What is Merchant Navy in 2025?

The Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade and commerce, comprising a fleet of commercial ships responsible for transporting goods, raw materials, and passengers across global waters. Unlike the regular navy, which is tasked with the defense of a nation’s waters, the Merchant Navy operates in the commercial domain, ensuring the smooth functioning of the global economy.

Core Functions of the Merchant Navy:

• Cargo Transportation: Facilitates the movement of goods like oil, machinery, consumer products, and agricultural commodities.
• Passenger Services: Provides cruise and ferry services for international and domestic travelers.
• Economic Contribution: Plays a pivotal role in connecting markets, supporting industries, and bolstering international trade relations.

Significance in Global Economy:

• Essential for International Trade: Over 90% of global trade relies on maritime transport.
• Sustainability: Ships are considered one of the most environmentally efficient modes of transport, reducing the carbon footprint compared to road and air transport.
• Employment Generator: The industry provides millions of job opportunities worldwide in various roles, both onboard ships and in port operations.

What are the Qualifications for Merchant Navy? 

Criteria	Details
Educational Requirements	– Minimum qualification: 10th grade for entry-level positions. – 12th-grade pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for officer-level jobs. – Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering or Nautical Science for higher ranks.
Physical Fitness	Candidates must pass medical examinations, including eyesight and physical health tests.
Age Limit	Generally, the age limit ranges from 17 to 25 years.

Top Courses for Merchant Navy:

To pursue a career in the Merchant Navy, several specialized courses are available. These courses equip candidates with the skills and knowledge required for various roles onboard ships.

Course Name	Duration	Focus	Eligibility
B.Sc. in Nautical Science	3 years	Navigation, chartwork, and maritime safety.	12th-grade pass with PCM.
B.Tech. in Marine Engineering	4 years	Maintenance and operation of ship machinery.	12th-grade pass with PCM.
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)	1 year	Seamanship, navigation, and maritime laws.	12th-grade pass with PCM.
GP Rating Course (General Purpose Rating)	6 months	Deck and engine room operations.	10th-grade pass.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course	4 months	Electrical and electronic systems onboard ships.	Degree or diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) Course	Varies (typically a few days to weeks)	Basic safety training for seafarers, including firefighting, first aid, and personal survival techniques.	Anyone planning to work on ships (crew members, officers, engineers) must complete this course.

What are the Jobs in Merchant Navy?

The Merchant Navy offers a variety of roles based on the department:

1. Deck Department:

• Captain
• Chief Officer
• Second Officer
• Third Officer

2. Engine Department:

• Chief Engineer
• Second Engineer
• Junior Engineer
• Oiler

3. Catering Department:

• Chief Cook
• Steward

Each role is crucial for the smooth operation of a ship and ensures the safety and efficiency of maritime trade.

10 Steps to Join the Merchant Navy After BTech: A Complete Guide

What Does the Merchant Navy Do?

The Merchant Navy is responsible for:

• Transporting cargo and passengers across international waters.
• Ensuring safe navigation and operations of ships.
• Conducting regular maintenance of the vessel’s machinery and equipment.

What to Do After 12th for Merchant Navy?

After completing 12th grade with a PCM background, students can:

1. Enroll in a pre-sea training course.
2. Pursue a B.Sc. in Nautical Science or B.Tech. in Marine Engineering.
3. Apply for a Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) to fast-track their career

Is Merchant Navy a Good Paying Job?

Yes, the Merchant Navy offers attractive salaries, especially for officer-level positions. Salaries depend on rank, ship type, and experience. For example:

• Entry-level positions: INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per month.
• Officer-level positions: INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 3 lakhs per month.
• Senior roles like Captain or Chief Engineer: INR 5 lakhs or more per month

Is Merchant Navy a Government Job?

The Merchant Navy is not a government job. It comprises private and public shipping companies. However, some organizations, like the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), are government-owned.

How Long is a Merchant Navy Job?

The duration of a Merchant Navy job depends on the contract. Typically, contracts range from:

• 6 to 9 months for officers and crew members.
• 2 to 4 months for higher-ranking officers.

After completing the contract, seafarers can take extended breaks before rejoining.

Is Merchant Navy Easy to Join?

Joining the Merchant Navy is straightforward for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. However, it requires dedication, physical fitness, and the ability to work in challenging conditions.

Is the Merchant Navy Exam Difficult?

The difficulty of the Merchant Navy entrance exams varies depending on the course and rank. For example:

• IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) for officer-level courses is moderately challenging.
• Preparatory courses and mock tests can significantly improve success rates.

How to Start a Career in the Merchant Navy After 10th, 12th, or Graduation?

The Merchant Navy offers an exciting career path for individuals who have a passion for the sea and seek adventure along with lucrative opportunities. Whether you are in school, have completed your 12th, or are already a graduate, you can begin your journey in the Merchant Navy. The process and requirements vary depending on your educational background, and in this blog, we will explore all these options in detail.

Get Started with Merchant Navy Training

Merchant Navy After 10th: How to Get Started

Starting a career in the Merchant Navy after 10th grade is a great opportunity for individuals interested in maritime professions. While officer-level positions typically require higher qualifications, there are entry-level roles and specialized training programs available for candidates who have completed the 10th grade.

Steps to Join Merchant Navy After 10th

1. Choose a Suitable Course
   After completing 10th grade, candidates can enroll in short-term pre-sea training courses designed for entry-level positions. The most common course is the GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) course.

   Course Name	Duration	Focus	Eligibility
   B.Sc. in Nautical Science	3 years	Navigation, chartwork, and maritime safety.	12th-grade pass with PCM.
   B.Tech. in Marine Engineering	4 years	Maintenance and operation of ship machinery.	12th-grade pass with PCM.
   Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)	1 year	Seamanship, navigation, and maritime laws.	12th-grade pass with PCM.
   GP Rating Course (General Purpose Rating)	6 months	Deck and engine room operations.	10th-grade pass.
   Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course	4 months	Electrical and electronic systems onboard ships.	Degree or diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
   STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) Course	Varies (typically a few days to weeks)	Basic safety training for seafarers, including firefighting, first aid, and personal survival techniques.	Anyone planning to work on ships (crew members, officers, engineers) must complete this course.

2. Complete STCW Training:
   The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) course is mandatory for anyone working at sea. It covers:
   • Firefighting
   • Personal survival techniques
   • Elementary first aid
   • Personal safety and social responsibilities
3. Obtain a CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
   A CDC is a mandatory document for all seafarers, serving as an identity card for employment on ships. It is issued by the Directorate General (DG) of Shipping in India.
4. Apply for Jobs in Shipping Companies
   After completing the GP Rating or similar course, candidates can apply for positions such as:
   • Deck Crew
   • Engine Room Crew
   • Catering Staff