Is Merchant Navy a Good Career?

Merchant navy is a career often overlooked by many, but it is one of the most promising career choices. If you are looking for a career that offers adventure, travel, and a decent paycheck, this could be your career. In this article, we will dive into the world of the merchant navy and explore why it is a good career choice.

What is the Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy is a commercial ship fleet that transports goods, cargo, and passengers across the sea. The ships are owned by private companies and governments and are operated by trained professionals. It is a global industry that is crucial in international trade and commerce.

Merchant Navy comprises various departments, including navigation, engineering, catering, and deck. Each department requires specialized professionals who work together to ensure the smooth sailing of the ship.

Eligibility Criteria

To join the merchant navy, one needs to fulfill specific eligibility criteria. The candidate should have completed high school education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their core subjects. The age limit to join the merchant navy is 17 to 25 years.

The candidate should also have good eyesight, hearing, and physical fitness. They should not have any criminal record and should be mentally stable.

Training and Education

To join the merchant navy, one must undergo specialized training and education. Various institutes and academies across the world provide the training. The training includes classroom and practical training, preparing the candidate for life at sea.

The candidate must obtain a Certificate of Competency (COC) to work as an officer on the ship. The COC is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK and other regulatory bodies in other countries.

Job Opportunities

Merchant Navy offers a wide range of job opportunities across various departments. The job roles include:

Navigation officer
Marine engineer
Radio officer
Electrician
Cook
Steward

The job opportunities are not limited to just working on ships. One can also work on offshore platforms, research vessels, and cruise liners.

Pay Scale

The pay scale for the Merchant Navy in the USA varies depending on the position, experience, and type of ship. However, the median salary for merchant mariners is around $55,000 per year. The range of salaries can vary from $27,000 up to $120,000 per year.

Here is a breakdown of the average salary for some of the most common Merchant Navy positions in the USA:

Captain: $100,000-$250,000 per year
Chief Mate: $70,000-$150,000 per year
Second Mate: $55,000-$100,000 per year
Third Mate: $45,000-$80,000 per year
Able Seaman: $35,000-$65,000 per year
Ordinary Seaman: $27,000-$50,000 per year

Pros and Cons

Like any other career, the merchant navy has its pros and cons. Some of the pros include:

High salary
Travel opportunities
Adventure and excitement
Job security

Some of the cons include:

Long working hours
Time away from family and friends
Challenging work environment
Risk of accidents

How to Apply?

To apply for the Merchant Navy in India, you must follow these steps:

Meet the eligibility criteria. You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks. You must also be unmarried and have normal vision.
Clear the entrance exams. You must clear either the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main or the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET).
Pass the medical fitness test. You must undergo a medical fitness test by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
Apply for admission to a Merchant Navy training institute. There are many government and private Merchant Navy training institutes in India. You can apply to any of these institutes after clearing the entrance exams and medical fitness tests.
Complete your pre-sea training. You must complete a pre-sea training course after being admitted to a Merchant Navy training institute. This course will teach you the basics of seafaring and navigation.
Undergo onboard training. After completing your pre-sea training, you must undergo onboard training on a merchant ship. This training will give you hands-on experience of working on a ship.
Appear for the Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam. After completing your onboard training, you must appear for the CoC exam conducted by the DGS. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible to work as a Merchant Navy officer.

Some of the most common roles in the merchant navy

The merchant navy is a diverse industry that employs professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise. Here are some of the most common roles in the merchant navy:

Deck officer: A deck officer is responsible for the ship’s safe navigation, including managing the crew and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.
Engineering officer: An engineering officer is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the ship’s mechanical systems, including the engines, generators, and other equipment.
Electro-technical officer: An electro-technical officer is responsible for the ship’s electrical and electronic systems, including communication and navigation equipment.
Rating: A rating is a crew member who performs general tasks on the ship, such as cleaning, cooking, and maintenance.
Captain: The captain is the overall leader of the ship and is responsible for the safety of the crew, cargo, and ship.
Chief engineer: The chief engineer is responsible for the ship’s mechanical systems, including the engines, generators, and other equipment. They supervise the engineering team and ensure the ship’s systems function correctly.
Able Seaman: An able seaman is a skilled crew member who assists with various tasks on the ship, such as mooring, cargo handling, and navigation.
Radio officer: A radio officer is responsible for maintaining communication between the ship and shore and other ships and aircraft.

FAQs

What is the age limit to join the merchant navy?

The age limit to join the merchant navy is 17 to 25 years.

What are the job opportunities in the merchant navy?

The job opportunities in the merchant navy include navigation officer, marine engineer, radio officer, electrician, cook, and steward.

What is the pay scale in the merchant navy?

The pay scale in the merchant navy depends on rank, experience, and type of ship. The starting salary for a fresher can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per month.

What are the eligibility criteria to join the merchant navy?

The eligibility criteria to join the merchant navy include completing high school education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects, good eyesight, hearing, and physical fitness, and no criminal record.

What is the training required to join the merchant navy?

To join the merchant navy, one must undergo specialized training and education, including classroom sessions and practical training. The candidate must obtain a Certificate of Competency (COC) to work as an officer on the ship.

Conclusion

Merchant navy is a promising career choice for those looking for adventure, travel, and a decent paycheck. It offers various job opportunities across various departments and pays well. However, life at sea can be challenging, and one needs to be mentally and physically prepared for it.