MERCHANT NAVY COURSE ?
How to Join Merchant Navy: Quick Facts
| Industry | Marine |
| Eligibility | 10+2, at least a graduate degree in a relevant field. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3.50 – 5 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,
- Step 1: Candidates must clear their class 12 board exams with a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with an aggregate marks of 60% or equivalent CGPA.
- Step 2: They can then register for the JEE and IMU CET admission exams. and clear them followed by an interview round and medical examination round.
- Step 3: Candidates must then enroll themselves in a BSc nautical science programme from any of the top nautical Science Colleges across the country.
- Step 4: They must then complete their 18-month cadet on board training followed by registering themselves for the competency exam offered by the Indian government.
- Step 5: 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 color
Types of Merchant Navy Officers
Merchant Navy offers different job roles for candidates with different academic background. The job profiles available are:
Trainee Cadet
Trainee Cadets are majorly in charge of disposing basic duties of a Deck Officer during the entirety of on boarding a ship.
| Requirement | 10 + 2 Qualified with mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics, with not less than 65% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Salary | INR 10.20 LPA |
Deck Cadet
Deck officers are also called navigation officers who navigate the ship and plan out their voyage. The top most officer being Captain who is the chief Deck Officer.
| Requirement | 10+2 Qualified with mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics along with a minimum of 60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA |
| Salary | INR 14 LPA |
Chief Officer
Chief Officers are also known as Ship Security Officers, who are mainly in charge of safety of the passengers and the crew on board. Chief Officers are responsible for performing vessel navigation watch duties.
| Requirement | Qualified 10+2 with mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics from a recognised board with minimum 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. |
| Salary | INR 72 LPA |
Captain
A Captain is in command of a merchant ship and is in charge of regulating daily transactions and manages legal affairs on several maritime issues.
| Requirement | 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 year’s Degree including lateral entry, with 50% marks in B.E/B.Tech |
| Salary | INR 2.4 Crore |
Engineer
Engineers of a Merchant Navy are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the engine, engine room and related equipment.
| Requirement | 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 year’s Degree including lateral entry, with 50% marks in B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical, Marine or related branch. |
| Salary | INR 50 LPA |
Catering and Hospitality Crew
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.
| Requirement | 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 |
| Salary | INR 24 LPA |
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 with the subjects – Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Maintain normal vision which is required but glasses up to plus or minus 2.5 will be allowed.
- The student can also need 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 a different eligibility crireria 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 relevant subject with minimum 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 and 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 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
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 Lacs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 15 Lacs |
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, Ship building companies, Naval jobs, Harbours and ports, Colleges and Universities etc. |
| Average salary | INR 5,00,000 – 12,00,000 |
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 look 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 academia 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 Career in 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 vacation for a few months after which reallocation is done. The 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 career 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 on 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.
Average Annual Salary
| Name of the organization | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Govt | NA |
| Private | INR 75,000 – INR 75,00,000 |
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 |
