⚓ Merchant Navy – Full Career Guide After 12th | Courses, Eligibility, Jobs & Salary
If you’re fascinated by ships, sea travel, and high-paying international careers, the Merchant Navy is one of the most exciting career options after 12th, especially for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) students. The Merchant Navy deals with commercial shipping, not military — it includes transportation of goods, oil, chemicals, and passengers across oceans.
This article on success.studykeeda.in will guide you through everything you need to know about joining the Merchant Navy—courses, eligibility, entrance exams, job roles, lifestyle, and salary.
🚢 What is the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy is a fleet of commercial ships that carry cargo and passengers across international waters. It plays a vital role in global trade. A career in the Merchant Navy is adventurous, disciplined, and financially rewarding, with opportunities to travel the world.
Merchant Navy is not a part of the Indian Defense Services. It’s a private/government commercial sector offering jobs both in India and abroad.
✅ Eligibility Criteria to Join the Merchant Navy
You can join the Merchant Navy after 10th or 12th, depending on the course:
For Officer-level Courses:
- Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM)
- Minimum Marks: 60% aggregate in PCM, 50% in English
- Age Limit: 17.5 to 25 years
- Medical Fitness: Must be physically fit and have good eyesight (6/6 vision, no color blindness)
For Ratings (Crew-level Jobs):
- Qualification: 10th or 12th (any stream)
- Courses: GP Rating, Saloon Rating, etc.
- Age Limit: Up to 25–28 years
🧾 Entrance Exams for Merchant Navy Courses
| Exam Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IMU-CET | Conducted by Indian Maritime University for admission to B.Sc Nautical Science, Marine Engineering |
| Company Sponsorship Exams | Shipping companies like Anglo Eastern, Great Eastern, Fleet Management conduct their own tests/interviews |
| JEE Main (optional) | Some colleges accept JEE scores too |
🎓 Merchant Navy Courses After 12th
1. B.Sc Nautical Science (3 years)
- Trains for Deck Officer/Navigation Officer
- Eligible to become Captain with experience
2. B.Tech Marine Engineering (4 years)
- Trains for Marine Engineer role in Engine Department
- Works on ship machinery and engine systems
3. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) (1 year)
- Leads to B.Sc Nautical Science + Officer training
- Sponsored programs available with stipend
4. GP Rating Course (6 months)
- For 10th/12th pass students
- Jobs: Seaman, Deck Crew, Engine Crew
🧑✈️ Ranks & Job Roles in the Merchant Navy
| Department | Rank Progression |
|---|---|
| Deck Department | Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain |
| Engine Department | Engine Cadet → 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer |
| Saloon Department | Steward → Cook → Head Cook / Catering Officer |
🌐 Top Merchant Navy Institutes in India
- Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai
- Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
- Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata
- Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy, Maharashtra
- Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies, Mumbai
- Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala
🌍 Lifestyle in the Merchant Navy
- Work on ships for 6 to 9 months, then 4 to 6 months leave
- Opportunity to travel worldwide (USA, Europe, Singapore, Dubai)
- Work involves discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness
- Accommodation and food provided on the ship
- No expenses while onboard — 100% savings possible
💼 Career Opportunities After Merchant Navy Courses
| Job Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Deck Officer | Manages navigation and safety of the ship |
| Marine Engineer | Handles machinery and engine operations |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | Manages electrical systems onboard |
| Catering Officer | Manages food and hygiene services |
| Merchant Navy Ratings | Crew handling general duties |
💰 Salary in the Merchant Navy (India & Abroad)
| Rank | Average Salary (INR/month) |
|---|---|
| Deck/Engine Cadet | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
| 3rd/4th Officer | ₹1 – ₹2 Lakh |
| Chief Officer / 2nd Engineer | ₹3 – ₹4.5 Lakh |
| Captain / Chief Engineer | ₹5 – ₹8 Lakh+ |
💡 Tip: Salaries are tax-free in India if you stay outside the country for 183+ days in a year (NRI status).
👨🎓 Higher Studies & Certifications
After joining, you must complete:
- Certificate of Competency (COC) exams at every promotion level
- STCW Courses (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping)
- Continuous professional training for international shipping compliance
📌 Pros and Cons of Merchant Navy
✅ Pros:
- High salary from an early age
- Travel the world for free
- Adventure + Technical Career
- 100% job placement if sponsored
- Excellent savings (no expenses onboard)
❌ Cons:
- Long time away from family
- Physically and mentally demanding
- Risky in bad weather or emergency
- Limited social life onboard
🧭 Final Thoughts
A career in the Merchant Navy is a dream job for those who seek adventure, global travel, and high income. If you have the discipline, courage, and passion for the sea, this career offers unmatched rewards.
Whether you want to be a Captain navigating through oceans or an Engineer running ship engines, the Merchant Navy provides you with an exciting and challenging future.
📚 Related Articles on success.studykeeda.in:
- How to Prepare for IMU CET: Complete Guide
- Top Shipping Companies Hiring in India
- GP Rating vs DNS – Which is better?
- Merchant Navy vs Indian Navy – Key Differences
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