Students get practical exposure in well-established laboratories.
Onboard Training: The course includes onboard practical training, which allows students to get acquainted with the operation and maintenance of fishing vessels.
The VNC course is open to candidates who have passed 10th standard or equivalent examination. Admission is done based on merit, with seats reserved for different categories as per government norms.
Certification and Career Prospects
Upon successful completion of the VNC course, students are awarded a certificate by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). They can then choose careers on board fishing vessels or in shore establishments dealing with fishing gear manufacturing, maintenance, and workshops. With further sea service, they can also progress to the level of Mate/Skipper on deep-sea fishing vessels
Career Opportunities
After completing the 2-year Vessel Navigator Course (VNC), graduates have several career opportunities in the marine sector:
On-Board Fishing Vessels: VNC graduates can find employment as navigators on fishing vessels. With further sea service, they can progress to the level of Mate/Skipper on deep-sea fishing vessels.
Shore Establishments: VNC graduates can work in shore establishments dealing with fishing gear manufacturing, maintenance, and workshops.
Higher Education: VNC graduates can pursue higher education like a Bachelor’s degree in Fishery Science (Nautical Science) from a recognized university or institute.
Government Jobs: VNC graduates can appear for competitive exams to secure government jobs in the marine sector, such as in the Merchant Navy, Indian Navy, or Coast Guard.
Private Sector: VNC graduates can find jobs in private firms and companies operating in the marine and fishing industries.
The course provides practical training in navigation, seamanship, fishing techniques, and marine engineering, making VNC graduates well-equipped for various roles in the marine sector. With further education and experience, they can advance their careers and take on more responsible positions.
The salary range for Vessel Navigator positions varies depending on factors like rank, experience, type of ship, and company:
- Deck Cadet (entry-level): ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per month
- 3rd Officer: ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,50,000 per month on dry cargo ships and tankers
- 2nd Officer: ₹2,15,000 to ₹4,00,000 per month on dry cargo ships and tankers
- Chief Officer: ₹5,40,000 to ₹8,00,000 per month on dry cargo ships and tankers
- Captain/Master: ₹6,60,000 to ₹12,00,000 per month on dry cargo ships and tankers
The average salary for a Navigation Officer in India is around ₹3,50,000 per year. Navigating Officer salaries in India range from ₹0.3 Lakhs to ₹30.0 Lakhs per year, with an average of ₹9.5 Lakhs.
In the USA, as of July 2024, the average hourly pay for a Ship Navigator is $22.92.
The salary progression is based on rank, with higher ranks like Chief Officer and Captain earning significantly more. The type of ship (dry cargo or tanker) and company also impact the salary. With experience and higher certifications, Vessel Navigators can command better salaries.