For people who want to work at sea, travel the world, and make a lot of money, the Merchant Navy is an exciting and lucrative career choice. The Merchant Navy is a commercial shipping industry that ships people, goods, and petroleum all over the world, in contrast to the Indian Navy, which is primarily focused on defense.
Many aspirants want to know:
✔ What is the eligibility to join the Merchant Navy?
✔ Which entrance exams should I clear?
✔ What are the best courses for joining the Merchant Navy?
✔ What is the maximum salary in the Merchant Navy?
Everything you need to know about joining the Merchant Navy after completing your tenth, twelfth, or graduation is covered in this comprehensive guide.
What is the Merchant Navy?
📌 The Merchant Navy is a commercial shipping company that ships passengers, chemicals, petroleum, crude oil, and goods across international waters.
📌 In contrast to the Indian Navy, which is a component of the armed forces, the Merchant Navy is a privately owned and government-run shipping company.
📌 The major job roles in the Merchant Navy include:
✔ Deck Officers: In charge of ship navigation.
✔ Marine Engineers: In charge of maintaining and repairing ship machinery.
✔ Catering staff: Manage cuisine and guest services..
Why Pick Merchant Navy as a career?
✔ High Salary Packages: Monthly salaries range from ₹30,000 to ₹2.5 lakh.
✔ Tax-Free Income: Your pay is tax-free if you spend more than 183 days in international waters.
✔ Explore the World for Free: Get compensated to travel to various nations.
✔ Job Security: Skilled seafarers are in high demand worldwide.
✔ Quick Promotions: Compared to most industries, career
💡 For people looking for adventure, financial security, and a prestigious career, the Merchant Navy is the perfect fit.
Eligibility Criteria to Enroll in the Merchant Navy
📌 Basic Eligibility to Join the Merchant Navy:
✔ Age Limit:
- Minimum 17 years for officer-level courses.
- Maximum 25 years (relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
✔ Educational Qualification:
- 10th Pass: Eligible for GP Rating & Deck Cadet courses.
- 12th Pass (Science PCM 60 %+): Eligible for B.Sc. Nautical Science, B.Tech. Marine Engineering.
- Graduates (Engineering Degree Holders): Eligible for Graduate Marine Engineering (GME).
✔ Medical & Physical Requirements:
- You must be medically fit and have 6/6 vision (no colour blindness).
- Should not suffer from respiratory conditions or chronic illnesses.
Ways to Join the Merchant Navy
1. After 10th (GP Rating & Deck Cadet)
✔ GP Rating Course (General Purpose Rating) – A 6-month course for deck & engine crew.
✔ Deck Cadet Course – Short-term training for deck cadet jobs.
📌 Job Roles After Completion:
✔ Deck Crew, Engine Crew, Seaman, Fitter, Welder.
2. After 12th (Officer-Level Entry)
✔ B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years) – For Deck Officers.
✔ B.Tech. Marine Engineering (4 years) – For Marine Engineers.
✔ B.E. Naval Architecture (4 years) – For Shipbuilding & Design.
📌 Job Roles After Completion:
✔ Third Officer (Deck Officer) – Navigating the ship.
✔ Junior Engineer (Marine Engineer) – Managing ship machinery.
💡 Best option for students who want to become officers in the Merchant Navy.
3. After Graduation (Lateral Entry)
✔ Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) – 1-year course (for B.Tech Mechanical / Electrical engineers).
✔ Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course – For electrical engineers.
📌 Job Roles After Completion:
✔ Marine Engineer, Chief Engineer, Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).
💡 Best for engineering graduates seeking a career at sea.
Merchant Navy Entrance Exams
📌 Officer-Level Entry Exams:
✔ Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET): Required for B.Sc. and
B.Tech. programs in nautical science.
✔ JEE Advanced – For T.S. Chanakya, MERI Kolkata, and DMET.
✔ TMI SAT (Tolani Maritime Institute Exam) – For deck officer courses.
💡 GP Rating courses do not require entrance exams; direct admission is available.
Top Merchant Navy Courses
| Course Name | Duration | Eligibility |
| B.Sc. Nautical Science | 3 Years | 12th PCM 60% |
| B.Tech. Marine Engineering | 4 Years | 12th PCM 60% |
| Diploma in Nautical Science | 1 Year | 12th PCM 60% |
| Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) | 1 Year | B.Tech (Mechanical/Electrical) |
| GP Rating | 6 Months | 10th Pass |
Career Advancements and Pay in the Merchant Navy
📌 Starting Salary: ₹30,000 – ₹2,50,000 per month.
📌 Career Progression:
✔ Deck Department:
- Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain.
✔ Engineering Department:
- Junior Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer.
💡 Promotions and experience lead to a significant increase in salary.
Conclusion
A thrilling career option that provides high pay, international exposure, and quick career advancement is joining the Merchant Navy. The industry offers a variety of entry pathways, regardless of whether you join after finishing your tenth, twelfth, or graduation. A successful career at sea is achievable with the right education, commitment, and certifications.
🚢 Today, embark on your ideal career path in the Merchant Navy! 🌊
FAQs for How to Join the Merchant Navy?
Ans. No, PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math) is mandatory for officer-level courses.
Ans. No, the shipping industry is both private and commercial, though some businesses are owned by the government.
Ans. Promotions have an impact on tenure, but most officers retire between the ages of 55 and 60.