How to become a seafarer in Myanmar after school

Officer: maritime academy or college

• Myanmar Maritime University (MMU) offers a 5-year BSc (Honours) in nautical science.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• MMU also offers a 5-year Bachelor of Engineering in marine engineering.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• First-year places for 2026 were open to those who passed the 2026 matriculation exam with a total score of at least 450.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• Applicants need the STEAMS 1 or STEAMS 2 subject combination (Myanmar, English, mathematics, physics, chemistry plus biology or economics).
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• The applicant and both parents must hold Myanmar citizenship scrutiny cards.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• Women may apply to MMU programmes other than marine engineering, marine electrical systems and electronics engineering, and nautical science.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• Applicants for these seagoing programmes need normal colour vision; those who wear glasses cannot apply for nautical science.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• Admitted students must pass a medical check at health grade A.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• MMU admits up to 360 first-year students, with women limited to 20%.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)

Rating: rating course

• A deck watch rating certificate (STCW II/4) needs at least six months of approved sea service after basic safety training.
  Source: DMA: List of Courses for Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency (updated to March 2021)
• An able seafarer deck certificate (STCW II/5) needs at least 12 months of sea service after the deck watch rating certificate.
  Source: DMA: List of Courses for Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency (updated to March 2021)
• An engine watch rating needs at least 6 months of sea service, or 2 months with a workshop skills certificate or a degree.
  Source: DMA: CoP application procedure for ratings

Exams and certification

• Shortlisted MMU applicants then have a medical check, an eye test and an interview.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• Every MMU applicant is interviewed.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)
• Under STCW, a candidate for officer in charge of a navigational watch must be at least 18 and have at least 12 months of approved seagoing service.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention

Documents in order

1. Complete basic safety training (age 18 or older).
   Source: DMA: List of Courses for Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency (updated to March 2021)
2. Get a medical certificate from a DMA-approved doctor.
   Source: DMA: Seafarers Medical Examinations and Certifications
3. Apply for the certificate of proficiency with your training-school certificates.
   Source: DMA: CoP application procedure for ratings
4. Before joining a ship, report your departure to the DMA so a sea service testimonial can be issued.
   Source: DMA, Nautical Division: Training section
5. To attend the able seafarer deck (II/5) course, get your sea service confirmed by the DMA.
   Source: DMA, Nautical Division: Training section

Cadet training at sea

• For the deck watchkeeping certificate, Myanmar Mercantile Marine College (MMMC) candidates need 36 months of approved sea service, reduced to 18 months with an approved training programme and Training Record Book.
  Source: DMA: List of Courses for Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency (updated to March 2021)
• MMU students must arrange workshop skills training, the required sea service and outside courses themselves, under DMA rules.
  Source: Myanmar Maritime University: call for applications for first-year admission (2026)

Approved training institutions

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