Indian Maritime University

Indian Maritime University, headquartered in Chennai, is the country's dedicated university for maritime education, created in 2008 by bringing older marine training institutions under one umbrella, with campuses in major port cities. It exists for careers at sea and in the shipping industry — nautical science, marine engineering and port and shipping management are its territory — and its programmes are the standard academic route towards merchant navy officer roles, combined with mandatory shipboard training arranged through shipping companies. Admission is through the university's own national entrance test, and seafaring courses carry medical, eyesight and fitness standards that applicants must clear. NAAC has graded it A. It suits students specifically committed to maritime careers, where pay at sea can be substantial but the working life is distinctive; it is not a general engineering destination.