How to Join Merchant Navy?
 ​Do You Dream of Becoming Rich 
&
TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD?

Then take a Job in Merchant Navy...

What other job gives you an opportunity to  travel around the world while thousands of dollars are deposited in your bank account every month? 
There is no other job that offers you this kind of lifestyle”
So, It must be really difficult to get this type of Job! Luckily, it’s not difficult at all and before I explain you how to get into this field, I will introduce myself. 

I’ve worked on board different ships as a Chief Engineer over the past 30 years.   Also worked in shipyard to supervise ship building and as a Technical Superintendent in Technical and crew management.  

I have traveled whole world while earning more money than I ever dreamt  of… and I thank my job in Merchant Navy for it!

.What is Merchant Navy?

​Dry, liquid, Gases carrying ships, Passenger ships, Cruise lines, Offshore support vessels and any other ships engaged in busioness commercial activities other than Naval Ships is called  Merchant  Navy .

Why should you join Merchant Navy?

  • Very Good Salary (Exempted from Income Tax). You can earn from US$ 1500 to US$ 12,000.
  • Very Fast  promotions ( You can see very young people as Captains and Chief Engineers)
  • No expenses while on board. Free accommodation and food.
  • Visit countries all over the world.
  • Long leave to plan your dream vacations.

Which career should I chose in Merchant Navy?
​

​You can choose to become deck officer or Marine Engineer as there are two departments on board ship, namely Deck department and Engine department. 

3.1 Deck Department : Captain is incharge of the ship. There are three deck officers namely Chief Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer, and one or two trainee cadets and Crew ( About Crew, I will discuss later). Your career as  Officer in deck department starts as Cadet.  Deck department is responsible for running (driving) the ship, maintenance of deck, cargo holds, tanks etc.  They are also responsible for supervision of cargo loading and unloading.   
3.2 Engine Department: Chief Engineer is incharge of the engine department and under him There are three three engineers namely Second, Engineer, Third Engineer, Junior Engineer and one or two trainee cadets and Crew ( About Crew, I will discuss later). Your career as  Engineer starts as Cadet or Junior engineer. Engine department is responsible for the running and maintenance of all ship's machinery such as Main engine, diesel generators, boiler and various other machinery on board.

Whether career as Deck Officer in Merchant Navy is better than any other career option?

It depends.  If you are really very  bright student then you have plenty of opportunities other than joining Merchant Navy. I will not discuss them here as it is different subject.  But if you are an average student then the career at sea is better option. Why?
A  student  who passes  hi s 10+2 exams  and  must spend  at least  another 4 y ears  in college to  become eligible  for a  job in  the particular  field.

Whereas  a candidate who  wishes to become deck officer ,  has   to undergo only  1 year of training at  an approved institute and then starts earning ( he gets stipend) whilst  doing  the on board  training.  Moreover the stipend  received during  the  training period  itself   is  higher  than  the starting salaries ashore.

When normal graduate from other field is still looking for a job, candidate who has joined as deck officer trainee, complets his training and start earning about Rs 1 lakh per month ( tax free)
​

​Whether career as Marine Engineer in Merchant Navy is better than any other career option

​If you are 12th pass and very bright in studies then this may not be a career for you as you have plenty of opportunities away from sea.  But for an average student this career can prove better alternative.

If you are Engineering graduate from I.I.T./ other similar prestigious engineering colleges / government engineering colleges then I will definitely ask you to think it over again before joining merchant Navy.  If you want to go abroad for studies or want to settle abroad then this career is not a good option.  

For average students or graduates from private engineering colleges, this option is better than any other field as that is highly competative.  Here there is no competition. You clear your exams and will be promoted in due course. After about 7 to 10 years, you can be promoted as Chief Engineer whose everage salary starts at  USD 8,000/-

What is Merchant Navy Eligibility?

Min 10th Pass is required to Join Merchant Navy as GP Rating.
12th Science pass is required to join as Deck officer or Marine engineer.  Further 3 to 4 years course has to be completed in any Merchant Navy Academy.
Science graduates, mechanical  diploma holders or mechanical engineering graduates can also join Merchant navy. See Career as deck officer or Career as Marine engineer sections for more details.
Electrical diploma holders / electrical engineering graduates can join Merchant Navy as electrical engineer.

How to Join Merchant Navy after X / XII / B.E /B.Tech?

​After 10th, you can not join as deck officer or marine engineer in merchant navy.  You can join as GP rating.  Read more about how to join merchant navy as GP rating in the section "Career as GP rating"
After passing 12th (Science only), you can either choose a career as deck officer or a marine engineer depending upon your liking.  
To join as a deck officer, read more in the section "Career as Deck Officer"
To join as a marine engineer, read more in the section "Career as Marine Engineer"
Mechanical engineering graduates can join as Marine engineer after doing 12 months course in approved institute.  To join as a marine engineer, read more in the section "Career as Marine Engineer"

What is Merchant Navy Salary?

Biggest advantage of working in Merchant Navy is that you earn tax free salary.  When you stay more than 6 months outside India, you get NRI status and your salary is tax free. You don't have to pay income tax in India.  Salaries for various ranks on bulk carriers / container ships are as given below. Most of the companies pay similar salaries so that they can retain their employees.  Salaries on oil tankers / gas tankers are about 20 to 30 percent higher.

Rank                                                               Approx. Salary in US $
Master (Captain) / Chief Engineer            8000 to 10,000+
Chief Officer / Second Engineer                6000 to 8000+
Second Officer / Third Engineer                3000 to 5000+
Third Officer / Fourth Engineer                  1500 to 2500+
Electrical Officer                                           3000 to 6000+
Junior Engineer                                            1000 to 1200 +
Deck cadet / Engine Cadet                           500 to 800 +
GP Rating                                                             1000 to 2000 +​