Future Scope of Nautical Science: In a vastly evolving world wherein the global business community is increasingly intermingling, the business of import and export have taken centre stage. One of the most convenient methods to ensure safe, secure, and smooth trade and transportation is through the sea routes. The role of the Merchant Navy in this regard cannot be overlooked. Keeping this in mind, there is a constant stride in the emergence of quality B.SC. Nautical Science courses around India.
Future Scope of Nautical Science in 2023
The Marine industry is seeing an all-time high in demand and supply as the economy, finances, rich resources, and expanding consumer class increase. Not only is this area proven to be the most rewarding in the business, but it also offers employees a lot of room for growth and development.
The difference between Nautical Science and Maritime Engineering
Before we dabble into the future of Nautical Science, it is important to understand the fundamentals of the subject and how is it any different from maritime engineering.
To gain the necessary experience, a cadet in Nautical Science must spend enough time at sea. Following that, they must pass the relevant competency exams and gain certification. Then they can apply for a job as a navigating officer and embark on a commerce ship.
The beginning of a career in this sector is as a trainee cadet officer or a deck cadet. This course will teach you how to operate and maintain vital deck machinery, which is necessary for a deck officer. It is possible to advance from Junior Officer to OOW (Officer on Watch).
On the other hand, the majority of maritime engineers work for private companies. They are in charge of designing, developing, researching, and building new maritime vessels and components. They’re also in charge of maintaining the ships’ condition. GSI, SAIL, ONGC, Coal India, GMDC, and other reputed companies also offer career opportunities.
The next difference between a nautical science professional and a maritime engineer is their educational qualification. A nautical science aspirant can pursue a three-year B.Sc. Programme while an individual seeking a job in marine engineering would require a four-year B.Tech Programme. Both of these courses are taught by distinguished faculty members at Chitkara University, wherein aspirants can take the first stride toward a career on the seas.
Starting as a Nautical Scientist
Students study marine life, crew management, trip planning, and exploration in b sc nautical science and explore opportunities for employment in India. After finishing their education, they can work in a variety of industries, including the following:
- Indian Navy
- Merchant Navy
- Private Marine Research Centres
- Private Navy Organisations
Because of the pay of a B.Sc. Nautical Science graduate is dependent on so many factors, it is difficult to forecast what a new graduate would earn. Salary for B.Sc. Nautical Science employment is determined by a variety of criteria, including experience, location, the size of the organization or firm for which graduates work, and more. According to Payscale, a fresh graduate’s typical pay ranges between INR 1.5 and 3 LPA.
Also Read: What can you do after obtaining BSc Nautical Science Degree?
Women in Nautical Science
A key concern lately has been the influx and acceptance rate of women professionals in nautical sciences. The number of women working in the marine sector has increased in recent years, but there is still work to be done to equalise their representation in the workforce and increase the number of women in leadership positions.
The more women who climb through the ranks in the maritime business, the more the industry’s demographic will change for the better. Women must rise to the top of their fields to inspire future generations and demonstrate that nothing is impossible.
Although events have undoubtedly improved in recent years, being a woman in the marine business requires tenacity. Because it is still mostly a male-dominated sector, proving oneself as a woman and rising through the levels demands dedication.
The Indian government has made major investments in merchant shipping. Unlike in the past, women may now find secure and well-paying careers in the merchant fleet. There are private Indian enterprises that have partnerships with governments in adjacent nations, allowing them to provide profitable employment prospects for marine engineers.
For various reasons, a degree in nautical science is appealing. The scientists are allowed to travel across borders and have an adventure. Aside from that, there are several financial and health perks associated with the position. Even for newcomers, incomes are quite good, with few costs.
Future of Nautical Science and Scope of Growth
The worldwide need for seafarers is anticipated to be 1,545,000, with roughly 790,500 officers and 754,500 ratings required by the sector. This means that demand for officers has climbed by about 24.1 per cent, while demand for ratings has increased by around 1.0 per cent. There is a shortfall of roughly 16,500 officers and a surplus of over 119,000 ratings in the present supply-demand balance.
While the worldwide supply of officers is predicted to continuously expand, this trend is expected to be overtaken by rising demand.
The expected increase of the global commercial fleet over the next ten years, as well as the resulting need for seafarers, will almost certainly continue the trend of a general lack of officers. Over the last five years, officer wastage rates have decreased despite better recruiting and training levels.
Conclusion:
Without concerted efforts and measures to address key manpower issues, such as promotion of maritime careers, enhancement of maritime education and training worldwide, and addressing seafarer retention, the industry, and relevant stakeholders should not expect an abundant supply of qualified and competent seafarers in the future. Therefore, pursuing a designated programme in B.Sc. Nautical Science can help to bridge the existing skill gap and pave way for a secure career.
