Skip to content
Home » How to Join the Merchant Navy: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Join the Merchant Navy: A Comprehensive Guide

how to join the merchant navy

The Merchant Navy offers some of the most exciting career opportunities if you are looking forward to traveling and working in diverse environments while earning a very competitive salary. After you have just passed your 10th, 12th, or graduation, finding out the various routes available for this career is very important. 

Therefore, this blog will turn out to be a very holistic guide for you with an elaborate piece of information regarding educational routes, entrance exams, training, and your eventual career prospects and all possible directions on how to join the merchant navy. if you wish to become a deck officer, engineer, or catering staff, here are some incentives that would encourage you to go for this excellent maritime journey. Here’s getting you ready to set sail into a fascinating and adventurous merchant navy career!

Skills Required to Join Merchant Navy

Some of the skills required to join the merchant navy are:

  • Good Mix of Technical and Inter-Personal Skills: Technological know-how relating to navigation, ship operations, and maritime legislation.
  • Good physical fitness and thinking power: examine and pass a strict medical check-up. Solving problems with creative thinking and making the right decision at the right time.
  • Clear communication: communication skills are necessary to ensure smooth operations and safety.
  • Flexibility: To last long hours and nights in the open sea and in changing conditions of weather.
  • Attention to detail: This is the practice of being meticulous with the procedure and keeping logs.
  • Leadership: In the case of promotion, their ability to command and administer a group.

Get Access to Our
FREE Career Dashboard

How to Enter the Merchant Navy

Entering the merchant navy after 10th,12th, or graduation is a tough task to decide. Before joining the merchant navy, one should consider some factors:

Post 10th Standard

If you have passed your 10th class, then here are some ways to enter the Merchant Navy:

Diploma in Nautical Science

Duration and eligibility for it are:

  • Duration:1-3 years
  • Eligibility: 10th pass with Mathematics and Physics as subjects
  • Available at: Various maritime academies. Some among them are: T.S. Chanakya, Mumbai

Indian Maritime University (IMU)

  • Eligibility and Entrance Exams
  1. Medical Examination: The candidate shall be cleared in a medical fitness test as per the guidelines of DGS
  2. Entrance Exams: A few colleges conduct entrance exams for admission. Research specific colleges for their entrance procedures
  3. PreSea Training: Diploma holders are to undergo Pre-Sea training, whereby they undergo practical onboard training.

After 12th Grade

Graduates who have passed 12th grade can opt for the same as:

BE/BTech Marine Engineer or Nautical Science

duration and eligibility for it are-

  • Duration: 3-4 years
  • Eligibility: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Institutes: Some major institutes are: Indian Maritime University (IMU), T.S. Chanakya, Mumbai
  • Eligibility and Entrance Exams: Some common entrance tests are:
  1. IMU-CET: Conducted by Indian Maritime University.
  2. A few private institutes conduct their own entrance exams.
  3. Medical Fitness: A medical examination is compulsorily required.
  4. Pre-Sea Training: After the completion of the degree, candidates are required to undergo pre-sea training as part of their course requirements.

After Graduation

Graduates in any field can also seek Merchant Navy jobs, they enter through the following channels:

Postgraduate courses in Marine Engineering or Nautical Science

Duration and eligibility for it are:

  • Duration: 1-2 years
  • Eligibility: Engineering or science graduates.
  • Institutes: Indian Maritime University and many private maritime academies.
  • Eligibility and Entrance Exams
  1. IMU-CET or other exams: The entrance exam for postgraduate courses is similar to that for undergraduate courses.
  2. Medical Fitness Test: All candidates must undergo this test.
  3. Pre-Sea Training: After the completion of the degree, candidates are required to undergo pre-sea training as part of their course requirements.

Best Merchant Navy Colleges in India

Here are some of the best colleges for the Merchant Navy in India, including their fees, placement information, and ranking source, among others:

  • Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)
  • Tolani Maritime Institute
  • Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), Goa
  • Indian Maritime University (IMU)
  • Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS)
College NameLocationFeesPlacement
Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)Karjat, MaharashtraAround INR 4,50,000 per annum100% placement onboard Anglo-Eastern’s managed vessels
Tolani Maritime InstitutePune, MaharashtraAround INR 2,50,000 per annumPartnerships with Maersk, Chevron, Dockendale, NYK, Stena, Teekay, Scorpio
Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), GoaBogda, GoaAround INR 2,50,000 per yearCampus placements with Wallem, V ships, Scorpio, Seaspan, EXMAR, Kline
Indian Maritime University (IMU)Multiple campuses (Chennai, Kolkata, etc.)Around INR 2,50,000 per yearHigh placement rates with various shipping companies
Great Eastern Institute of Maritime StudiesChennai, Tamil NaduAround INR 2,50,000 per yearGood placement record with reputed shipping companies

Steps to Join Merchant Navy

Here are the steps to becoming a Merchant Navy officer-

  • Educational Qualification: Complete your 10th, 12th, or graduation with required marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
  • Entrance Exams: Enroll for and qualify for entrance exams like the IMU CET.
  • Choose a Maritime Institute: Join an esteemed institution conducting pre-sea training courses.
  • Pre-Sea Training: Undergo the required training which includes theoretical and practical aspects.
  • Medical Fitness: Should be fit for medical fitness according to the rules of Merchant Shipping.
  • Obtain Certifications: Such certifications as the Certificate of Competency. Apply for Jobs: Job openings at ship companies and apply.

Salary for Merchant Navy

Salaries in the Merchant Navy can range from very low to comparatively high depending upon the rank, experience, and type of vessel.

LEVELSALARY
Entry-Level Positions Deck Cadets/Trainee Officers: INR 30,000 – 60,000 per month
Junior Engineers: INR 30,000 – 50,000 per month 
Mid-Level Positions3rd Officer: INR 2 lakh – 3.5 lakh per month
Engineer: INR 2 lakh – 4 lakh per month
Chief Officer: INR 5.4 lakh – 12 lakh per month
Senior PositionsCaptain: INR 6.6 lakh – 20 lakh a monthChief Engineer: INR 6.6 lakh – 18 lakh a month

Testimonials from Merchant Navy Professionals: Real Experiences, Real Adventures

some real-life examples of people joining the merchant navy are-

  • Amit Sharma, Deck Officer “Joining the Merchant Navy was the best decision of my life. The thrill of being at sea, visiting new countries, and working with a diverse team has been incredibly fulfilling. The training I received prepared me well for my role, and I appreciate the financial stability that comes with it. Every journey brings new challenges and adventures!”
  • Priya Verma, Marine Engineer “I always had a penchant to do engineering, and since the Merchant Navy was a joint venture of travel and engineering, I never wanted to be a part of something else. The practical experience gained on board has been virtually inestimable, the scope for promotions is immense, and most importantly, for a sailor, the bonding with the crew of the vessel on every voyage is unforgettable.”.
  • Rahul Mehta, Catering Officer “Being a catering officer in the Merchant Navy has been a very satisfying experience. I love being part of the outfit ensuring crew members are well-fed and cared for. Traveling around the world, and exposing myself to different cultures, has enhanced my life in ways that could never be imagined. It is a unique profession where work gets combined with adventure.”
  • Sneha Rao, Logistic Manager “Soon after completing my degree, I joined the Merchant Navy. I never looked back. Such a good blend of various skills- from logistics management to communication skills well to makes it a successful career. I like the financial packages, but what makes it so special is the experience and all these fantastic friendships I found along the way.”

Conclusion

A career in the Merchant Navy promises adventure and professional growth in a financially stable environment. The field is attractive to all exploratory spirits. People can join the merchant navy after the 10th, 12th, or graduation in various ways. What makes personal growth so enriched with robust career prospects and decent salaries is the chance to see the world, experience different cultures, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Furthermore, skills obtained in the Merchant Navy are highly transferable, thus contributing towards enhanced employability in most sections. After all, this kind of career promises an experience that no one can duplicate. It is the way in which no other profession can offer work combined with travel.

Similar Blogs to Read

  1. Best Merchant Navy Colleges in India
  2. Career in The Merchant Navy
  3. Career Progression in Indian Navy Officer
  4. Maritime Law in 2024

FAQs

What is the qualification for the Merchant Navy?

To be successful in the Merchant Navy requires a course in nautical science to have undergone from any established maritime academy. It is usually a course with a blend of theoretical knowledge and on-the-job training aboard ships. Requirements are varied according to the ranks and positions. Basic eligibility is Class 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.

Is the Merchant Navy easy to join?

Joining the Merchant Navy is no mean task, but if one has the right qualifications and higher dedication and hard work then joining is definitely possible. The strict training and high standards of physical fitness make this a very challenging, yet rewarding, career.

What is the Merchant Navy’s salary?

Merchant Navy Salaries remain rank-dependent and experienced as well as shipping companies. However, this happens to be one of the best-paid professions in the country. While entry-level officers can earn anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 a month, experience with promotion brings the salary to a level of a few lakhs per month for experienced officers. Additionally, such sailors have other benefits like tax benefits, free accommodation, food, and medical insurance.

Is the Merchant Navy a permanent job?

No, the Merchant Navy isn’t considered a career for life, in the usual sense of the phrase. Most Merchant Navy personnel are deployed on contract for whatever length of time from a few months to over a year. Then it’s a case of waiting until the end of the contract comes around before landing shore leave and hopefully signing a new contract. The Merchant Navy practice of working in such cyclical patterns is an integral part of the career.

Get Access to Our
FREE Career Dashboard

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please share the below details.
We will arrange a call back for you.

iDreamCareer

Chat with an Expert

Please fill out the below details to proceed.

iDreamCareer

Get on a call with a Career Expert

You will get a call back on this number.
Chat with Real Experts,
Not Bots!
Ask your career-related questions from Career Counseling Experts.
Stand-out from the crowd! Stay Updated.

Introducing

Personalised Career Dashboard

Explore more information about

Stand-out from the crowd! Stay updated.

Thanks for sharing your details.
Our team will contact you
for further steps 🙂