Popular Branches
MBA
B.Tech
BBA
BSc
Home > Articles > Merchant Navy in India: Courses, Eligibility, Types, Top 10 Institutes, Fees, Merchant Navy vs Indian Navy and Salary 2023
Updated on 24th January, 2024 , 11 min read
New updates: The following are the new updates for the candidates for the merchant navy-
Financial aid based on the candidate's final qualifying mark is provided.
The Merchant Navy's new selections begin in session 2023-2024.
Limited seats are available in each cohort, and complete job placement is assured.
There are additional educational loan options and opportunities available for 10th, 12th, and ITI, as well as diploma and degree diesel mechanical/electrical students.
The Merchant Navy is a maritime sector in charge of moving cargo and passengers over sea routes. After Class 10, candidates can also study Pre-sea Nautical diploma courses. Candidates who have completed their Class 10+2 can follow Merchant Navy courses and apply for bachelor's degrees. Admission to merchant navy programs is based on merit, as determined by admission tests. Candidates in the merchant navy are educated about shipping management, cargo machines, maritime communication, and navigation fundamentals. In India, the average merchant navy pay ranges from INR 4.5 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA for freshers to INR 37 LPA for experienced personnel.
A merchant navy, sometimes known as a merchant marine, is a fleet of commercial boats registered in a given jurisdiction. Seafarers of various grades, as well as members of maritime labor unions, are obliged under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to carry commercial mariner's documents on commercial ships. Following their involvement in World War I, King George V conferred the moniker "Merchant Navy" to the British commercial shipping fleets; since then, numerous other nations have adopted that designation or a similar "Merchant Marine."
The following table gives details about the merchant navy-
Particulars | Details |
Profession Name | Merchant Navy |
Industry | Maritime Industry |
Official Website | |
Merchant Navy Age Limit |
|
Registration Link | |
Merchant Navy Course Eligibility | The candidate must have completed Class 12 with physics, chemistry, and math as required subjects. |
Merchant Navy Entrance Exam | Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET), JEE Advanced, All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test (AIMNET) |
Merchant Navy Specialization |
|
Merchant Navy Top Colleges in India |
|
Required skills in Merchant Navy | Making Decisions, Working in Groups, Practical understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, Leadership, and Excellent Communication. |
Merchant Navy Salary |
|
Top Recruiters in India | Shipping Corporation of India, Essar. Chowgule Shipping, Great Eastern Shipping |
The current Indian Merchant Navy began before India's independence from the United Kingdom when the SS Loyalty sailed from India to Britain in 1919. In terms of total DWT, India now ranks 15th in the world. India now contributes around 12.8% of officers and 14.5% of ratings to the global maritime community. This is one of the tallest in the world. There are several commercial shipping businesses in India. The Shipping Corporation of India, Essar, and others are among them.
Merchant Navy officers are in high demand in today's globe. During the globalization period, countries interact with international trade, which is mostly carried out by shipping businesses. A career as a Merchant Navy officer will open up several job opportunities in India and abroad. The following are some of the reasons why one should pursue a career in the merchant navy-
There are several types of merchant navy officers. The following two major kinds of Merchant Navy officers-
An engineering officer is in charge of the ship's or cruise ship's machinery maintenance. They are in charge of the propulsion, fuel, and waste systems. An engineering officer is in command of the ship's machinery.
A deck officer is in charge of steering and maneuvering the ship, as well as navigation and communications. The function of a deck officer on a cargo ship is critical since he or she is in charge of ship navigation, cargo handling, strategic and safe management, and delivery, as well as the maintenance of any potentially life-saving equipment.
If an applicant wishes to join the merchant navy in India, he or she should do the following-
Because Merchant Navy courses are provided at the UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate levels, the qualifying criteria for each course change. Depending on the course structure, each degree has distinct qualifying conditions. The following are some common prerequisites for Merchant Navy courses at various levels-
Because there are several types of diploma courses offered, the requirements within each category vary, which are as follows-
Candidates can join any merchant navy firm after passing Class 10 examinations and completing a pre-sea nautical diploma program. Candidates must be physically fit in addition to having Merchant Navy certifications. The following are some of the steps to follow-
To sit for an entrance test or enroll in a Merchant Navy short-term course, candidates must have completed Class 10 and Class 12 from a recognized board with minimum grades in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
To obtain a well-recognized degree in the Merchant Navy, one must pass admissions tests. Many colleges and institutions admit students depending on their 12th-grade passing rate. The Merchant Navy entrance exams are as follows-
JEE Mains: Joint Entrance Examination Main |
JEE Mains: Joint Entrance Examination Advanced |
HIMT-OET: Hindustan Institute of Maritime Online Entrance Test |
AIMNET: All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test |
IMU-CET: Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test |
TMI-BITS-EE: Tolani Maritime Institute- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Entrance Examination |
*The MERI admissions exam and the TMISAT Entrance Exam are two more Merchant Navy admissions exams that individuals can take after graduating from high school.
To pursue a successful career in the Merchant Navy, a bachelor's degree program in a comparable specialization is required. A Merchant Navy bachelor's program might last anywhere from three to four years. One can register for the following Merchant Navy bachelors programs-
B.E. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering |
B.E. in Offshore Engineering |
B.Tech in Civil Engineering |
B.Tech in Marine Engineering |
If the candidate has completed their bachelor's degree, they can seek a job right away or pursue a master's degree if they so desire. Some master's programs for the Merchant Navy are as follows-
M.E. in Marine Engineering |
M.E. in Naval Engineering |
M.E. in Offshore Engineering |
M.Tech in Dredging and Harbour Engineering |
M.Tech in Marine Engineering |
M.Tech in Naval Architecture |
Lateral Entry into the second year of Marine Engineering in the Merchant Navy For maritime design projects certified by the Directorate General of Shipping, direct admission is also available. There are two ways to ensure LE placements in Marine Engineering Programs-
Students who apply to prestigious maritime studies institutes may be eligible for sponsored admission to Merchant Navy courses. They can seek assistance from big marine organizations. If these organizations recognize a student's promise, they will fund both their education and their involvement in the shipper naval force.
The following are the qualifying requirements for the merchant navy-
Tattoos and body piercings are not forbidden in the Merchant Navy. In fact, sailors are the progenitors of nautical tattoo culture. The maritime academies, on the other hand, have severe disciplinary criteria and expect officers to possess specific characteristics. As a result, if an applicant has odd piercings and tattoos, it may be considered unacceptable.
There are several Merchant Navy courses available for students with scientific, commercial, or artistic backgrounds. After finishing Class 12, you can apply for the merchant navy courses listed below-
Course Name | Duration |
BBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management |
3 Years |
B Sc Nautical Science | |
B E Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering |
4 Years |
B E Marine Engineering | |
B E Harbour & Ocean Engineering | |
BBA Shipping | 3 Years |
B E Mechanical Engineering |
4 Years |
B E Civil Engineering | |
B Sc Marine Catering | 3 Years |
B E Petroleum Engineering | 4 Years |
The following is the list of popular Merchant Navy specializations-
Course Name | Duration |
GP Rating course |
6 months |
Saloon Rating Course | |
Deck Rating Course | |
NCV course | |
Engine Rating course | |
Diploma in Nautical Science | 1 Year |
STCW Basic Safety Training | 5 days |
Electro-Technical Officer Course | 4 months |
Commercial Diving Course |
6 months |
General Purpose Rating Course |
To obtain a better understanding of a career as a Merchant Navy officer, it is normally useful to enroll in an internship. Regardless of how much practical learning experience the institution or university provides, working for a firm or organization will provide with real-world experience. Internships are an excellent way to get experience. Many government and commercial shipping enterprises offer Merchant Navy internship programs.
The Merchant Navy fees in India vary based on a variety of things, such as the college one chooses, the program, the term, and so on. The following table provides a comprehensive picture of the Merchant Navy course fees in India with respective colleges-
Name of the College | Course | Fees (INR) |
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training (MANET) | B.Sc. (Nautical Science) | Rs. 9 Lakh |
B.Tech (Marine Engineering) | Rs. 13 Lakh | |
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies | B.Tech. in Marine Engineering | Rs. 15 Lakh |
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) | Rs. 5 Lakh | |
B.Sc. in Nautical Science | Rs. 12 Lakh | |
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) | B.Tech Nautical Technology | Rs. 13 Lakh |
B.Tech Marine Engineering | Rs. 14.30 Lakh | |
Vels Academy of Maritime Studies | B E Marine Engineering | Rs. 10 Lakh |
B Sc Nautical Science | Rs. 8 Lakh | |
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) |
Rs. 3 Lakh | |
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) | ||
Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering (ITME) | B.Tech in Marine Engineering | Rs. 3 Lakh |
B.Tech in Nautical Science | Rs. 2 Lakh |
These colleges have been authorized by the Directorate of Shipping, and the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India has approved them for personnel training. The following are some of the best Merchant Navy colleges in India with their locations-
Name of the College | Location |
Pune | |
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies | Mumbai |
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) | Pune |
International Maritime Institute (IMI) | Delhi |
Vels Academy of Maritime Studies | Chennai |
B.P. Marine Academy Navi | Mumbai |
Coimbatore Marine College (CMC) | Coimbatore |
Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering (ITME) | Kolkata |
Indian Maritime University (IMU) | Chennai |
TS Rahaman | Mumbai |
Merchant Navy is one of the top paying jobs in India and throughout the world. Sailors are paid well since working on a ship is considered a challenging profession. The remuneration of a merchant navy officer in India varies according to their position in the company's hierarchy. Naval officers are typically awarded six-figure salaries. The average merchant navy pay in India for freshers is between INR 4.5 LPA and INR 5.5 LPA. Once in the merchant navy, a candidate's pay might rise to INR 37 LPA on average.
The beginning of the Merchant Navy income range from INR 25,000 and INR 30,000 and it is subject to vary depending on tests and achievements.
After the 12th class, the lowest Merchant Navy compensation in India is INR 25,000 per month, while the maximum compensation is INR 10 lakhs per month. The following is a wage range for a merchant navy career-
Post | Qualification Requirements | Field Requisite | Average Merchant NAvy Salary (Approx) INR |
G P Rating | Class 10 | 4 + 2 months of pre-sea course | Rs. 25k to 60k per month |
Trainee Cadet |
Class 12 along with Pre-Sea Nautical Diploma | 1 year pre-sea course |
Rs. 25k to 85k per month |
Deck Cadet | 18 months of service at sea | ||
3rd / 2ndOfficer | 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency | 18 months of service at sea | Rs. 1.50 - 3 lakh per month |
Chief Officer | 1st Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency | 18 months of service at sea | Rs. 4 - 6 lakh per month |
Captain | Master (FG) Certificate of Competency | 4 to 5 years of experience | Rs. 8.65 - 20 lakh per month |
Aside from academic and medical qualifications, a candidate should have specific interpersonal qualities that will help him or her perform well at work. The following are the qualifications that a candidate must possess in order to be a successful Merchant Navy officer-
Good leadership abilities are required since there will come a moment when you will be in control and crew members will look to you for big and effective choices. You will be able to handle your work obligations and crew members effectively if you have leadership qualities.
A voyage in the Merchant Navy might be lengthy without ever seeing land. This can be harmful to individuals who are not psychologically strong enough. As a result, a Merchant Navy officer must have strong mental fortitude.
A Merchant Navy officer's career requires extensive travel across the oceans and seas, and they should be physically fit and powerful so that they can stay afloat and avoid seasickness.
Candidates should also have a great enthusiasm for sailing, patience, problem-solving skills, logical and analytical thinking, and a practical grasp of physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Many candidates mistake the Merchant Navy for the Indian Navy while deciding on a career as a Merchant Navy officer. To have a better understanding, the table below differentiates between the Merchant Navy and the Indian Navy-
Factors | Merchant Navy | Indian Navy |
Meaning | It refers to commercial marine services that include both products and people shipping to and from various locations across the world. | It is a country's naval military branch, which is also known as the Defense Navy. |
Payscale | International organizations like the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) set wage standards in navy commerce. | It is decided on the candidate's rank and overall work experience. Furthermore, the pay scale is determined by the laws of the country and differs in each country. |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must have at least a 60% aggregate in Class 10 and 12 as well as a 60% English score in Class 10 or 12. | Candidates have at least a 60% in Science (PCM). In addition, the candidate must have a minimum of 50% in English and be unmarried at the time of application. |
Pilot Salary in India 2024: Starting Salary, Requirements, Qualifications, Per Month Salary
By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readAns. All social networking sites, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other messengers, will be prohibited at navy facilities and ships. Smartphones were not authorized onboard ships or naval locations. As a result, phones are not permitted in the merchant marine.
Ans. The bulk of shipping companies work on a contract basis, hence the merchant navy employment is neither permanent nor temporary. Your employment type, however, is determined by your employer’s contract and terms.
Ans. The merchant navy’s mission is to transport goods from one point to another. It is the most vital aspect of the global economy. Ships deliver more than 90% of all merchandise worldwide.
Ans. Yes, tattoos are permitted in the merchant navy. In commercial ships, tattoos and piercings are not forbidden.
Ans. A candidate must have passed a Class 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized.