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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

    1. 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.
    1. Age Limit
    • Minimum age: 17 years
    • Maximum age: 25 years (may vary by course)
    1. 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

    1. Diploma & Certificate Courses
    • GP Rating (General Purpose Rating)
    • Saloon Rating
    • Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course
    1. Undergraduate Courses
    • B.Sc. in Nautical Science
    • B.Tech. in Marine Engineering
    • B.E. in Naval Architecture & Offshore Engineering
    • Diploma in Marine Engineering
    1. 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

    1. IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
    2. JEE (Main) for B.Tech Marine Engineering (some institutes accept JEE scores)
    3. 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

    Register Now!

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