DNS vs BSc.

Nautical Science
Which is better and why?
Introduction
Introduction

BSc in Nautical Sciences was started in 1927 as the first

course to train Deck officers.  Training Ship Dufferin was the
first training academy set up for this purpose. BSc in Nautical
Sciences provides an opportunity for class 12 students to join
as a Deck cadet on a ship.
Introduction
This course is of 3 years, consisting of 6 semesters, and
provides a better insight into the job than the DNS course.
BSc in Nautical Science course provides an opportunity for
class 12 students to join as a Deck cadet on a ship. After
completing the pre-sea training and receiving the BSc degree,
cadets can join a ship and can rise to the position of Captain
in 8 to 10 years.
Introduction

On the other hand, a Diploma in Nautical Science is an

undergraduate course of one year. The course consists of two
semesters and is also for class 12 students to pursue a career
as a Deck Officer. DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) started
with the objective of producing more Deck officers for the
Shipping industry globally because of the high rise in demand
for seafarers.
Career Progression
 90%
Aspirants really fail to understand the difference between DNS and BSc in terms of Career progression.
Career progression- B.Sc. Nautical Science

3 year pre sea course

Obtain B.Sc. degree
12 months of sea service as deck cadet
Complete make examination
Second mate examination
18 months of as watch keeping officer
Career progression- B.Sc. Nautical Science

6 months prep courses and advance courses

First mate examination
18 months service as 3rd or 2nd officer or 12 months service as chief
officer
1 month preparatory courses and modular course
Master
Career progression- DNS

12 months pre sea program

Obtain diploma in nautical science
Minimum 18 months on board training along with distance learning
4 months post sea course, also called 2nd mates function
Obtain BSc. Degree and second mate COC
18 months sea service as 3rd/2nd mate.
Career progression- DNS

Three months first mate course (phase 1)

Three months first mate course (phase 2) and written and oral MMD
Obtain first mate COC
12 months sea service as chief officer
1 month modular courses and written and oral MMD exam
Master.
Which is better?
There is no answer to the question!
Answer

Both BSc and DNS have their own set of drawbacks and advantages.
Aspirants should analyze for themselves which course suits them best.
Why DNS is better than BSc.?
Is DNS just a diploma degree?
Is DNS just a diploma degree?

This is the biggest MYTH in DNS. It is a common belief among the masses that
those who join DNS cannot take up higher studies in the future. This is FALSE.
In the case of DNS, the BSc degree is awarded after 18 months of sea training
as a Deck cadet and 4 months post-sea course for the second mate course.
After receiving the BSc degree in Nautical Science, you are eligible to study in
any post-graduate programme.
Investment in terms of fees
Investment in terms of fees

The pre-sea training course is substantially less for DNS. For the BSc
course.Since the course fee is lesser for DNS, you will find it easier to
repay the debt amount also. Therefore return of investment is greater
when it comes to picking out one.
Start earning early
Start earning early

Apart from the low fees of the pre-sea training, DNS offers you the
opportunity to start earning early in life. You can begin earning when you
are as young as 19 years old. But for BSc, the minimum age you can
start earning is 21.
Job security
Job security

The BIGGEST advantage DNS has over BSc is that you will know which
company you are selected in! Sponsorship helps you get a job even
before the start of your pre-sea training and you will know the type of
company you are selected in. So, the nervousness and worry of campus
placements are no more there.
Perks of BSc. Over DNS
Three unforgettable years!
Three unforgettable years!

The BSc in Nautical Science spans over a duration of three years in a

completely residential programme. If you are a BSc cadet, you get to
experience college life, which is one of the most memorable aspects of
your life.
Three unforgettable years!

In these three years, the college helps you build the right attitude to
tackle all the challenges you may face on board. In these formative
years, you are meant to stay away from your family, strengthen yourself
physically and mentally, and gain technical knowledge and experience
for a smooth career. This is where BSc in Nautical Science cadets fare
slightly better in case of maturity when they join Ship for the first time.
Will help you quit easily
Will help you quit easily

Sometimes students join this industry because of its glamour but do not
understand the hardships involved in them and later realize that this field
is not for them. If you have a BSc degree in hand, you can leave and will
be able to enroll yourself in other post-graduate courses. On the other
hand, if you have studied for DNS, you will be to be stuck and you will
have to struggle until you clear your MMD examinations and get your
BSc degree because a Diploma Degree will have very less value in
today’s market.
So it’s upto you which course you
feel is good for you.