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A Merchant Navy officer travels around the world, checks and maintains the ship, manages cargo, and cleans off the vessels. The number of positions for Merchant Navy Officers is suspected to be much lower than the number of applicants. This increases the possibility of higher competition in this field. However, the employment opportunities for Merchant Navy Officers are expected to grow 7% from 2019-2029
To join Merchant Navy after 12th aspiring candidates must pursue courses such as BSc Nautical Science or Diploma Nautical Science. Some of the Top Maritime Colleges offering Merchant Navy Courses in India are C.V. Raman College of Engineering, AMET University, Balaji Seamen Training Institute, Chennai School of Ship Management, and Chidambaram Institute of Maritime Technology.
After successfully completing a degree in the above-mentioned courses, students can expect to get job offers from some of the top recruiting companies such as Chevron and Mobil USA, Wallem Ship Management Hong Kong, Denholm UK, K Line, Bibby Ship Management, and D'amico. Shipping Corporation India, Great Eastern Shipping, Essar, and Chowgule Shipping, are currently being operated in India. There are several important steps to joining Merchant Navy, including preparing for entrance exams, selecting colleges, choosing the correct subject combination etc. Read: How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th
The average starting salary of Merchant Navy Officers in India ranges from INR 4.50 LPA - 5.50 LPA. However, with gradual experience and updated skills along with relevant knowledge, the average merchant navy salary can go up to as much as INR 37 LPA for a senior officer. There are many government agencies that hire Merchant Navy Officers. Also Read: Salary of a Merchant Navy
3.1 Trainee Cadet
3.2 Deck Cadet
3.3 Chief Officer
3.4 Captain
3.5 Engineer
3.6 Catering and Hospitality Crew
4.1 How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th
5.1 Certificate Course in Maritime Catering
5.2 Diploma in Nautical Science
6.1 UK
6.2 US
6.3 Canada
6.4 Australia
- Benefits of a Career in the Merchant Navy
- Skills Required to Join the Merchant Navy
- Salary in the Merchant Navy
9.2 Experience Wise
How to Join Merchant Navy: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | 10+2, at least a graduate degree in a relevant field. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4.80 LPA – 7.20 LPA |
| Heighest Salary | INR 63 LPA |
| Job Opportunity | School, College, Educational Institute, Professional College etc. |
Steps to Join Merchant Navy
Students who dream of joining the merchant navy must follow certain steps as listed below,
- Candidates must clear their class 12 board exams with a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with aggregate marks of 60% or equivalent CGPA.
- They can then register for the JEE and IMU CET admission exams. and clear them followed by an interview round and medical examination round.
- Candidates must then enrol themselves in a BSc nautical science programme from any of the top nautical Science Colleges across the country.
- They must then complete their 18-month cadet onboard training followed by registering themselves for the competency exam offered by the Indian government.
- Join as the Third Officer and then for rank advancements and promotions after starting as the third officer candidates can appear for yearly exams and clear them with flying colours.
Types of Merchant Navy Officers
Merchant Navy offers different job roles for candidates with different academic backgrounds. Discussed below are a few of the top job profiles of the merchant navy
Trainee Cadet
Trainee Cadets are majorly in charge of disposing of the basic duties of a Deck Officer during the entirety of onboarding a ship.
| Eligibility | 10 + 2 Qualified with mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics, with not less than 65% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 10.20 L |
Deck Cadet
Deck officers are also called navigation officers who navigate the ship and plan out their voyage. The topmost officer is Captain who is the chief Deck Officer.
| Eligibility | 10+2 Qualified with mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with a minimum of 60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 14 L |
Chief Officer
Chief Officers are also known as Ship Security Officers, who are mainly in charge of the safety of the passengers and the crew on board. Chief Officers are responsible for performing vessel navigation watch duties.
| Eligibility | Qualified 10+2 with mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics from a recognised board with minimum 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 72 L |
Captain
A Captain is in command of a merchant ship and is in charge of regulating daily transactions and managing legal affairs on several maritime issues.
| Eligibility |
Qualified 10+2 with(PCM) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & English as separate subjects with minimum 50 % marks in English in either class 10th or 12th conducted by a recognized Board/ University Qualified 3 years’ Diploma with 60% marks or Passed 4 years degree including lateral entry, with 50% marks in B.E/B.Tech |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 2.4 Crore |
Engineer
Engineers of the Merchant Navy are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the engine, engine room and related equipment.
| Eligibility |
Qualified 10+2 with(PCM) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & English as separate subjects with minimum 50 % marks in English in either class 10th or 12th conducted by a recognized Board/ University. Qualified 3 years’ Diploma with 60% marks or Passed 4 years Degree including lateral entry, with 50% marks in B.E/BTech in Mechanical, Marine or related branch. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 50 L |
Catering and Hospitality Crew
The catering and hospitality crew are responsible for the catering and hospitality of the passengers and other crew members on board. Catering Crew are in charge of storing, preparing and cooking wholesome dishes for all the guests on board along with the rest of the crew members on board.
| Eligibility |
Qualified 10+2 with aggregate 40% marks in 12th from Govt. recognized board English as subjects. Minimum 40% in English in 10th or in 10+2. Minimum 50%in English if passed from vernacular medium Should be in the age group of 17.5 years to 25 years before entry in the training |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 24 L |
How to Join a Merchant Navy in India
The following can be followed by an aspirant if he/she wants to join the Merchant Navy in India. The candidate can follow the below steps during the school level to prepare themselves to join the Merchant Navy
- The student must finish Class 12 board exams with a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Maintaining normal vision and clear eyesight is mandatory, however, glasses up to plus or minus 2.5 are allowed.
- Students are also required to complete a ship-training course prior to employment. The course is usually short-term where the candidates are taught basic security concerns of voyaging.
How to join a Merchant Navy After 12th
Since Merchant Navy courses are offered under UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate levels, the eligibility criteria for different courses vary. Each degree has different eligibility criteria depending on the hierarchy of the course.
Here are some common requirements for Merchant Navy courses for different levels,
- For undergraduate Merchant Navy courses, the aspiring candidates must have completed Class 12 with Science stream in the following subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. For Postgraduate Merchant Navy courses, students should clear their graduation in a relevant subject with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
- The minimum age allowed is between 17 to 25 years.
Since there are different types of diploma courses available, the criteria within the category vary.
- The aspiring candidates should not be over the age of 25 - 28 years.
- For one-year diploma courses, the student must have passed a 10+2 level of examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects.
- For two-year diploma courses, the students must have passed Diploma in Electronics Engineering/ Marine Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering/ Electrical Engineering/ Shipbuilding Engineering with at least 50 per cent marks.
Maritime Courses
Some of the top courses that can be pursued in order to join the Merchant Navy are listed below for your reference,
Certificate Course Maritime Catering
Certificate Course in Maritime Catering is a certification course or holding diploma for a duration of one year which is full-time.
| Course Level | Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Examination Type | Semester Type |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Admission | Merit-based or Entrance based |
| Top Recruiting areas | Shipping areas, Hospitals, Hotels, Airlines, Motels, Cruise Lines, Guest Houses, Restaurants, Industrial Canteens, Resort |
| Top Job Profiles | Chief Cook, Catering Officer, General Steward, Hotel Manager, Maintenance Manager |
| Course Fee | INR 10,000 to 3 Lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 1 to 20 Lakhs |
Diploma in Nautical Science
A diploma in Nautical Science is a full-time Diploma course for a duration of one year in Nautical Science. Eligibility includes 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or an equivalent examination with 55% from a recognized board.
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Examination Type | Semester type |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based |
| Top recruiting organizations | SMEC Automation Private Limited, American Cruise Lines, GMMCO Limited, GE Shipping Co Limited, TMC Shipping Private Limited |
| Top recruiting areas | Indian Naval Sciences, Port Operations Companies, Weather Forecasting Centers, Educational Institutes |
| Top job profiles | Marine Engineering Instructor, Operation Manager, Trainee Navigating Officer, Teacher, Lecturer |
| Course Fee | INR 2,000 to 3,00,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 LPA – 15 LPA |
BE Marine Engineering
B.E in Marine Engineering course is the study that involves the production, design, development and maintenance of sea equipment which are used in boats, ships, submarines or any other water transport.
| Course | BE Marine Engineering |
| Full form | Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering |
| Level | Gradate |
| Duration | 4 year |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based |
| Average tuition fee | INR 15,000 to 15,00,000 |
| Job Positions | Technical superintendent, Maritime educator, Second marine engineer, Ship manager, Ship operator, Marine surveyor, Chief marine engineer, Port manager etc |
| Top recruiting areas | Research and Deployment centres, Shipbuilding, Naval jobs, Harbours and ports, Colleges and Universities etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 5 LPA – 12 LPA |
How to Become Merchant Navy Officer Abroad
Many colleges offer Merchant Navy courses since it is a commercial job which can be done from any country. Those who are interested in studying these courses online and looking to get placed there should go ahead with it.
UK
In the UK students have great scope who want to join the merchant navy. Students must pass class 10+2 with good academic scores and should have a strong CV.
Some of the courses available include Maritime University Programs, Certificate Maritime Programs, Marine Vocational and Maritime Law Program
Top Colleges
| Colleges | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Southampton | INR 29.6 L |
| Plymouth university | INR 19.8 L |
| University of Aberdeen | INR 45 L |
| Southampton Solent University | INR 30 L |
| University of Strathclyde | INR 28.6 L |
USA
Students who are willing to join the merchant navy must pass class 10+2 with good academia scores and should have a strong CV. They must also have a good score in GRE or IELTS. IELTS is mandatory to international students.
Some of the courses available in USA that helps students to join the merchant navy include Marine engineering, Maritime engineering and Maritime programs
Top Colleges
| Colleges | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Florida Institute of Technology | INR 19.6 L |
| Maine Maritime Academy | INR 11.1L |
| Maritime College – SUNY | INR 25 L |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | INR 36 L |
| U.S Merchant Marine Academy | INR 45 L |
Canada
Students who are willing to join the merchant navy in Canada must be passing class 10+2 with good academia scores and should have a strong CV. They must have good scores in GRE and international students will have to give IELTS.
Some of the top courses available for a merchant navy career in Canada are Diploma in Marine Technology Marine Engineering, Diploma in Nautical Science and Technician Diploma.
Top Colleges
| Colleges | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Georgian College | INR 8.3 L |
| University of British Columbia | INR 18.8 L |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | INR 19.1 L |
| Nova Scotia Community college | INR 11.2 L |
Australia
Students in Australia who wish to join the merchant navy must have good records while passing class 10+2 and should have a strong CV. Students should have a good score in GRE. International students must have IELTS scores.
Some of the courses available in Australia are Seafarer Certificate, Maritime Training, Maritime Engineering and Marine Engineering
Top Colleges
| Colleges | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| TAFE NSW | INR 27.5 L |
| The University of Western Australia | INR 15.6 L |
| Curtin University | INR 14.5 L |
| Griffith University | INR 35.9 L |
Benefits of Joining the Merchant Navy
- Salary: The salary offered to the Merchant Navy is the most attractive benefit given to a sailor. The salary starts from INR 1,50,000 and goes up to INR 7,50,000 and more for Captions and Chief Engineers in tanker ships.
- Job Security: The job depends on sailing. After sailing for months and covering many trips across the globe, they are given a vacation for a few months after which reallocation is done. Job security depends on the company you are associated with.
- Positive impact of the Career: Since most of the time spent is solitary, the sailors get to learn more about themselves and discover happiness in life. The sailors who are interested in ships and seas get to live their careers doing what they love. They also get to travel around the world for free.
- Unique Experience: The sailors experience something unique which not everybody gets to experience. They sail on the sea for months, watch the night sky and much more. The experience is one of its kind since the merchant navy officers get to travel around the world while sailing when the boat has anchored at a port. They can get down and explore the country for a few days until the ship sails again.
Skills Required to Join Merchant Navy
Some of the top skill sets essential to join Merchant Navy are tabulated below for your reference,
| Passion for Sailing | Patience and resilience |
| Team work | Analytical and logical thinking |
| Planning and decision making | Practical knowledge about physics, mathematics, maritime etc. |
| Interpersonal skills | Liking for water adventures |
Salary of Merchant Navy Officer
Merchant Navy ranks amongst one of the top most pursued courses as well as career choice for a lot of people. Tabulated below are the salary structure after joining Merchant Navy for your reference.
Specialization Wise
| Specializations | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Trainee | INR 8 L |
| Deck Cadet | INR 1 L |
| 2nd Officer | INR 5 L |
| 3rd Officer | INR 7 L |
| Chief Officer | INR 6 L |
| Captain | INR 10 L |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | INR 27 L |
| Experienced | INR 1.2 Crore |
How to Join Merchant Navy: FAQs
Ques: What is the average salary of a Merchant Navy Officer ?
Ans: The average salary of a Merchant Navy Officer is INR 1,00,000 – 7,00,000per month.
Ques: What are the different job profiles in Merchant Navy ?
Ans: The different job profiles are Trainee Cadet, Deck Cadet, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer,Chief Officer and Cadet.
Ques:What is the average salary of a Captain in the Merchant Navy ?
Ans: The average salary of a Captain in Merchant Navy is Rs. 8,65,000 to 20,00,000 per month
Ques: What are the different colleges offering the courses for Merchant Navy ?
Ans: The different colleges offering courses for Merchant Navy are C.V. Raman College of Engineering, AMET University, Balaji Seamen Training Institute, Chennai School of Ship Management, Chidambaram Institute of Maritime Technology,
Indian Maritime College, International Maritime Academy and many other colleges
Ques: Does Merchant Navy have tax-free salary ?
Ans: Yes, the sailors serving in the Merchant Navy have tax free salaries if they spend a pre defined time , which is 183 days of a year in international waters else the salary is taxable as per the laws of the Government of India.
Ques: What are the top recruiters of the Merchant Navy ?
Ans: The top recruiters are Chevron and Mobil of USA, Wallem Ship Management of Hong Kong, Denholm of UK, K Line, Bibby Ship Management, d'Amico , Shipping Corporation of India, Great Eastern Shipping, Essar and Chowgule Shipping, etc.
Ques: How many months do merchant navy officers stay onboard ship?
Ans: The merchant navy crew after sign-in on a ship stay aboard for atleast like 4 months after which they are given sign-off depending on the availability of their replacement. The officers will have to stay on board even during anchorage if they are not given sign-off.
Ques: How do the Merchant Navy officers eat on board for months without coming in contact with land?
Ans: The ship will be loaded with food supplies such as meat, rice, muesli, bread etc. which will be refrigerated and hence can be used for a long time.
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