The four-year B.E.Marine Engineering course, approved by DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India,is a course leading to Class IV Marine Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency, awarded by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, after six months of sea service, enabling the cadets to become Marine Engineers on board Merchant Naval ships anywhere in the world. This course is strictly residential. Entry Requirements : Academic Standards : A pass in 10+2 or its equivalent examination with minimum 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics group, and atleast 50% in English at 10th or 12th standard. Age : 17 to 25 years as on 3rd August 2009 Medical Standard : Candidate should be physically fit for sea service under standard norms, with minimum unaided vision 6/12 in each eye, and with no colour blindness.
Vel's Academy of Maritime Studies is situated at Pallavaram, Chennai, about three kilometers from Chennai International and Domestic Airport. The Academy is headed by a Captain Superintendent and amongst its Faculty are highly proficient Lecturers (who are ex-Mariners) and Instructors, with years of experience on board ships and ashore, who take meticulous care to train the cadets to be future deck (navigating) officers. The Academy has three sophisticated workshops, a Simulator room, and three laboratories for giving cadets the necessary training. As a part of the curriculum, cadets are taken on board ships in Chennai harbour for shipboard familiarization. The course also prepares the candidates to pursue a career in shipping companies or shipping related activities ashore. Candidates who successfully complete training at this institute will be eligible for taking up jobs as navigating officers on board any ship sailing anywhere in the world. VAMS is the first institute in South India to be awarded an ISO 9001:2000 certification by Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance, London.