Frequently Asked Questions.
Everything you need to know about admissions, DGS-approved courses, and life at Pondicherry Maritime Academy.
General Information
Yes, absolutely. Pondicherry Maritime Academy (PMA) is fully approved by the
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways, Government of India. All our courses comply strictly with
International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
Our campus is strategically located at No. 236/1 & 262/1, Vanur, Manaveli Main
Rd, Mettupalayam, Poothurai, Tamil Nadu 605111, adjacent to Puducherry. It
provides a serene, disciplined environment perfect for intensive maritime training.
Admissions & Eligibility
To join the General Purpose (GP) Rating course, candidates must have passed 10th
Standard (State/CBSE) with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks, and a minimum
of 40% in English. The candidate must be between 17.5 to 25 years of age at the time of
commencement of the course.
Yes. Candidates must be physically fit for sea service as per standard norms set by the
DGS. Eyesight must be 6/6 in each eye without visual aids, and there
should be absolutely no color blindness. Medical examinations are conducted by
DGS-approved doctors prior to admission.
Courses & Training
The STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is mandatory for all seafarers and includes four
modules: Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
(FPFF), Elementary First Aid (EFA), and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
(PSSR).
Yes. Our Pre-Sea courses like GP Rating are fully residential. PMA provides highly
disciplined hostel accommodations, maritime uniforms, and a hygienic dining mess that
serves nutritious meals designed for seafarer fitness.
Placements & Career
Absolutely. We have a dedicated placement cell with strong ties to leading international
and domestic shipping companies. We provide 100% placement assistance
to all candidates who successfully complete their pre-sea training and pass the exit
examinations.