For years, Indian seafarers have looked for ways to transition from life at sea to leadership roles ashore — in shipping, logistics, and port management.
Now, with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) offering an Online MBA in Maritime Management for CoC holders, that goal is more achievable than ever.
If you’re a Chief Officer, 2nd Engineer, or anyone holding a valid Certificate of Competency (CoC), this program is designed just for you.
⚓ What Is the IMU Online MBA in Maritime Management?
The IMU Online MBA (Maritime Management) is a two-year postgraduate degree tailored for working seafarers who already hold a Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.
Unlike traditional full-time programs, this course allows you to:
- Continue your sea service or offshore job, and
- Earn an MBA degree recognized by a Central University (IMU)
All without leaving your sailing schedule.
🎯 Key Features of the Program
- 💻 Completely Online – Attend classes and exams from anywhere in the world.
- ⏰ Flexible Learning – Designed to fit seafarers’ erratic sailing schedules.
- ⚙️ Maritime-Focused Curriculum – Combines management studies with shipping, logistics, and port operations.
- 🎓 UGC-Recognized Degree – Awarded by Indian Maritime University, a Government of India institution.
- 🤝 Industry-Oriented – Focus on practical leadership, maritime law, finance, and logistics management.
🧭 Who Can Apply?
This course is exclusively for licensed seafarers who hold:
- A valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued by DG Shipping, India.
- Minimum academic qualification as prescribed in the IMU notification (usually 10+2 and CoC).
Note: A CDC alone is not sufficient — you must possess a valid CoC (Deck or Engine).
🎓 Course Duration & Structure
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Mode: Online learning via IMU’s e-learning platform
- Assessment: Online assignments, projects, and exams
Subjects typically include:
- Maritime Business & Law
- Shipping Finance & Economics
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Management
- Port Operations & Management
- International Trade & Transport Systems
💰 Fees (Approximate)
| Particular | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | ₹1.75 – ₹2.0 lakh |
| Total Program Cost (2 Years) | ₹3.5 – ₹4.0 lakh |
(May vary slightly depending on the academic year and IMU’s official circular.)
🧾 Admission Process
- Visit the official IMU website – imu.edu.in
- Check the latest notification under “Admissions → Online Programmes”
- Fill out the online application form for the MBA (Maritime Management) – for CoC Holders
- Upload CoC and educational documents
- Pay the application fee and await confirmation
Good news:
👉 No IMU-CET (Entrance Test) is required for this program.
Admissions are based on eligibility and seat availability.
🌍 Career Scope After MBA
Once you complete the IMU MBA, new opportunities open up ashore — where your sea experience meets management expertise.
Typical roles include:
- Fleet Personnel / Technical Superintendent
- Port Operations or Terminal Manager
- Ship Management Executive
- Chartering / Commercial Operations Manager
- Marine Surveyor / Consultant
- Maritime Training Faculty
- Supply Chain & Logistics Executive
Your CoC plus MBA combination gives you an edge for shore-based managerial roles across shipping companies, logistics firms, port authorities, and marine consultancies.
🧠 Why CoC Holders Should Consider This MBA
- Advance Career Beyond Sea Life – Move into leadership positions ashore.
- Gain Management Skills – Learn finance, HR, strategy, and business analytics.
- Stay Relevant – As automation and AI reshape maritime operations.
- Government-Recognized Degree – Adds academic weight to your professional CoC.
- Work While You Study – Ideal for officers who can’t take long study breaks.
⚠️ Important Notes
- The program is for CoC holders only, not CDC holders.
- Always verify eligibility, schedule, and fees via official IMU notifications — updates vary yearly.
- Having a valid CoC at the time of admission is mandatory.
📅 Admission Cycle
Typically, IMU opens applications for the Online MBA in Maritime Management once a year (around March–April).
Keep checking the “Latest Updates” section on IMU’s website:
👉 https://www.imu.edu.in
🧩 Final Thoughts
For Indian seafarers ready to steer their careers toward the shore, the IMU Online MBA for CoC holders is the perfect bridge between maritime experience and managerial excellence.
It’s flexible, industry-focused, and backed by the credibility of India’s leading maritime university.
If you’ve earned your CoC, this is your next big step — from captaining ships to managing shipping companies.
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