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Merchant Navy: Career, Courses, Eligibility, Salary & Job Opportunities
What is the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy is a vital part of global trade and transportation. It deals with commercial shipping operations, including the transportation of goods, oil, and passengers across the world’s oceans. Unlike the Indian Navy, which focuses on defense, the Merchant Navy is a civilian sector offering high-paying, adventurous, and travel-rich careers at sea.
Working in the Merchant Navy means being part of a global team that ensures international trade never stops — a perfect career for those who love the sea, travel, and challenges.
Merchant Navy Eligibility & Qualification
- Academic Qualification
- For Deck Cadet: 10+2 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (minimum 60%).
- For Marine Engineering: 10+2 with PCM (minimum 60%) + English (minimum 50%).
- For GP Rating: 10th pass with 40% marks and 40% in English.
- Age Limit
- Minimum age: 17 years
- Maximum age: 25 years (may vary by course)
- Physical Fitness
- Candidates must meet medical and eyesight standards (6/6 vision in each eye, no color blindness).
- A medical certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor is mandatory.
Popular Merchant Navy Courses
- Diploma & Certificate Courses
- GP Rating (General Purpose Rating)
- Saloon Rating
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course
- Undergraduate Courses
- B.Sc. in Nautical Science
- B.Tech. in Marine Engineering
- B.E. in Naval Architecture & Offshore Engineering
- Diploma in Marine Engineering
- Postgraduate Courses
- M.E./M.Tech. in Marine Engineering
- MBA in Shipping & Logistics
Career Path in the Merchant Navy
A Merchant Navy career offers structured growth from entry-level positions to top officer ranks.
Deck Department:
- Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain (Master)
Engine Department:
- Junior Engineer → 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer
Saloon Department:
- Trainee Steward → Chief Cook → Catering Officer
Job Roles in Merchant Navy
- Deck Officer (Navigation) – Handles navigation, cargo operations, and communication.
- Marine Engineer – Maintains ship machinery and engine systems.
- Radio Officer – Manages communication equipment and signals.
- Catering Crew – Manages food and accommodation on board.
Salary & Perks in the Merchant Navy
Rank | Average Monthly Salary (INR) |
Deck Cadet | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
3rd Officer | ₹1.2 – ₹2.5 Lakh |
2nd Officer | ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Lakh |
Chief Officer | ₹4 – ₹6 Lakh |
Captain | ₹6 – ₹10 Lakh+ |
Additional Benefits: Free food, accommodation, tax-free income (for 183+ days at sea), and world travel.
Top Merchant Navy Colleges in India
- Indian Maritime University (IMU) – Chennai
- Tolani Maritime Institute – Pune
- International Maritime Institute – Greater Noida
- Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies – Mumbai
- Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy – Karjat
- TS Rahaman – Mumbai
Entrance Exams for Merchant Navy
- IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
- JEE (Main) for B.Tech Marine Engineering (some institutes accept JEE scores)
- Company-sponsored entrance tests (e.g., Anglo-Eastern, Great Eastern)
Why Choose a Career in the Merchant Navy?
- High salary with global exposure
- Travel the world while you work
- Tax-free international income
- Early career growth and responsibility
- Adventure, discipline, and teamwork
- Opportunity to settle abroad
FAQs
The Merchant Navy is a commercial fleet responsible for transporting goods and passengers across international waters.
The Indian Navy is a defense force, while the Merchant Navy is a civilian, commercial shipping industry
Candidates must pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and meet physical and medical standards.
You can join through the GP Rating Course, which trains you for entry-level positions on ships.
IMU-CET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Indian Maritime University for admission to maritime courses
Courses range from 6 months (GP Rating) to 4 years (B.Tech Marine Engineering) depending on the program.
A Deck Cadet or Junior Engineer earns around ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 per month during training
Yes, women can join various departments like deck, engineering, and catering, depending on their qualifications
Top recruiters include Anglo-Eastern, Maersk, Great Eastern, MSC, Shell, and Fleet Management.
Conclusion
The Merchant Navy offers one of the most exciting and rewarding careers for those who dream of adventure, travel, and global opportunities. With excellent pay, international exposure, and professional growth, it remains one of the most respected professions worldwide.
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