The Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) is one of India's most accessible and rewarding entry points into the global Merchant Navy — designed specifically for candidates who wish to build a career in the Catering and Hospitality Department aboard commercial vessels, cruise liners, and offshore platforms. Approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India, the CCMC is a 6-month pre-sea training programme that prepares candidates for catering roles onboard ships, with training in food production, bakery, galley operations, housekeeping, hygiene, and basic seamanship.
What makes the CCMC uniquely compelling is its accessibility. Unlike deck or engine courses, the CCMC does not require PCM subjects, making it accessible to a wider group of students. Whether you come from a Science, Commerce, or Arts background — if you have a passion for hospitality, culinary arts, and a desire to see the world, this programme is built for you.
Saloon Ratings trained through the CCMC programme are equipped in Food Production, Food & Beverage Service, and Housekeeping services, and can be employed in either the Main Fleet of the Merchant Navy or Cruise Shipping, carrying out all operations in hospitality management.
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, the CCMC programme is delivered with the same rigour, discipline, and international compliance that defines everything we do. Located in Mumbai — India's maritime capital — our campus gives CCMC cadets direct exposure to the maritime world from day one, preparing them not just for their first posting, but for a lifetime of global opportunity.
Candidates must have passed the 10th Standard from a recognised board with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks and a minimum of 40% marks in English in the 10th standard.
Additionally, the following candidates are also eligible:
Candidates must be between 17.5 and 25 years of age on the date of commencement of the course.
Candidates must be medically and physically fit. A full medical check-up through a panel doctor approved by DG Shipping will be undertaken, and a complete eyesight test will also be conducted in which the distance vision should be 6/6 with no colour blindness.
Additional requirements include:
The CCMC course duration is 6 months, inclusive of STCW training. This is a fully residential programme, and cadets are required to stay on campus throughout the training period, mirroring the structured and disciplined environment of life aboard a commercial vessel.
Following the successful completion of pre-sea training at AIIMT, candidates complete a period of structured sea service to obtain their full certification and become eligible for permanent employment aboard Indian and international vessels.
The CCMC programme at Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai is structured to give cadets a thorough, practical, and internationally compliant training experience across all areas of shipboard catering and hospitality. The curriculum balances culinary expertise, hospitality service, maritime safety, and personal development — producing graduates who are truly ship-ready from day one.
| Module | Description |
|---|---|
| Module 1 – Food Production & Galley Operations | The heart of the CCMC programme. Cadets receive comprehensive training in food production techniques, menu planning, nutritional cooking, and galley (ship's kitchen) operations. They learn to prepare meals for international, multicultural crews while understanding dietary requirements, cultural preferences, and nutritional demands. Practical galley training ensures graduates can operate confidently and efficiently in a ship's kitchen from their very first day at sea. |
| Module 2 – Bakery & Confectionery | A dedicated module covering bread making, pastry preparation, confectionery, and desserts. Cadets develop the technical expertise and consistency required to maintain high food standards aboard vessels where catering teams provide meals and refreshments around the clock. |
| Module 3 – Food & Beverage Service | Cadets are trained in hospitality management, service protocols, housekeeping, food and beverage service standards, table setting, mess management, and crew dining procedures. This module is especially valuable for those aspiring to work on cruise liners and passenger vessels where hospitality standards are exceptionally high. |
| Module 4 – Housekeeping & Hygiene | Covers cabin and common area maintenance, linen management, sanitation procedures, waste management, and hygiene standards mandated by international maritime regulations. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a clean and safe shipboard environment that supports crew health and wellbeing. |
| Module 5 – Maritime English & Communication | English is the working language of the global maritime industry. This module equips cadets with maritime vocabulary, communication skills, and documentation practices required to function effectively aboard multinational vessels. Clear communication is emphasized as a critical element of maritime safety. |
| Module 6 – Basic Seamanship & Ship Familiarisation | Cadets gain an understanding of commercial vessel operations beyond catering and service functions. Training includes ship terminology, vessel departments, emergency procedures, muster drills, and the fundamental safety responsibilities shared by all crew members. |
| Module 7 – STCW Basic Safety Certification |
Includes mandatory international safety training required for joining merchant vessels:
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| Module 8 – Physical Training & Drills | Physical fitness, swimming, emergency evacuation drills, and lifesaving appliance training form an integral part of the programme. Cadets develop the resilience, discipline, and preparedness necessary to meet the unique demands of life at sea. |
Upon successful completion of the training and passing the All India Exit Examination, cadets are awarded the following certificates:
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, our CCMC fee structure is designed to be transparent, affordable, and accessible — reflecting our core commitment to making quality maritime education available to every deserving candidate.
| Fee Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Training Fees | Inclusive of all course modules, practical galley training, and STCW safety certification. |
| Registration & Admission Fee | One-time, payable at the time of admission. |
| Examination Fee | Covers the All India Exit Examination conducted by BEST under DG Shipping. |
| Uniform & Kit Fee | All required uniforms, kitchen whites, safety gear, and training materials. |
| Medical Examination Fee | DG Shipping-approved pre-admission medical conducted by a panel doctor. |
| Library & Study Material Fee | All course books, manuals, and study resources. |
For the current, confirmed fee structure specific to Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, please contact our admissions team directly. Educational loan facilitation is available for eligible candidates through nationalised banks.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Programme Overview | The Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) opens doors to diverse maritime careers across the globe. Upon successful completion, graduates can be placed aboard merchant navy vessels, offshore rigs, international cruise lines, and passenger ships. The catering department plays a vital role in ensuring crew welfare, nutrition, hygiene, and food safety onboard ships. |
| Merchant Cargo Vessels | Bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and general cargo vessels employ dedicated catering personnel to provide food and hospitality services for multinational crews during long voyages. |
| Cruise Liners & Passenger Ships | Among the most prestigious opportunities available to CCMC graduates. Cruise ships operate at world-class hospitality standards and offer exceptional career growth, international exposure, and attractive earnings. |
| Offshore Platforms & Supply Vessels | Offshore oil and gas operations require catering professionals aboard drilling platforms, FPSOs, and offshore support vessels, offering competitive salaries and structured work rotations. |
| Indian Coastal Shipping | A rapidly growing sector providing valuable sea-service opportunities for fresh graduates while operating closer to home ports within India. |
After completion of the CCMC programme, graduates can join as Steward, Messman, Assistant Cook, or Pantry Utility in the Merchant Navy. With experience and performance, career progression is rapid, leading to senior catering and hospitality positions onboard.
| Stage | Position | Approximate Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| On Joining | Trainee Cook / Trainee General Steward / Messman | $200 – $600 per month |
| After 1–2 Years | Assistant Cook / Second Cook / Steward | $600 – $1,000 per month |
| After 3–5 Years | Ship's Cook / General Steward | $800 – $1,500 per month |
| Senior Level | Chief Cook / Catering Officer | $2,000 – $3,500 per month |
| Top Level | Chief Catering Officer (Cruise / Passenger Ships) | $3,500 – $5,000+ per month |
| Placement Support Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct Industry Access | Strong relationships with Indian and international shipping companies, crewing agencies, and maritime employers create direct pathways into commercial shipping careers. |
| Campus Placement Drives | Shipping companies and crewing agencies regularly visit the campus to recruit directly from graduating batches, providing immediate employment opportunities. |
| CDC & INDOS Registration Support | Comprehensive assistance for obtaining CDC and INDOS registration, ensuring graduates are ready for professional seafaring employment. |
| Crewing Agency Tie-Ups | Connections with leading crewing agencies placing catering personnel on Indian and foreign-flag vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, offshore vessels, and cruise liners. |
| Cruise Line Placement Pathways | Guidance and support for progression into premium cruise ship careers after gaining initial sea-going experience and demonstrating strong performance. |
| Educational Loan Assistance | Assistance in securing educational loans from nationalised banks using institute admission and enrolment documentation. |
| Alumni Network | Access to a global network of alumni serving aboard vessels worldwide, providing mentorship, guidance, and career opportunities. |
| Key Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| DGS Approved & Grade A1 Rated | The highest standard of institutional recognition in Indian maritime education. |
| No PCM Required | Open to students from all academic streams, making maritime careers accessible to everyone. |
| Strategic Mumbai Location | Located in India's maritime capital with close access to ports, shipping companies, and crewing agencies. |
| STCW Compliant Training | Includes internationally recognised mandatory maritime safety certifications. |
| Professional Galley & Hospitality Training | Practical, hands-on culinary and hospitality training designed to replicate real shipboard conditions. |
| Active Placement Support | Dedicated assistance connecting graduates with Indian and international maritime employers. |
| Transparent Fee Structure | Affordable fees with educational loan facilitation available for eligible students. |
| Gateway to Cruise Ships | A strong pathway toward prestigious cruise ship and luxury hospitality careers worldwide. |
| Begin Your Maritime Career |
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At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, the CCMC programme combines
professional hospitality training with the adventure of a maritime career. Every meal served,
every crew member supported, and every voyage completed reflects the values, standards,
and training imparted to our cadets.
Admissions are now open. Your voyage begins here. |