The Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) is a short-duration, job-focused course that educates students in food preparation, kitchen sanitation, safety, and hospitality on board ships. The Government of India-approved course is essential if you wish to work in the catering units of merchant ships or cruise ships. With practical instruction and actual experience, it provides an entry into the international shipping industry.
Candidates who cleared Class 10 with a minimum of 40% marks, which should include English, are eligible for CCMC. They must be medically fit as per the standards of DG Shipping and should fall in the age group of 17.5–25 years. Some institutes conduct preliminary tests or interviews, while others offer direct admission on a first-come-first-serve basis. An existing passport is normally demanded at the time of admission as well.
The typical course cost is approximately INR1.5 – 2.5 lakhs, based on the institute, infrastructure, and region. Some of the DG Shipping-approved institutes offering CCMC include TS Rahaman (Mumbai), Seacom Marine College (Howrah), Sri Nandhanam Maritime Academy (Chennai), and Centurion University's School of Maritime Studies (Bhubaneswar). A number of these institutes will offer onboard training, international certificate add-ons, or placement assistance.
On completion of the course, they receive a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and are eligible to work as a steward, ship cook, galley assistant, or mess boy on merchant vessels and cruise ships. Initial salary ranges from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA with scope for international postings and better remuneration in terms of experience. Ultimately, students can grow into higher management ranks like chief cook or catering officer on the seas.
Table of Contents
- Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Key Highlights
- What is a Certificate Course in Maritime Catering?
- Why Study Certificate Course in Maritime Catering?
- Who Should Study Certificate Course in Maritime Catering?
- Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Eligibility Criteria
- Certificate Course in Maritime Colleges in India
- Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Admission Process 2025
- Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Syllabus – TS Rahaman, Mumbai
- Certificate Course in Maritime Catering – Job Opportunities
- Certificate Course in Maritime Catering – FAQs
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Key Highlights
Given below are some of the basic key highlights for the Certificate Course in Maritime Catering:
What is a Certificate Course in Maritime Catering?
The CCMC—Certificate Course in Maritime Catering—trains students to prepare, serve, and adhere to safety and hygiene standards aboard ships. It’s an entry-level training for anyone aiming to join the catering staff of merchant vessels, cruise liners, or offshore platforms.
This course, which is sanctioned by the DG Shipping (Govt. of India), shows basic cooking, kitchen management, and how to stay safe at sea. It’s excellent for anyone looking to jump-start a career in ship hospitality or transition to graduate studies down the line.
Why Study Certificate Course in Maritime Catering?
This course is ideal if you’re looking to get into an in-demand industry where you could work anywhere in the world. It’s short-term, skill-based, and unlocks all kinds of exciting careers on merchant ships and cruises—travel with a reliable income.
Most institutes offer placement support, and since the course includes compulsory STCW training, you’re job-ready for real sea life. It’s perfect for people who desire to work immediately after college, without having to spend years on lengthy degree programs. Over time, CCMC can help you evolve from steward to cook to catering officer—all while circumnavigating the globe.
Who Should Study Certificate Course in Maritime Catering?
The Certificate Courses in Maritime Catering is ideal for:
- Students who have completed Class 10 and want to start working early
- Individuals interested in hospitality but drawn to a maritime work environment
- Candidates aiming to work on ships, oil rigs, cruise liners, or offshore kitchens
- Anyone seeking a job with good pay, travel, and structured career growth If you’re disciplined, physically fit, and enjoy working in a team, this course offers a direct route to a global career in maritime hospitality.
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Eligibility Criteria
Here’s the minimum eligibility to enter the Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC).
- Applicants should possess 10th (SSC) from a duly recognized Board with at least 40% marks, including English.
- The age limit is usually between 17.5 and 25 years. This can differ a bit with each institute.
- All candidates should be medically fit as per DG Shipping norms, including visual, audible, and physical standards.
- A valid Indian passport is often needed during admission or prior to course completion.
- Direct admission on a first-come, first-served basis is available at most of the institutes. Some of them may conduct personal and fitness screening.
Certificate Course in Maritime Colleges in India
Here are some of the popular courses offering certification in Food & Beverage in India, along with their locations and fee details:
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Admission Process 2025
The entry into the Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) at TS Rahaman (Mumbai), is direct and purely on academic eligibility criteria, age, and medical fitness. Here’s the rundown for 2025:
Step 1: Go to the official website and scroll down to the CCMC course under “Pre-Sea Courses.”
Step 2: Start filling out the application form and complete your personal, academic, and contact information.
Step 3: Upload scanned copies of your 10th marksheet, passport, Aadhar card, and passport-size photo.
Step 4: Remit the non-refundable application fee of INR 500 either by online payment or demand draft.
Step 5: Turn in the application. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be summoned for medical fitness examinations at a DG Shipping-approved physician.
Step 6: After being declared medically fit, candidates should pay the 1st installment of the course fee (INR 245,000) to confirm admission.
Step 7: TS Rahaman sends an Admission Confirmation Letter as well as information about reporting dates, uniform guidelines, and hostel instructions.
Documents Required:
- 10th Pass Certificate and Marksheet (minimum 40% including English)
- Valid Passport (or proof of application)
- Aadhar Card
- Recent Medical Fitness Certificate (as per DG Shipping)
- Passport-size photographs
- Birth Certificate
- Transfer Certificate (if applicable)
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering Syllabus – TS Rahaman, Mumbai
The CCMC program at TS Rahaman is structured to prepare candidates for catering roles onboard ships, with practical training in food handling, safety, and maritime protocols. The course duration is 6 months, inclusive of STCW training.
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering – Job Opportunities
Once they’ve completed the Certificate Course in Maritime Catering, grads can be placed aboard merchant navy vessels, offshore rigs, and international cruise lines. These positions are within the catering department and have the potential for lifetimes of worldwide careers at sea. Here’s an overview of common positions, experience levels, leading companies, and approximate salary ranges:
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering – FAQs
Will I be posted on a cruise ship immediately after the course?
Not right away; most freshers are initially assigned to merchant, cargo, or offshore supply vessels to accumulate practical sea experience. Cruise lines like candidates that have 1-2 years of sailing experience and a history of discipline and performance. Once you’ve established a foundation and earned the experience, you can then apply for cruise ship gigs.
I wear glasses. Am I still eligible for this course?
Yes, wearing glasses does not disqualify you from applying. The key requirement is that your vision should be correctable to meet the standards set by DG Shipping. If you pass the DG Shipping-approved medical fitness test, including the eyesight criteria, you’re eligible to enroll and work at sea without any problem.
Can women take this course and work in the maritime field?
Sure, women can take this course and carve out a career for themselves in the maritime world. Even though it’s a genre of male dominance, the industry is actually shifting, and numerous shipping companies and cruise lines now recruit women, particularly in hospitality and catering departments. Support systems and onboard facilities have advanced to provide a safe and inclusive space.
I enjoy cooking. Can I become a ship’s chef with this course?
Absolutely. If you like to cook, this course is a nice way to get started. You can start out in service as a steward or assistant cook and work your way up to chef or catering officer. With experience, commitment, and additional qualifications, great opportunities exist to advance in the galley on cargo and cruise ships.
