R. L. Institute of Nautical Sciences
MTI No:402015

A branch of Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy Foundation (SLF)

Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)             

General Purpose Rating (GP Rating)

Electro Technical Officer (ETO)

Basic STCW Safety Training Course (BST = EFA+FPFF+PST+PSSR)

Security Training for seafarers with Designated STSDSD

R. L. Institute of Nautical Sciences (RLINS), Madurai: In-Depth Guide

1. Overview & Institutional Background (~250 words)

Founded in 1999, R. L. Institute of Nautical Sciences (RLINS) stands as one of South India’s foremost maritime training academies. Located in a tranquil parcel of Madurai—about 7 km from the airport—RLINS spans a serene 24.7-acre cloud within an expansive 80-acre green campus, providing a disciplined, focused atmosphere for maritime learning.

Endorsed by the main maritime regulatory authority, RLINS holds the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring structured processes across academics, training, safety, and administration.

2. Maritime Programs & Curricula (~300 words)

RLINS offers a comprehensive portfolio of DG-approved courses tailored for various maritime career paths:

• Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) – One-year course preparing trainees for Class IV Engine Officer status, with path to senior competencies through sea tenure.

• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) – Four-month specialization for those in electronics/electrical branch to train as shipboard technical officers.

• General Purpose (GP) Rating – Six-month ground course qualifying deck and engine roles—ideal for students post-10th.

• B.Tech in Marine Engineering – Four-year integrated program interlaced with STCW modules during semester breaks.

• Modular Training – Includes STCW safety modules like PST, PSSR, EFA, FPFF, STSDSD, as well as instructor-level training.

3. World-Class Infrastructure (~400 words)

Ship-on-Campus Training Facility
The campus features one of India’s only real ship-on-campus setups: T.S. Meenakshi—equipped with a 4,000 HP marine engine, auxiliary systems, steering gear, and complete marine machinery. This hands-on environment is pivotal to training realism.

Simulator Training

• Full-Mission Engine Room Simulator

• 240° Bridge Simulator

Practical Workshops & Safety Training Zones
Cadets train in seamanship, welding, hydraulics, marine electrotechnology, navigation, fire-fighting mock-ups, rafts, pools for survival drills, and more.

Support Facilities
Well-designed classrooms with AV systems, a 4,000 sq. ft. library, sports grounds, fitness center, and modern hostel blocks with single-occupancy rooms and hygienic mess facilities round out the infrastructure.

4. Placement Ecosystem (~300 words)

The institute features a dedicated placement cell helmed by experienced maritime professionals, organizing on-campus recruitment and interviews.

Recruiting Partners:
Companies like NYK, MSC, Great Eastern Shipping, PIL, and Synergy Maritime are among regular recruiters.

Placement Trends:

• Some batches achieve placement rates as high as 96%, featuring successful placements by NYK and MSC.

• Other years see variability, reflective of maritime industry demand and cadet engagement.

• Cadet initiative and adaptability are influential in securing job roles.

5. Student Life & Experience (~300 words)

Infrastructure Feedback to cadets ranks highly, especially for simulators, ship-on-campus, and training amenities.

Faculty & Training Quality receives positive recognition, with some noting opportunity for expanded exposure and teaching methods.

Placement Experience yields mixed feedback, with high-placement years celebrating success and lean years prompting proactive cadet involvement.

Residential & Campus Culture score as comfortable but suggest potential for improvements in amenities and diversity in student activities.

6. Strengths & Considerations (~250 words)

Strengths

• DG Shipping approval and ISO certification ensure credibility.

• Ship-on-campus and simulators replicate real shipboard learning.

• Comprehensive course offerings in maritime domains.

• Residential culture promotes teamwork and discipline.

• Strong leadership driving placements and maritime networks.

What to Note

• Placement success fluctuates with market demands.

• Some amenities may benefit from enhancement.

• Cadet effort strongly influences opportunities—self-driven engagement is essential.