If sailing the high seas and earning a lucrative salary excites you, then a career in the Merchant Navy might be your perfect fit. Unlike the Indian Navy, the Merchant Navy is a commercial fleet responsible for transporting goods and passengers across international waters. With high salaries, global travel opportunities, and job security, the Merchant Navy is a sought-after career. This guide covers everything—Merchant Navy Salary structure, eligibility, courses, selection process, and career growth.
Contents
The Merchant Navy consists of cargo ships, oil tankers, passenger vessels, and container ships operated by private and government shipping companies. It plays a vital role in global trade, handling 90% of international cargo transport.
| Aspect | Merchant Navy | Indian Navy |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Commercial | Military |
| Role | Transport goods/passengers | National defense |
| Employment | Private/Govt. shipping companies | Government (Defense) |
| Salary | High (Tax-free in some cases) | Fixed pay scales |
Salaries in the Merchant Navy are tax-free for seafarers and vary based on rank, experience, and ship type.
| Rank | Starting Salary (Monthly) | Experienced Salary (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Cadet | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹1,00,000+ |
| Third Officer | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,50,000 | ₹2,00,000+ |
| Second Officer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,50,000+ |
| Chief Officer | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 | ₹4,50,000+ |
| Captain/Master | ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000+ | ₹8,00,000+ |
| Marine Engineer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹5,00,000+ |
(Source: IMO Salary Guidelines)
1. Eligibility Criteria
After 10th Grade
- Courses:
- Deck Rating (3 months)
- Engine Rating (3 months)
- Saloon Rating (4 months)
After 12th (Science Stream – PCM Required)
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
- B.Sc. in Nautical Science
- Marine Engineering Courses
After Graduation (B.Tech/B.E.)
- GME (Graduate Marine Engineer) – 1-year course
- MBA in Shipping & Logistics (For managerial roles)
2. Top Entrance Exams
- IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
- MERI (Marine Engineering Research Institute) Exam
- TS Chanakya Entrance Exam
(Outbound Link: IMU Official Website)
| Course | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) | 1 Year | 12th PCM (60%) |
| B.Sc. Nautical Science | 3 Years | 12th PCM |
| B.Tech Marine Engineering | 4 Years | 12th PCM + JEE |
| GME (Graduate Marine Engineer) | 1 Year | B.E./B.Tech (Mechanical/ Naval) |
(Outbound Link: DG Shipping Approved Courses)
- Deck Department:
- Deck Cadet → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
- Engine Department:
- Engine Cadet → Fourth Engineer → Third Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
- Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
- IMU (Indian Maritime University), Chennai
- LBS College of Advanced Maritime Studies, Mumbai
(Outbound Link: Tolani Maritime Institute)
No, it’s a private-sector commercial shipping job, but some PSUs like SCI hire Merchant Navy officers.
A Captain’s salary ranges between ₹4-8 lakhs/month, depending on experience and ship type.
Yes! Women can pursue careers as Navigation Officers, Marine Engineers, or Cruise Ship Doctors.
Modern ships have advanced safety systems, making it safer than before.
Conclusion
The Merchant Navy offers high salaries, global exposure, and rapid career growth. Whether you join after 10th, 12th, or graduation, there are lucrative opportunities in shipping companies worldwide.
Start your journey today by enrolling in a DG Shipping-approved course!
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