How to become a seafarer in Myanmar after school
Official rules for school students and school leavers. Check every requirement with the maritime authority before you apply or pay.
Officer: maritime academy or college
- Myanmar Maritime University (MMU) offers a 5-year BSc (Honours) in nautical science.
- MMU also offers a 5-year Bachelor of Engineering in marine engineering.
- First-year places for 2026 were open to those who passed the 2026 matriculation exam with a total score of at least 450.
- Applicants need the STEAMS 1 or STEAMS 2 subject combination (Myanmar, English, mathematics, physics, chemistry plus biology or economics).
- The applicant and both parents must hold Myanmar citizenship scrutiny cards.
- Women may apply to MMU programmes other than marine engineering, marine electrical systems and electronics engineering, and nautical science.
- Applicants for these seagoing programmes need normal colour vision; those who wear glasses cannot apply for nautical science.
- Admitted students must pass a medical check at health grade A.
- MMU admits up to 360 first-year students, with women limited to 20%.
Rating: rating course
- A deck watch rating certificate (STCW II/4) needs at least six months of approved sea service after basic safety training.
- An able seafarer deck certificate (STCW II/5) needs at least 12 months of sea service after the deck watch rating certificate.
- An engine watch rating needs at least 6 months of sea service, or 2 months with a workshop skills certificate or a degree.
Exams and certification
- Shortlisted MMU applicants then have a medical check, an eye test and an interview.
- Every MMU applicant is interviewed.
- 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.
Documents in order
- Complete basic safety training (age 18 or older).
- Get a medical certificate from a DMA-approved doctor.
- Apply for the certificate of proficiency with your training-school certificates.
- Before joining a ship, report your departure to the DMA so a sea service testimonial can be issued.
- To attend the able seafarer deck (II/5) course, get your sea service confirmed by the DMA.
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.
- MMU students must arrange workshop skills training, the required sea service and outside courses themselves, under DMA rules.
Approved training institutions
Only institutions from the official list of the maritime authority. The list changes: check that the institution is still approved before you pay.
The two maritime education and training institutes on the DMA's list (updated to March 2021). The same list and the DMA's basic training list (October 2025) also name private training centres for short courses and rating certificates; they are not shown.
Yangon Region
- Myanmar Maritime University (MMU), Thilawa, ThanlyinCourses: BSc (Honours) Nautical Science; BE Marine Engineering; BE Marine Electrical Systems and Electronics Engineering
- Myanmar Mercantile Marine College (MMMC), Yangon (Kamayut Township)Courses: Deck Officer Class III course (officer in charge of a navigational watch); Basic safety training
First job: starter vacancies
Live vacancies on Krew Guru for starter positions. Vacancies without any sea experience are rare, so we do not promise a job without it.
No open starter vacancies right now. Upload your CV and we will send you matching vacancies.
Krew Guru numbers
89% of open vacancies on Krew Guru accept citizens of Myanmar.
Seafarer profiles from Myanmar on Krew Guru: 900+.
Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Department of Marine Administration (DMA)