The Merchant Navy is a thriving industry transporting goods and passengers through the sea. It is commonly known as "Merchant Marine" and plays a crucial role in the global shipping sector, making it a vital component of any nation's economy. Merchant Navy has become a popular course after Engineering with a handsome pay package and diverse job opportunities. Due to most global business operations being carried out via sea routes, the Merchant Navy holds a high prestige worldwide. This industry is a collaborative effort between several nations operating various types of vessels. 

Merchant navy involves operating and managing ships transporting goods and people across oceans and other water bodies. A career in the merchant navy can be a rewarding and adventurous experience for those passionate about ships, oceans, and travel. However, getting into the merchant navy can be challenging, especially for those new to this field. 

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get into the merchant navy, including career prospects and salary details.

What is the Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy is a commercial ship fleet carrying cargo and passengers across the world's oceans and other water bodies. The merchant navy is responsible for transporting raw materials, finished products, food items, and passengers such as tourists, cruise enthusiasts, and military personnel. The merchant navy is essential for global trade and commerce and plays a significant role in the world's economy.

Merchant Navy Career Prospects

A career in the merchant navy offers a wide range of job opportunities, depending on one's qualifications, experience, and interests. Some of the most popular career prospects in the merchant navy are:

• Deck Officer: A deck officer is responsible for the ship's navigation, safety, and security. They are responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's navigation equipment, communicating with other ships and the shore, and ensuring that the ship follows all the safety protocols.
• Engineer Officer: An engineer officer is responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's engines and other mechanical systems. They are responsible for ensuring that the ship's machinery works efficiently and that any repairs or maintenance are on time.
• Electro-Technical Officer: An electro-technical officer is responsible for the ship's electrical systems, including the generators, switchboards, and other electrical equipment. They are responsible for ensuring that the ship's electrical systems work efficiently and that any repairs or maintenance are on time.
• Ratings: Ratings are the crew members who assist the officers in the ship's day-to-day operations. They are responsible for maintaining the ship's cleanliness, assisting in cargo operations, and helping with the navigation and safety of the ship.
• Catering and Hospitality: The catering and hospitality department is responsible for the ship's food and beverage services, including preparing and serving meals and drinks to the crew and passengers.

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Merchant Navy Salary Details

The salary in the merchant navy varies depending on the job role, company, and experience. However, the merchant navy is known for offering competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits. The following are the estimated salaries for some of the famous job roles in the merchant navy:

• Deck Officer: The starting salary for a deck officer is around $3000 per month, which can increase to $8000 per month with experience.
• Engineer Officer: The starting salary for an engineer officer is around $3500 per month, which can increase to $9000 per month with experience.
• Electro-Technical Officer: The starting salary for an electro-technical officer is around $4000 per month, which can increase to $10000 per month with experience.
• Ratings: The starting salary for a rating is around $1200 per month, which can increase to $3000 per month with experience.
• Catering and Hospitality: The starting salary for the catering and hospitality department is around $1000 per month, which can increase to $3000 per month with experience.

How to Get Into the Merchant Navy?

Getting into the merchant navy requires a specific set of qualifications and certifications. The following are the steps to get into the merchant navy:

Educational Qualifications 

To enter the merchant navy, one must have completed their 10+2 education with a minimum of 60% marks in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Some institutes may also require a minimum of 50% marks in English.

Age Limit

The age limit to join the merchant navy is 17.5 to 25 years for the officer's entry-level. However, the age limit for ratings can vary depending on the company's policies.

Medical Fitness

One must be medically fit per the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, to be eligible for the merchant navy. The medical examination includes a physical fitness test, vision test, hearing test, and a drug test.

Entrance Exams

One must clear the entrance exams conducted by maritime institutes and companies. These entrance exams test the candidate's aptitude, reasoning, and English language skills.

Maritime Training

After clearing the entrance exams, one must undergo pre-sea training in a maritime institute. The duration of the pre-sea training varies depending on the job role, and it can range from six months to one year. The pre-sea training includes theoretical and practical training in navigation, marine engineering, and maritime laws.

Certifications

After completing the pre-sea training, one must obtain the required certifications to work in the merchant navy. The certifications include a certificate of competency, a certificate of proficiency, and STCW certificates.

Job Placement

After completing the pre-sea training and obtaining the required certifications, one can apply for job placement in the merchant navy. The job placement can be done through maritime institutes or directly with shipping companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sure, here are four frequently asked questions related to getting into the merchant navy:

What are the eligibility criteria to join the merchant navy?

Ans: The eligibility criteria to join the merchant navy include educational qualifications, age limit, medical fitness, and entrance exams. One must have completed their 10+2 education with a minimum of 60% marks in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The age limit to join the merchant navy is generally between 17.5 to 25 years for the officer's entry level, and one must be medically fit as per the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000.

What is the duration of pre-sea training in the merchant navy?

Ans: The duration of pre-sea training in the merchant navy varies depending on the job role, ranging from six months to one year. The pre-sea training includes theoretical and practical training in navigation, marine engineering, and maritime laws.

What are the certifications required to work in the merchant navy?

Ans: The certifications required to work in the merchant navy include a certificate of competency, proficiency, and STCW certificates. These certifications are mandatory and are issued by the maritime authorities after completing the required training and passing the necessary exams.

What is the salary in the merchant navy?

Ans: The salary in the merchant navy varies depending on the job role, company, and experience. However, the merchant navy is known for offering competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits. The starting salary for a deck officer is around $3000 per month, which can increase to $8000 per month with experience. The starting salary for an engineer officer is around $3500 per month, which can increase to $9000 per month with experience.