Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum qualification for the Seafarer Development Programme (SDP)™ is 10th standard pass from any recognised Indian board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, NIOS, or equivalent). There is no minimum percentage requirement. Candidates who have passed 12th, ITI, diploma, or graduation are also eligible. No specific subject combination (science/commerce/arts) is required. The SDP is designed to train candidates from scratch — no prior maritime knowledge, swimming ability, or technical experience is needed.

Yes, absolutely. HBIMS has maintained a 100% placement record for every single batch since our inception in 2018. This is not a marketing claim — it is a documented, verifiable fact. Every cadet who successfully completes the SDP programme receives an onboard placement with a reputed shipping company. We provide a Sponsorship Letter from a shipping company on Day 1 of training as a binding commitment. Our Placement Cell maintains active partnerships with 50+ global shipping companies including Maersk, MSC, Anglo-Eastern, Synergy Marine, CMA CGM, and more.

Yes! Swimming ability is NOT required at the time of admission. HBIMS has an Olympic-standard swimming pool on campus and certified swimming instructors who teach cadets from absolute scratch. Many of our cadets arrive having never entered a swimming pool in their lives, and by the end of training, they are confident swimmers who can pass the STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) water survival test. Swimming training is included in your programme fee — no extra charges.

The fee structure is communicated during the counselling session and documented in the official Offer Letter. Fees cover the entire 6-month programme including tuition, hostel accommodation, meals (4 meals/day), uniforms, training kit (31 items provided), STCW course fees, swimming training, physical fitness programme, personality development, English communication modules, and examination fees. Payment can be made in instalments (2 or 3 instalments). Contact us at +91 92052 22412 or sdp@humblemaritime.com for the current fee structure.

Starting salaries for SDP/GP Rating graduates range from ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 per month, depending on the shipping company, vessel type, and trade route. This is tax-free income (seafarers spending 184+ days outside India are exempt from income tax). With 3-5 years of experience and promotions, salaries increase to ₹60,000–₹1.5 lakhs per month. Senior positions like Bosun earn ₹1.5-3 lakhs/month, and officer ranks (Captain, Chief Engineer) earn ₹8-15+ lakhs/month. All food, accommodation, and medical expenses are covered by the shipping company onboard, so your entire salary is savings.

Absolutely yes! The merchant navy is open to both men and women, and HBIMS actively encourages female candidates to apply. Women receive the same rigorous training, certifications, and placement opportunities as male cadets. Our campus has separate hostel facilities for female cadets with dedicated security. Many global shipping companies now actively seek female seafarers to promote diversity. Several HBIMS alumnae are currently sailing successfully with leading companies including Anglo-Eastern and MSC.

The MNAT (Maritime National Aptitude Test) is a simple assessment conducted during the admissions process. It covers general awareness, basic English comprehension, logical reasoning, and aptitude. It is designed to evaluate your potential and learning ability, NOT your existing maritime knowledge. There is no strict pass/fail cutoff — the MNAT helps us understand your starting level so we can customise your training accordingly. The test can be taken online from home or at any HBIMS office. Most candidates who attempt the MNAT in good faith clear it without difficulty.

HBIMS is registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 as a not-for-profit company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India (CIN: U80904MH2018NPL313489). We are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management. Our STCW training modules are conducted in compliance with IMO standards. INDOS and CDC processing for our cadets is facilitated through proper channels with the Directorate General of Shipping. All our certifications and placement letters are verifiable and accepted by shipping companies worldwide.

Yes, and we strongly encourage it! Campus visits are available Monday through Saturday, 10:00–17:00 IST by appointment. Call +91 92052 22412 or email sdp@humblemaritime.com to schedule your visit. During the visit, you will tour the classrooms, engine room simulator, swimming pool, hostel, mess hall, gymnasium, fire fighting ground, and all other facilities. You can meet current cadets, interact with faculty, and ask any questions. Parents and guardians are welcome. We also offer virtual campus tours via video call for candidates who cannot visit in person due to distance.

If you are declared medically unfit for sea service by a DG Shipping-approved medical examiner during or after admission (within the first 30 days), you are eligible for an 80% refund of fees paid after deducting non-refundable items (registration fee, medical examination fee). The most common reasons for medical disqualification are colour blindness, severe visual impairment (uncorrectable to 6/6), and hearing problems. We recommend getting a preliminary eye test (especially colour vision) before applying to avoid this situation. Full details are in our Refund Policy.

Yes, refunds are available based on the timing of your cancellation request: 90% refund if cancelled 60+ days before batch start, 70% at 30-60 days, 50% at 15-29 days, 30% at 7-14 days, and no refund within 7 days or after batch start. Registration fee, medical examination fee, and uniform kit (if issued) are non-refundable. Refunds are processed within 30 working days via bank transfer. Full details including the refund request procedure are available on our Refund Policy page.