Merchant Navy

Merchant Navy is a shipping sector and is in charge of transporting freight and passengers along marine routes. Candidates can pursue Merchant Navy courses after completing their Class 10+2 and apply for bachelor's degrees like B Tech marine, B Tech naval architecture, ocean engineering, BBA in shipping, etc. Candidates also pursue Pre-sea Nautical diploma courses after Class 10th. Admission to merchant navy courses is done on the basis of merit basis via entrance exams like IMU CET, JEE Main, TMI-BITS-EE, etc.  In the merchant navy syllabus candidates are taught about shipping management, cargo machine and marine communication, and principles of navigation. 

By pursuing this course you can find employment opportunities in companies like the shipping corporation of India, great eastern shipping and essar, chowgule shipping, etc. The average merchant navy salary in India is around INR 4.5 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA for freshers and 37 LPA for experienced. The merchant navy courses are available in offline and offline modes. Some of the top merchant navy colleges in India are Tolani Maritime Institute, Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Vels Academy of Maritime Studies, etc. The average merchant navy fees in India is around INR 2.5 LPA average. 

The Merchant Navy course is pursued by those who are interested in working on ships and want to travel via ocean. A candidate who enrolls in a merchant navy course will learn about a specialization that helps them comprehend how a ship's fundamental workings operate. If you are planning to pursue this course and make a career in a merchant navy, go through the highlights table given below to get important details of this course.

Merchant Navy Courses

There are several merchant navy courses that candidates can pursue from bachelor’s to master's. Students can start with a bachelor’s degree in the merchant navy in there desired specialization and then pursue master’s degree. Following are some of the popular merchant navy courses from which candidates can choose from. 

In today's world, there is a growing demand for Merchant Navy officers. Countries are interfacing with overseas trade in the globalization period, which is largely carried out by shipping corporations. A career as a Merchant Navy officer would provide you with several job prospects both in India and overseas.

• Merchant Navy officers have several career opportunities in India. You can work for one of India's biggest shipping businesses, such as Sm
• Merchant Navy salary in India is comparably good to those in other industries. An experienced merchant navy salary in India is around INR 37 LPA or even more
• Indian sailors' employment aboard Indian and foreign ships has grown by 35%
• The Merchant Navy employed 1,54,349 people in 2017, up from 1,54,349 in 2016, suggesting that Indian capabilities are in high demand throughout the world

You can join the Merchant Navy after securing a degree that will be beneficial for you. There are a number of Merchant Navy courses for science, commerce, and art background students.  After completing Class 12, you can apply for the following Merchant Navy courses- 

Merchant Navy Courses & Duration

Apart from getting a degree, there are several Merchant Navy courses and specializations available that you can enroll in. Check the List of popular Merchant Navy courses/specializations given below.

Merchant Navy Specialization

Candidates with a strong passion for marine experiences and a desire to participate in several sea voyages should pursue this career. It iss critical that you don't get seasick because you will go on long sea voyages as a naval merchant officer. It is a fantastic job option in today's world. In addition, you must meet the Merchant Navy qualifying conditions and be physically fit. Check the Merchant Navy eligibility criteria given below. 

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria for bachelor’s Degree

• Candidates must have completed class 12th with at least 60% marks with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as compulsory subjects. 
• To fulfill the Merchant Navy age limit for bachelor course candidates must age between 17 to 25 years. 

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria for postgraduate Degree

• For GME, a candidate must have a B E degree in Naval Architecture or Mechanical Engineering.
• To pursue an MBA in the Merchant Navy, a candidate must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
• MBA and GME have maximum age limits of 25 and 28 years, respectively.

Eligibility criteria of Merchant Navy for 6-Months Merchant Navy courses

• The age should be between 17.5 to 25 years. 
• Candidates who have passed Class 10 with Science, English and Maths as main subjects and at least 40 per cent marks are considered eligible. 

Eligibility criteria of Merchant Navy for diploma courses

• Candidates for one-year diploma courses must have completed their 12th-grade exams with PCM and English.
• Candidates for two-year diploma courses must have a diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or Shipbuilding Engineering with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.
• The age limit of a candidate should be between 25 and 28 years old.

Medical fitness for Merchant Navy

• Candidates must have normal vision (6/6) in both eyes and medically fit hearing capabilities.
• Candidates should hold relevant physical fitness certificates. 
• Candidates applying for any of the Merchant Navy courses must meet the medical fitness requirements. 
• Candidates must be medically fit including hearing and eyesight. 
• They must have normal vision (6/6) in each eye separately. 
• It is required that the candidates produce a certificate for medical fitness by authorized authorities

Are tattoos allowed in the Merchant Navy?

Tattoos and piercings are not prohibited in the Merchant Navy field. Sailors, in fact, are the forefathers of nautical tattoo culture. The maritime academies, on the other hand, have strict disciplinary requirements and demand officers to have certain attributes. Therefore, if a candidate has unusual piercings and tattoos it may be seen as objectionable

Merchant Navy officers are classified into many kinds. Engineering officers and deck officers are the two main categories of Merchant Navy officers. Go through the details about these positions given below.

• Engineering Officer: An engineering officer is in charge of maintaining the ship's or cruise ship's machinery. They oversee the propulsion, fuel, and waste systems. An engineering officer is in charge of a ship's whole machinery
• Deck officer: A deck officer is in charge of the ship's steering and manoeuvring, as well as navigation and communications. A deck officer's role aboard a cargo ship is crucial since he or she is in charge of ship navigation, cargo handling, strategic and safe management, and delivery, as well as the maintenance of any potentially life-saving equipment.

Many candidates while selecting a career as a Merchant Navy officer get confused with the Indian navy. There is a vast difference between these two professions. The Merchant Navy officer's job profile revolves around commercial journey import-export of goods through sea shipments, Whereas the Indian navy officer is on national duty to protect the nation from seaside from enemies. 

To get a clear idea go through the table given below that differentiate between the Merchant Navy and the Indian navy. 

Difference between Merchant Navy and Indian Navy

Also read: Indian navy posts for class 10 and class 12

After passing class 10 exams and finishing a Pre-sea Nautical diploma program, candidates can join any company associated with merchant navy. If you complete your basic bachelor's degree or course in Merchant Navy you easily find employment through various consultants and placement agencies. Along with the Merchant Navy qualifications, candidates should also be physically fit.  Go through the points given below to learn how to become a merchant navy. 

Step 1: Pass Class 10 and Class 12

Candidates need to clear Class 10 and Class 12 from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with minimum marks to sit for an entrance exam or take admission in a Merchant Navy short-term course. 

Step 2: Sit for a Merchant Navy entrance exam

If you want to get a well-recognized degree in the Merchant Navy, you need to pass entrance exams. Many colleges and universities offer admission to candidates based on a 12th-grade passing percentage cut-off. The entrance exam for Merchant Navy are-

Step 3: Pursue Merchant Navy bachelors program 

To pursue a  successful career in the Merchant Navy, one must first complete a bachelor's degree program in a related specialization. The duration of a Merchant Navy bachelor's program varies from 3 years to 4 years. Some of the Merchant Navy bachelors programs that you can enroll in are

Step 4: Enroll in Merchant Navy masters program 

If the candidate has completed his bachelor's degree, they can apply for a job directly or pursue masters if they want. Some of the master's programs for the Merchant Navy are

Step 5: Lateral Admission in Merchant Navy

Lateral Entry (LE) into the second year of Marine Engineering Direct Admission is also available for marine design projects approved by the Directorate General of Shipping. There are two methods for ensuring LE places in Marine Engineering programmes:

• Having finished the first year of Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• A diploma in comparable engineering courses with a minimum score of around 60% is required.

Step 6: Admission in merchant navy Through Sponsorship

Students who apply to well-known institutes for marine studies may be eligible for sponsored admission to Merchant Navy courses. They can seek support from large maritime groups. If these organizations recognize potential in students, they will support their education as well as their participation in the shipper naval force.

There are numerous entrance exams for Merchant Navy courses available in India. In order to get admission to a top Merchant Navy college in India, candidates are required to pass the entrance exam of that particular college. The basic eligibility requirement for these Merchant Navy entrance exams, you need to pass Class 10+ 12 from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50% marks. 

Check the list of popular merchant navy entrance exams given below. 

Merchant Navy Entrance Exams

IMU CET

The Indian Maritime University administers the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMUCET) for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate marine courses. It takes place in May, and registration opens at the end of March. Only unmarried candidates are permitted to take the exam.

AIMNET

All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test (AIMENT) is administered by the AIMNET Examination Board, which is overseen by the Offshore Shipping Academy. For admission to, B Tech Naval Architecture,  B Sc Nautical Science, G P Ratings,  Diploma of Applied Science (deck watchkeeper) by AMSA, B Tech Marine, and MBA (Shipping and Logistic Management) programs, this Merchant Navy entrance exam is held. This academy has been approved by the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

JEE Advanced

Candidates who wish to apply for technical courses in order to join the Merchant Navy should apply for JEE Advanced exam. To be eligible for JEE Advanced candidates should clear JEE Main. 

Other Merchant Navy entrance exams that candidates can take after graduating from high school include the MERI Entrance Exam and the TMISAT Entrance Exam.

Merchant Navy colleges are located throughout the country and are designed to provide training to those interested in joining this non-combatant commercial force. Some of the top Merchant Navy colleges in India 2022 are listed below. The Directorate of Shipping has accredited these colleges, and the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India has approved them for personnel training. 

List of top 10 Merchant Navy colleges in India

Opting for a Merchant Navy officer as a career is not only a prospect in India but abroad as well. There are many jobs available internationally for Merchant Navy officer positions. So, if you opt to study Merchant Navy abroad, it will be fruitful for you.  By studying Merchant Navy abroad you will get a variety of courses and specialization options, that might not be available in India.  

Adding to that, International companies that operate merchant ships need to train personnel to operate and maintain the ships. As a result, you get job options abroad also as a Merchant Navy officer. 

Some of the international shipping companies that might offer you a job if you are eligible to their set criteria are: 

• Chevron and Mobil of the United States
• Wallem Ship Management of Hong Kong
• K-Line
• Bibby Ship Management
• d'Amico

Top Merchant Navy Colleges Abroad

There are various specialized Merchant Navy courses available at top universities all over the world. Here is a list of top Merchant Navy colleges abroad that will offer you a dignified degree and a respectable job. 

India has a number of top colleges for Merchant Navy programmes. The Merchant Navy fees in India varies depending upon various factors like the college you are opting for, the program, duration, etc. To get a clear idea about the Merchant Navy course fee in India go through the data given below.  

Merchant Navy Fees

Candidates pursuing the Merchant Navy course need to have a good understanding related to a wide range of subjects. The merchant navy sub & syllabus that are covered in the Merchant Navy programs are as follows:

• Naval Architecture
• Ship Operation Technology
• Marine Machines and System Design
• Mechanics of Fluids
• Marine Boiler and System Engineering
• Maritime Law
• Voyage Planning and Collision Prevention
• Electrical Machines
• Environmental Science
• Marine Electrical Technology
• Nautical Physics and Electronics Paper
• STCW and Ship Fire Prevention
• Marine IC Engineering
• Shipping Management
• Cargo Machine and Marine Communication
• Marine Auxiliary Machine
• Principles of Navigation
• Marine Heat Engines and Air Conditioning

Popular Subjects:

Merchant Navy Training

After completing the respective programmes in the merchant navy, it is mandatory for all candidates to undergo pre-sea training conducted by the Maritime Training Institute. Be it marine engineering or simply a maritime catering programme, all candidates have to undergo this training before they start working as interns on the ship. The duration of the training can vary from six months to one year depending on the programme that the candidate has pursued.

Merchant Navy is one of the highest paying careers in India as well as abroad. Sailors are paid excellent packages as working on a ship is considered to be a difficult job. There are numerous career opportunities in this field and salaries vary depending on the post of the candidates. Merchant Navy salary in India varies depending on their position in the company's hierarchy. Usually, Naval Officers are paid six figure packages. The merchant navy salary in India for freshers is around INR 4.5 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA on average. Once, a candidate can experience the merchant navy salary can hike up to INR 37 LPA on average.  

Let's look at the Merchant Navy salary after Class 10 and Class 12. 

Merchant Navy Salary in India After Class 10

Beginnings of the Merchant Navy salary after class 10th varies between INR 25,000 and INR 30,000, and it is subject to change based on examinations and achievements.

Merchant Navy Salary in India After Class 12

The Merchant Navy Salary in India after 12th class is INR 25,000 per month minimum, and the highest salary is INR 10 lakhs per month. 

Following is the salary scope after pursuing a career in merchant navy:

Sailors serving in the merchant navy get tax-free salaries if they spend 183 days of a year in international waters else the salary is taxable as per the laws of the Government of India.

Merchant Navy, being a field that requires exhaustive traveling, there are well paying off-shore options as well that one can look into after taking early retirement from the job or on completion of the contract.

Also read: how to get into the Merchant Navy and find career prospects' salaries

The Merchant Navy is a worldwide business that offers some of the most exciting career options on a variety of ships. In the Merchant Navy career, the major role in your physical strength. There are three departments in the Merchant Navy from which you can choose from

1. Deck Department
2. Engine Department
3. Crew Rating

Career in Merchant Navy engine department 

To work in the engine department, you will need to enrol in a marine engineering course, which can be a four-year degree program or a two-year diploma program.  After completing the relevant courses and training, you can become a marine engineer if you are a mechanical engineer (Graduate Mechanical Engineering or GME course).

After completing one year of mechanical engineering or an equivalent programme, you can enrol in a maritime engineering programme. (The availability of this service will be determined by your country of residence.)

After finishing your marine engineering degree, you will join a ship as a Trainee/Fifth engineer and progress through the ranks.

Career in Merchant Navy deck department 

After finishing the nautical science course, you will join a ship as a trainee/deck cadet and progress through the ranks.

If you have an electrical or electronic background, you can also join a ship as an ETO (electro-technical officer). Pre-sea training will be needed of you, followed by mandatory aboard instruction.

Career in Merchant Navy rating department

A ship requires supporting personnel in addition to deck officers and marine engineers to help the officers and perform several other critical responsibilities. Merchant Navy ratings come under such departments. The job options for ratings under the engine, deck department is as follows-

Ratings under the engine department 

• Wiper
• Fitter
• Motorman
• Ratings under the deck department 
• Ordinary Seaman (OS)
• Able Seaman (AB)
• Bosun
• Fitter

Apart from the above-given job options, you can also join the saloon department of the ship. The post available under saloon departments are the steward and chief cook. 

What to choose between deck and engine department?

In the Merchant Navy field, there are basically two departments one can choose from. You can decide between them by your liking, the job profile you feel will suit you, and the skills you have. 

If you want to opt for the engineering department, be prepared to do a lot of work with your hands, regardless of your status. Because the number of marine engineers on board is limited, they must undertake many tasks on their own, often without support. The engine department's maritime specialists are in charge of maintaining and running machinery on ships, both in the engine room and on deck.

Similarly, if you want to opt for the deck department, you will be in charge of navigation, cargo operations, and other deck responsibilities. Because a deck officer's main responsibilities will include navigating the ship and managing cargo operations, expect to spend long hours both at sea and on land. 

Types of Ships Merchant Navy Work On

Professionals in the Merchant Navy work mostly on cargo ships and commercial vessels. The types of ships Merchant Navy work on are:

• Tanker ships
• Passenger ships
• Cruise ships
• Container ships
• Bulk carriers
• Offshore vessels
• Ro-R0 ships (Roll-On Roll-Off vessels)
• Ferries

Also read:  Indian navy B Tech admission 

There are several job opportunities accessible in the marine industry, and the compensation of a navy merchant varies based on the position held by the applicants. Merchant Navy officers are often hired by commercial shipping companies to serve aboard seagoing vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, cruise liners, and hovercraft. Candidates begin as trainees or Deck Cadets. The Merchant Navy also has Captains, 2nd/3rd Officers, and Chief Officers.

Navigation

• Third Officer: The third officer is the most junior member of the navigation crew and is in charge of the ship's safety. The job profile of a third officer in the navy merchant is in charge of reading navigational charts and monitoring shipping activity
• Second Officer: A second officer serves as the ship's navigational officer and, in rare situations, as the ship's medical officer
• Chief Officer: A chief officer is usually a watchstander who is in control of the cargo and crew of the ship. A chief officer is also in charge of cargo/storage operations, safety, the environment, and quality assurance, among other things
• Captain of the Ship: The captain of the ship is in control of the ship as a whole. The captain is ultimately in charge of the ship and its cargo, ensuring that it is delivered safely and without mishap

Engineer

• Fourth Engineer: The fourth engineer's responsibilities include keeping track of the machinery in operation and doing maintenance
• Third Engineer:  A third engineer does maintenance on the ship and prepares it for arrival at a port on occasion
• Second Engineer: The major responsibility of a second engineer is to schedule and supervise maintenance in the engine room. The second engineer is also in charge of the engine room staff in addition to assisting the chief engineer
• The chief engineer: The chief is in charge of the engineering department as a whole. The project designs are approved by a chief engineer. A chief engineer also creates projects that are cost-effective. The chief engineer also sets project budgets, assigns resources, directs the engineering team, and oversees new recruit training

In a merchant navy profession, an employee is responsible for ensuring that everyone onboard follows strict health and safety requirements, as well as monitoring and maintaining life-saving equipment such as fire fighting equipment and life-saving boats. The Merchant Navy role is to monitor the ship's whole machinery for daily usage, as well as examine the mechanical and electrical equipment on board for proper operation.

It is usually beneficial to participate in an internship to gain a better understanding of a career as a Merchant Navy officer. Working for a company or organization will offer you real-world experience, regardless of how much practical learning experience your institution or university provides. 

In the case of a Merchant Navy officer, internships are required. During this time, you will learn everything that is expected in the field and has the chance to polish your talents. Because there is such a large gap between theory and practice, internships are required. Internships are a great method to get experience. You can apply for Merchant Navy internship programs by going through the internet and searching for them. Many government and private shipment companies officers internship programs for the Merchant Navy.

Merchant Navy workers live a lifestyle that is significantly different from landlubbers due to the nature of their work. The Merchant Navy job isn't your typical 9-to-5 job. Working as a Merchant Navy professional entails working a four-hour ship twice a day, in addition to overtime.

A contract with a shipping firm is common for navy merchant professionals. Depending on the rank and type of ship, the contract of a Merchant Navy officer can last anywhere from 4 to 9 months.

You will be invited to board the ship from a convenient port along the ship's sailing route after signing a contract with the shipping business. The majority of the time, you will fly to the concerned port to board the vessel (all expenditures are covered by the shipping firm).

Overall, the Merchant Navy lifestyle is lavish but at the same time different from other kinds of jobs. If you are fine with living an adventurous life as a Merchant Navy, it is the best-suited option for you as a career. 

Merchant Navy Uniform

The Merchant Navy uniform is, without a doubt, a source of great pride, and maritime personnel is required to keep it up to date and tidy at all times. Officers in the Merchant Navy often wear a white shirt and black pants, with epaulets depending on the ship's rank. During cold weather, the outfit is worn with black formal shoes and a pullover or hoodie. The P-cap is a black hood with a white top that has an anchor symbol on it.

When working on ships, however, the crew typically wears a boiler suit as well as personal protection equipment (PPE). Personal protection equipment (PPE) will vary depending on the type of ship and the sort of job to be done. Officers are required to wear the uniform when on the bridge, in the mess room, or when the captain requests it.

We hope you find this article on the Merchant Navy helpful and informative. Stay tuned to CollegeDekho to get more details.