A job in the merchant navy is considered among the most reputable in India. It also presents a captivating and fulfilling career for students who are interested in traveling and have an unwavering passion for the open seas. In order to be eligible for a career in the merchant navy, there are exams and eligibility criteria that must be followed. This article is a comprehensive guide on merchant navy ranks; it also highlights the Merchant Navy Exam and the DG Shipping Exit Exam requirements.
Ranks in the Merchant Navy
The ranks and career progression that are provided to the deck officers are as follows:
Deck- Cadet
- This is the entry-level position for aspiring merchant navy candidates.
- Deck cadets are usually fresh graduates from maritime institutes and are now in practical training programs.
- They learn navigation, seamanship, and various shipboard operations under the guidance of senior officers.
Third Officer
- After completing the training as deck cadets, candidates need to clear the required tests and exams to be promoted to third officer.
- The third officer assists the senior officers in navigation, cargo operations, and watchkeeping duties on the ship.
- They are responsible for maintaining safety precautions and conducting routine inspections required for the ship’s safety and security.
Second Officer
- Third officers are promoted to second officers after they pass the required examinations.
- They are known to assist the first officer in navigation, chart corrections, and cargo-related tasks.
- They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship.
Chief Officer
- The chief officer, also known as the first mate of the ship, is the second-in-command on the board.
- They assist the captain of the ship in the management and operation of the vessel.
- They are responsible for cargo operations, crew assignments, and maintenance tasks.
Master (Captain)
- The highest-ranking officer on the board is the master vessel captain.
- He is responsible for safe navigation and all the operations happening on the ship.
- They have the authority to make crucial decisions in any emergency, port operations, or adverse weather conditions.
- The captain is responsible for the safe boarding and landing of the ship; he also ensures compliance with international maritime rules and regulations.
- He is responsible for maintaining communication with the authorities and managing the ship’s crew and resources.
Path to a Career in the Merchant Navy
To join the merchant navy, students need to complete their 12th-grade education in the science stream with subjects in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
The age limit to appear for this exam is 17–25. The entrance exam is done, and after that, you have to choose your specific subject according to your interest and the position you are passionate about. Candidates are required to meet the medical standards to be fit for working under maritime water. There are several courses to pursue and to get admitted to these courses, students must clear the entrance exam with the required minimum marks. However, after completion of the maritime study programs, students need to appear for the DG Shipping Exit Exam to obtain their Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).
DG Shipping Exit Exam
This exam is designed to examine the skills and knowledge of an individual required to work in the maritime industry. The exit exam is typically conducted by the hierarchies of seafarers that need to pass the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) or an equivalent document, which is a passport for them to work on board ships. This exam is also known as the Competency Examination or Certificate of Competency (CoC) Exam.
Why Choose A Career in The Merchant Navy?
Before choosing a career in the merchant navy, you must take a deep dive into the world and know more about the ranks and educational requirements. Let’s explore some of them.
● Global Opportunities
Maritime professionals have the privilege of traveling the world through the seas and oceans, doing their jobs, and earning money too. They navigate the extreme cultures, experience the beauty of the world, and explore the oceans and different continents while on the job. There are a few jobs around the world that offer the privilege to travel the world and earn money in the process.
● Adventurous and challenging
A job in the maritime sector is quite adventurous while being challenging; life at sea is a good blend of fun, entertainment, adventure, and challenge. Every day will be unpredictable. The weather conditions and other environmental issues that occur naturally during navigation are a sight to behold. Each day will be unique and will form lifetime experiences. This perpetual adventure will keep you engaged, and if you are passionate about new and exciting challenges, this job is the perfect fit for you.
● Salary Packages
Once you clear the Merchant Navy Exam, you will have a lot to explore in the world of the maritime industry. Maritime professionals are known for their financially rewarding careers irrespective of their ranks. The demanding nature of the job is rewarded with competitive salary packages and financial rewards.
Concluding Remarks!
A maritime career is a reputed one in India. You can build your career in this field if you are a keen traveler and love to explore the seas and oceans. The DG Shipping Exit Exam and Merchant Navy Exam are your passports to the maritime industry. Successful graduates of maritime studies are eligible for a promising career in the merchant navy, including roles as deck cadet, third officer, second officer, chief officer, and captain, with a handsome salary. The rigorous training and real-world experiences make candidates well-prepared for the diverse challenges that they face while on duty.
