Table of Contents
Introduction
A career in the Merchant Navy attracts thousands of students every year—mainly for its global exposure, high salaries, and adventurous lifestyle. Unlike the Indian Navy, which defends national waters, the Merchant Navy focuses on commercial shipping and international trade. Without it, global imports and exports would come to a standstill.
If you’ve ever dreamed of earning while traveling across oceans, this article will walk you through everything you need to know—scope, eligibility, Merchant Navy courses, medical requirements, salary, lifestyle, and more.
What is the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy, or Merchant Marines in some countries, is a fleet of commercial vessels transporting goods and passengers worldwide. These vessels include container ships, oil tankers, ferries, and cruise liners.
It is not a defense service but a civilian, global industry forming the backbone of world trade. For anyone drawn to travel and adventure, a career in the Merchant Navy offers financial rewards, global exposure, and lifelong skills in teamwork and discipline.
Scope of Merchant Navy in India
With India’s expanding economy and growing export-import sector, the scope of Merchant Navy is rapidly increasing. Government and private shipping companies offer promising employment opportunities for trained officers and crew.
India is also among the largest suppliers of seafarers globally, meaning that certified Indian officers and ratings are in constant demand across foreign fleets. As global trade grows, so will the career opportunities in the Merchant Navy.
Reasons to Pursue a Career in Merchant Navy
- High Salary Packages: Entry-level officers often earn more than their onshore peers. Senior officers receive tax-free, international-level pay.
- Adventure and Travel: You’ll visit ports and cities across continents — truly working while you travel.
- Long Paid Vacations: Typical work contracts last 6–8 months, followed by 4–5 months of paid leave.
- Global Exposure: Crews are multinational, helping you learn teamwork, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
- Professional Growth: The job builds critical thinking, leadership, and resilience under pressure.
- Tax-Free Income: If you spend more than 183 days aboard a foreign-going vessel, your income is tax-exempt under Indian law.
- Job Stability: The shipping industry always needs skilled professionals, regardless of market fluctuations.
Medical Requirements for Merchant Navy
A career at sea demands strong physical and mental health. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) mandates medical clearance by approved doctors.
Medical checks include:
- Height and weight assessment
- Vision test (6/6 eyesight; no color blindness)
- Hearing, ear, and throat check
- Cardiovascular and respiratory system evaluation
- Skeletal, digestive, and skin examination
Medical fitness must be proven through a DG Shipping-approved Pre-Sea Medical Examination before joining any course or ship.
Merchant Navy Courses in India
1. General Purpose (G.P.) Rating
A 6-month pre-sea course for candidates who have completed 10th or 12th standard. Graduates can join ships as deck or engine crew.
Eligibility: 10th/12th with 40% overall and in English; age 17.5–25 years (27 for diploma holders).
2. Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC)
A 6-month program focusing on food production, housekeeping, and maritime hygiene. Graduates can work as stewards or chefs on ships or cruise liners.
Eligibility: 10th/12th with 40% in English and aggregate.
3. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
A 1-year diploma leading to a career as a deck officer. After sea time and exams, you can become a Second Officer and eventually Captain.
Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60%, English 50%, 17.5–25 years.
4. B.Sc. in Nautical Science
A 3-year degree program for students aiming for officer-level positions. Graduates join as Deck Cadets.
Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60%, English 50%.
5. B.Tech in Marine Engineering
A 4-year engineering degree that trains students in marine propulsion, power systems, and ship machinery.
Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60%, English 50%, medically fit.
Also Read: How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th: Complete Guide on Courses & Eligibility
6. Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
A 1-year course for mechanical or naval architecture graduates.
Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or Naval Architecture, age below 28.
7. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
A 4-month course for graduates in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation fields. Graduates handle electrical and automation systems on board.
Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech in Electrical/Electronics, 60% in English.
Entrance Exams for Merchant Navy
IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
The IMU-CET is the primary entrance exam for degree-level Merchant Navy courses.
Subjects covered: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, General Aptitude, and Reasoning.
Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60%, English 50%, Age 17–25.
Sponsorship Exams
Many companies like Anglo-Eastern, Fleet Management, Synergy, and Great Eastern offer sponsorship exams. Passing these ensures job placement after training.
Skills Required for a Career in Merchant Navy
A seafarer must possess both technical and interpersonal skills:
- Strong communication and leadership abilities
- Adaptability to multicultural environments
- Physical and mental endurance
- Technical understanding of navigation, machinery, or hospitality
- Problem-solving during emergencies
- Discipline, teamwork, and patience
A career in Merchant Navy is built on routine, discipline, and accountability — all honed through rigorous training and experience.
Salary Standards in Merchant Navy
Salaries depend on position, company, and vessel type. Pay is standardized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
| Rank | Approximate Monthly Salary (USD) |
| Deck Cadet / Engine Cadet | $500–$1,000 |
| Third Officer / Fourth Engineer | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Second Officer / Third Engineer | $3,000–$4,000 |
| Chief Officer / Second Engineer | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Captain / Chief Engineer | $8,000–$12,000+ |
Additionally, Merchant Navy jobs offer free food, accommodation, medical coverage, and travel costs.
Job Rankings in Merchant Navy
Deck Department
- Chief Officer
- 2nd Officer
- 3rd Officer
- Deck cadet
Engine Department
- Chief engineer
- 2nd engineer
- 3rd engineer
- 4th engineer
- 5th engineer
- ETO
Rating Department
- Bosun (Head of the rating members)
- Fitter/Welder (renders services to both deck and engine department)
- Able-bodied seaman
- Ordinary seaman (OS)
- Trainee OS
Lifestyle in the Merchant Navy
1. Paid Voyages
All expenses — from food to international travel — are covered by the employer.
2. Long Excursions
Contracts typically last 6–8 months, with 4–5 months of paid vacation afterward.
3. NRI Status & Tax-Free Income
Sailors spending over 183 days on foreign-going vessels qualify for NRI tax exemptions.
4. Uniform and Respect
The maritime uniform carries prestige and commands respect worldwide.
5. Enhanced Professionalism
Life at sea builds discipline, punctuality, and global perspective — essential for leadership both on and off the ship.
A career in Merchant Navy offers more than just financial rewards — it’s a lifestyle of discipline, exploration, and constant learning. From engineering and navigation to catering and hospitality, the sector provides pathways for students from all academic backgrounds.
With proper training, health, and determination, you can build a long, respected, and lucrative career sailing across the world’s oceans.
