Many young people are enticed to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy by the prospect of large remunerations, as well as the chance to see the globe through the lens of a traveler's passport and the excitement of a high-stakes adventure at sea. The Merchant Navy is distinct from the Navy in that it provides services that are commercial in nature, as opposed to the Navy, which is primarily concerned with the protection of a nation's borders.
The Merchant Navy is the most important component of international commerce since it is responsible for transporting goods all over the globe. To transport and deliver commodities from one nation to another, merchant ships depend on the efforts of a large number of crew members. Without the assistance of the merchant navy, a significant portion of the trade involved in importing and exporting goods would come to a screeching end.
People who have a strong desire to see the world often think that a job in the merchant marine must be one of the most exciting and exciting jobs in the world. It offers the possibility of traveling to unusual and interesting locations all over the world. A career in the Merchant Navy is not only financially lucrative, but also enjoyable, although it may be rather difficult at times.
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The Criteria for Eligibility
To be eligible for the merchant navy, one must have completed their secondary education with a passing grade in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Candidates are required to be single Indian nationals who have never been married (male or female).
Vision must be normal, however those who use glasses with a plus or minus 2.5 diopter correction may still be considered.
The process of admission consists of an entrance examination, then a screening test, and finally a primary written examination.
After successfully completing the test, the next steps include an interview and a medical examination.
Additionally, before to beginning work, you will be required to finish a ship training course. The training lasts for a very short period of time and focuses on teaching the applicants the fundamentals of maritime safety.
There are a number of private institutions, some of which also provide instruction for the merchant marine. These educational facilities are responsible for preparing students for careers such as deck cadets and marine engineers.
How to Join the Merchant Navy After Completing Your 12th Year
You are qualified to enroll in the following merchant navy courses after you have completed class 12:
Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science
Diploma in Marine Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering degrees in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering
B.E. Petroleum Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Design
Harbor and Ocean Engineering from BE Harbour & Ocean
Bachelor of Engineering, Civil
Bachelor of Engineering degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Marine Catering Bachelor of Science
Instruction for Electro Technical Officers
How to Join the Merchant Navy After Completing Your 10th Grade
Following your tenth grade education, you may choose to enroll in one of the following merchant navy courses:
Voyage Very Close to the Coast (NCV)
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
Diving for Commercial Purposes
G.P. Rating
Examinations for Entry into the Merchant Navy
After finishing the 12th grade, students who are interested in the maritime industry have the opportunity to take either the All India Merchant Navy Entrance Exam or the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET). During the month of May, students are often put through this test. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI) Entrance Exam, and the Transportation and Maritime Studies Admissions Test (TIMSAT) are the additional examinations that have the potential to act as entryways into the Marine Engineering field.
Qualifications Required to Apply:
10th place overall for the GP rating Course.
10+2 with a PCM score of 60% is required for Deck cadet and Engine cadet positions.
The application for the test may be submitted through the internet. Applicants are required to submit, in addition to the application form, a short narrative of no more than one hundred words in which they explain why they desire to apply for a position in the Merchant Navy.
This examination follows the format of multiple-choice questions and covers a wide range of topics, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, English, general knowledge, and reasoning.
Employment Opportunities in the Merchant Navy
Huge numbers of job openings are waiting to be filled in this industry. Candidates who have accomplished the basic training in merchant navy may very simply acquire positions via a variety of placement agencies and consultancies. The fleet of a merchant navy consists of many different types of ships, including cargo ships, container ships, barge carrying ships, tankers, bulk carriers, refrigeration ships, passenger ships, and roll off/roll on ships. When compared to the other industries, the likelihood of getting work on cargo ships is much higher.
Companies that operate commercial ships need staff members who have received enough training and are able to manage and maintain the ships. These businesses include, but are not limited to: Chevron and Mobil of the United States, Wallem Ship Management of Hong Kong, Denholm of the United Kingdom, K Line, Bibby Ship Management, d'Amico, and others. The Maritime Corporation of India, Great Eastern Shipping, Essar Shipping, and Chowgule Shipping are only few of the shipping businesses that are based in India. It is essential to have properly educated personnel working in the ship's three primary departments: the deck, the engine room, and the service department.
In addition, employment possibilities may be found in both public and private shipping enterprises in India, such as the Shipping Corporation of India, clearing houses, del credere agents, and other similar businesses.
Merchant navy job profiles
Officer of the deck (navigation officer)
Officer of the Electro-Technical Division (ETO)
Engineer
Ratings are experienced sailors who assist all officers in completing their day-to-day responsibilities.
Staff for catering and hospitality (pursers, stewards, chef, housekeeper etc.)
Pay and Benefits for Those in the Merchant Navy
Although the pay structure varies from business to company, city to city, the export-import demands, seniority, and other factors, the remuneration for a merchant mariner may be anywhere from 12,000 to 80,000 rupees per month. This is despite the fact that the pay structure varies. On board, complimentary meals are provided to all officers and crew members, and senior officers are permitted to bring their spouses along for the journey.
While signed on board the vessel, a Junior Engineer aboard a ship might earn around Rs. 30,000 per month and get free accommodation and lodging in exchange for their services. On a ship, the position of Second Engineer is the next step up, and the highest level is Chief Engineer. Your compensation will steadily go up in proportion to the number of promotions you get. After taking into account all applicable taxes, the monthly income of a Chief Engineer at sea often exceeds Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The time it takes for a Junior Engineer Officer to advance to the rank of Chief Engineer ranges from roughly five to seven years, depending on the individual's talents and the employment prospects that are now available.
The compensation of a Third Officer is around Rs. 50,000 per month, in addition to free board and accommodation while serving on board.
The positions of Second Officer, Chief Officer, and Captain are the next ones up on the ship's seniority ladder in ascending order. The salary package for a captain is at least 2 lakhs Indian rupees (or more) each month after taxes. It might take anywhere from six to eight years for a Third Officer to be promoted to the rank of Captain, depending on the individual's skills and the career options that are currently available.
In addition to this, duty-free access is granted to a selection of foreign alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, tinned goods, and cosmetics. Additionally, they are eligible for a leave of absence of four months every year. The fact that a merchant navy professional does not have to file a tax return on the money they make is a fascinating and unusual circumstance.
Those that have a strong desire to see the world could find a home in the merchant marine. In spite of the lengthy stretches of time spent alone, there is no denying the appeal of having the chance to travel all over the globe while earning a living at the same time.