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  • Course Duration: 12 Days

  • Approved by : D.G. Shipping Govt.Of India. Approval No: TR/A/353/2013

  • Department : Saloon

  • Entrance Test : HIMT (Online)

  • Course Commencement : November 2026
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Orientation Course for Catering Personnel at HIMT College is a 12-day course approved by D.G.Shipping, Govt. of India. Dive into a detailed syllabus, hands-on training, and specialized skills aimed at crafting a prosperous maritime catering career. Enroll to acquire the proficiency and insights needed for an impactful position in seafaring hospitality with HIMT’s prestigious program.

ELIGIBILITY

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION AGE LIMIT MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Education:
(a) Degree / Diploma in Hotel management.
(b) Pass with aggregate 40% marks in 10th Standard.
(c) The candidates must have secured minimum 40% marks in English in 10th / 12 th standard exams.
Note: The 10th Std. & Diploma/Degree must be recognized by any State or Central Government or the AICTE.
 Minimum Age Limit: 18 years.

Maximum Age Limit:
Male:
General-25 years,OBC (NCL) – 28 years,SC/ST-30 years

Female:
General-27 years,OBC (NCL) – 30 years,SC/ST-32 years

Note:The reference date for calculation of the age will be commencement of the course date.

Click Here for Age Calculator 		Physical Fitness:
Candidates must be medically fit including eye sight and hearing as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, as amended, and need to produce a certificate of medical fitness issued by D.G. Shipping Approved Doctor.

Click Here to find the list of all D.G.Shipping Approved Doctors

Education:

(a) Degree / Diploma in Hotel management.
(b) Pass with aggregate 40% marks in 10th Standard.
(c) The candidates must have secured minimum 40% marks in English in 10th / 12 th standard exams.

Note:
The 10th Std. & Diploma/Degree must be recognized by any State or Central Government or the AICTE.

Minimum Age Limit: 18 years.

Maximum Age Limit:

Male:
General-25 years,OBC (NCL) – 28 years,SC/ST-30 years

Female:
General-27 years,OBC (NCL) – 30 years,SC/ST-32 years

Note:
The reference date for calculation of the age will be 01.08.2024.

Click Here to find Age Calculator

Physical Fitness:
Candidates must be medically fit including eye sight and hearing as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, as amended, and need to produce a certificate of medical fitness issued by D.G. Shipping Approved Doctor.

Click Here to find the list of all D.G.Shipping Approved Doctors

FEE STRUCTURE

PARTICULARSFEE (Rs)
Application Fee999/-
Total Fees*39,000/-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)5,000/-

*Fees include Course Fees, Accommodation, Food, Workshops, Laboratory, Library & Uniform.

Notes

  • The Application Fee paid is non-refundable
  • ⁠As per D. G. Shipping Guidelines, passport is mandatory to join the course.
  • ⁠Caution Deposits are refundable at the end of the course after adjustments of laundry charges & damages, breakages etc., if any.
  • Fees paid is forfeited if withdrawn from the Course after the course commencement.
  • ⁠Admissions are subject to meeting the mandatory requirement of course.
  • All fees can be paid online. We offer Net Banking, UPI, Credit Card, and Debit Card. ⁠Cash/Cheque payments are not entertained.

ADMISSION PROCESS

Step 1

Registration

Step 2

Application Fee
Payment

Step 3

Online Written Exam
(AI Proctored Exam)

Step 4

Candidates who clear Written Exam will be
called for Online Interview.

Step 5

Shortlisted Candidates to complete their Admission Formalities
(Medicals, Document Submission, Fees)

Step 6

Start your Merchant
Navy Career

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Withdrawal Period Cancellation Fee (Rs)
More than 15 days of Course Commencement 10,000/-
Within 14 days of course commencement or After Course Commencement No Refund of Fees

Note:

  • Application Fee is non-refundable.
  • Refund requests must be submitted via email to admission@himtcollege.com.
  • Refunds, as applicable based on the above policy, will be processed within 30 days of receiving the cancellation email.
  • The refund policy also applies to candidates whose enrollment is canceled due to failure to clear the IMUCET (applicable only for B.Sc. Nautical Science, B. Tech Marine Engineering, and DNS) or failure to clear the medical examination.
  • In respect of refund policy, the decision of the institute is final and binding.
  • This cancellation policy is subject to change at the discretion of the management. Candidates are advised to review this policy periodically for any updates.

CAREER PATH

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OVERVIEW

The Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP) is a 12-day specialized maritime induction program designed for hospitality and catering professionals who aspire to build a career at sea. This course is ideal for candidates who have completed formal catering courses or catering certificate courses from a recognized institution and wish to transition into Merchant Navy courses in the food production and galley department onboard ships. Approved by the DG Shipping, the program focuses on maritime safety awareness, personal survival techniques, firefighting, hygiene standards, shipboard discipline, and onboard work culture. It equips catering personnel with the essential knowledge required to adapt their hospitality expertise to the structured and safety-critical environment of commercial vessels.

The OCCP course is particularly suitable for graduates and diploma holders from reputed institutions, including those recognized among the best catering colleges in India or leading catering institutes in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. Candidates who have prior experience in hotel management, culinary arts, or food and beverage services and who meet prescribed medical fitness standards can apply for this short-duration program. Upon successful completion, participants become eligible to join ships in the catering department, supporting officers and crew with professional food service operations. For hospitality professionals seeking international exposure and a disciplined maritime work environment, this orientation program provides a direct entry pathway into shipboard service roles.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Premium FAQ
Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP) is a DG Shipping approved pre-sea training program for individuals seeking to work in the catering department of merchant navy ships. This 12-day course focuses on food hygiene, safe handling practices, and galley operations required onboard. It is mandatory for roles such as cooks, stewards, and other catering staff. In addition, candidates must complete the Basic STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping) safety courses to become fully eligible for employment at sea.
Anyone aspiring to work in the merchant navy as a catering crew member, such as a cook, assistant cook, steward, baker, or housekeeping staff member, should take the OCCP course. It is ideal for candidates seeking ship jobs without pursuing a degree in marine engineering or nautical science. Hotel management graduates and hospitality professionals also benefit from this program.
OCCP stands for Orientation Course for Catering Personnel. It is a short-term maritime training program specifically created for non-technical crew working in the galley and hospitality departments onboard ships. The course ensures candidates meet international maritime safety and hygiene standards.
Yes, OCCP is mandatory for joining merchant navy vessels as catering personnel under Indian regulations. DG Shipping requires this certification to ensure crew members are trained in safety, survival techniques, and shipboard discipline. Without OCCP, candidates cannot legally serve in catering roles onboard.
After completing OCCP, candidates can work as a ship cook, assistant cook, steward, galley utility staff, or housekeeping crew on merchant navy vessels, cruise ships, and offshore platforms. These roles involve food preparation, service, sanitation, and hospitality support. Opportunities exist with both Indian and international shipping companies.
OCCP is not limited to cooks; it is designed for all catering department roles, including stewards, waiters, bakers, cleaners, and galley assistants. Anyone involved in food service or hospitality onboard must undergo this training. The course prepares candidates for teamwork in a ship’s kitchen environment.
OCCP syllabus focuses specifically on catering-related competencies required for shipboard service, including food hygiene, safe food handling practices, galley organization, sanitation standards, waste management, and onboard catering procedures. Trainees also learn about shipboard discipline, teamwork, and daily routines within the catering department. Practical demonstrations are included to ensure candidates can perform duties efficiently and safely at sea.
The minimum qualification for OCCP is a Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management. Candidates must have passed 10th Standard with at least 40% aggregate marks and secured a minimum of 40% marks in English in 10th or 12th. The 10th qualification and Diploma/Degree must be recognized by any State or Central Government or AICTE.
Candidates generally must be at least 18 years old to enroll in the OCCP course, as per maritime norms. The upper age limit may vary by institute and shipping company requirements. Younger candidates usually have better long-term career opportunities at sea.
To apply for OCCP, students must have completed a Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management from a recognized institution approved by the State/Central Government or AICTE. In addition, they should have secured a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in 10th Standard and at least 40% marks in English in either 10th or 12th Standard. All the above criteria are mandatory for eligibility.
Basic English communication skills are important because English is the working language on board international ships. Candidates should be able to understand instructions and safety guidelines and interact with a multinational crew. However, advanced fluency is not mandatory for entry-level catering roles.
Yes, women are fully eligible to pursue the OCCP course and work as catering personnel at sea. Many shipping companies and cruise liners actively recruit female crew for hospitality roles. The merchant navy offers equal career opportunities based on competence and fitness.
Prior experience in cooking or hospitality is not mandatory for OCCP admission, but students must have completed a Degree or Diploma in Hotel Management from a recognized institution approved by the State/Central Government or AICTE. The course itself provides foundational training in food safety, galley operations, and onboard duties
Yes, diploma holders and hotel management graduates are excellent candidates for OCCP. Their background in food production, service, and hygiene aligns well with shipboard catering requirements. Such qualifications often lead to faster promotions and higher starting positions onboard.
Medical fitness is compulsory for joining the merchant navy, including catering roles. Candidates must pass a DG Shipping approved medical examination to ensure they can withstand life at sea. This includes checks for general health, hearing, eyesight, and absence of serious illnesses.
The eyesight standards for catering personnel are less stringent than those for deck or engine officers, but still important. Candidates should have adequate vision, with or without correction, to perform daily duties safely. Severe visual impairments may lead to rejection during medical tests.
Yes, maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and overall physical fitness is important for shipboard work. Catering staff often perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting supplies and working long hours in the galley. Good stamina ensures safety and efficiency onboard.
The OCCP course offered by recognized maritime institutes is approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. This approval ensures the training meets national and international maritime standards. Candidates should always choose DG Shipping-approved institutes for validity.
Yes, an OCCP certificate issued by a DG Shipping approved institute is recognized internationally under the STCW conventions. This allows candidates to work on foreign-going vessels worldwide. Acceptance ultimately depends on individual shipping company policies.
The OCCP certificate itself does not usually expire, but the associated STCW safety courses may require periodic refresher training. Continuous medical fitness and updated documentation are also necessary to remain employable at sea. Candidates should check renewal requirements with the authorities.
Several maritime institutes in India offer DG Shipping approved OCCP training, including HIMT College in Kalpakkam. Reputed institutes provide modern facilities, experienced faculty, and placement assistance. Choosing a well-established institute improves training quality and job opportunities.
Candidates can apply directly through the HIMT College’s official website or admission office at Kilpauk, Chennai, by submitting educational documents, ID proof, and medical reports.
Generally, there is no entrance exam for OCCP admission. Selection is usually based on academic qualification, medical fitness, and document verification. Certain institutes may conduct aptitude tests or interviews to assess suitability.
Starting salaries for OCCP graduates typically range from USD 500 to USD 800 per month, depending on the shipping company and vessel type. Cruise ships and foreign-going vessels may offer higher pay. Free accommodation, food, and travel are usually included.
Yes, OCCP can serve as an entry point to a long-term maritime career in catering and hospitality. With sea experience, individuals can progress to senior cook, chief cook, or catering officer positions. Additional training and certifications further enhance growth prospects.
Catering roles on board ships can be physically demanding due to long working hours, heat in the galley, and movement of the vessel. Tasks include lifting provisions, cooking for large crews, and maintaining cleanliness. Good health and endurance are essential for success.
Yes, with experience and skill development, OCCP candidates can advance to ship cook or chief cook positions. Demonstrating culinary expertise, hygiene standards, and leadership ability is the key to promotion. Some professionals eventually work on luxury cruise liners as chefs.