DIPLOMA IN NAUTICAL STUDIES
WHAT IT IS
The Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS) offered at Singapore Polytechnic is a double award programme that awards graduates both a diploma and the internationally recognised professional Class 3 Certificate of Competency (CoC) qualification. This allows them to sail as certified sea-going junior officers worldwide. Students will undergo 18 months of classroom training at Singapore Polytechnic and another 12 months at sea.
The first phase of classroom training will equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for a deck cadet. Students also attend approved STCW Basic Safety Training course. In phase 2, students will undergo shipboard training and follow a structured training programme, which includes a correspondence course package and completion of a training and assessment record book. The last phase of the training includes the Class 3 CoC Preparatory Course.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the academic pre-requisites, applicants need to pass an eye sight test approved by MPA. Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview conducted by the Singapore Maritime Academy. International students are required to be sponsored by a Singapore-based shipping company.
‘O’ Levels Qualifications:
SUBJECT | GRADE |
---|---|
English Language (as 1st Language) | 1– 7 |
Mathematics (Elementary / Additional) | 1– 6 |
Any two other subjects | 1 - 6 |
Higher Nitec Qualification:
Minimum of Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.0
Nitec Qualification:
Minimum of GPA 3.5 for relevant Nitec courses
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates of DNS with CoC Class 3 will be eligible to pursue CoC Class 1 and 2 after clocking sufficient sea-going experiences, eventually rising to the rank of a Ship Master. Alternatively, graduates could also pursue shore-based careers related to shipping, port, pilotage, surveying and off-shore services.
SCHOLARSHIPS

Tripartite Maritime Scholarship (TMSS): Students pursuing a Diploma in Nautical Studies can apply for this, which is sponsored by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), shipping companies and unions. TMSS provides for fees and allowances and also supports compulsory courses necessary for the attainment of Certificate of Competency (CoC) Class 2. Click here for more information.
MaritimeONE Scholarships: This is open to first and second year students pursuing a Diploma in Nautical Studies. The scholarships offered by various sponsors are administered by the Singapore Maritime Foundation. Click here for more information.
FIND OUT MORE
Singapore Polytechnic – Diploma in Nautical Studies
FURTHER STUDIES
Graduates can gain direct entry into relevant BSc (Hons) programmes in Shipping Management, Maritime Business and Logistics conducted by reputable tertiary institutions from Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. After rising to the rank of ship master, Class 1 CoC holders can also apply for Master of Science in Maritime Studies in NTU.
OTHER RELATED LINKS
Diploma in Marine Engineering
Diploma in Maritime Business
Diploma in Maritime and Offshore Management
Diploma (Conversion) in Marine and Offshore Technology
Diploma (Conversion) in Shipping & Marine Offshore
Diploma (Conversion) in Shipping Operations and Management
Higher Nitec in Marine Engineering
Higher Nitec in Marine & Offshore Technology
Higher Nitec in Offshore & Marine Engineering Design
Higher Nitec in Shipping Operations & Services
Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering (Marine Electronics Specialisation)
MaritimeONE Scholarships
Tripartite Maritime Scholarship (TMSS)
Tripartite Nautical Training Award (TNTA)