Merchant Navy Jobs
The Merchant Navy is the commercial shipping industry that transports goods, commodities, raw materials and passengers through international waters. It uses a variety of vessels, including cargo ships, bulk carriers and container ships. The Merchant Navy, unlike the military navy which is primarily focused on national defense and international trade, plays an important economic role in supporting global supply chains, maritime logistics, as well as international trade. Due to the vast network of merchant navy jobs ships and their operational scope, there are many career options for those interested in maritime operations and engineering.
The crew consists of highly-trained seafarers, including deck officers, marine engineering, electro-technical officer, and ratings, who operate, maintain and navigate ships on long voyages over oceans and seas. These professionals ensure safe passages, efficient cargo handling and smooth machinery operation, as well as adherence to international maritime safety and laws.
Merchant ships are the backbone of global trade. They transport nearly 90% of all goods traded globally. Merchant ships transport almost all international goods, including oil, gas, automobiles, food, electronics, chemicals and industrial materials. The Merchant Navy is a rewarding career because of its important role, as well as the demands of working at sea. It offers tax-free salary, travel worldwide, and rapid growth. The Merchant Navy jobs is a rewarding and dynamic career that offers a combination of technical skills, discipline and global exposure.
What is the Merchant Navy?
Merchant Navy, also known as Merchant Marine in certain countries, is the commercial shipping industry which transports passengers and goods around the globe. The Merchant Navy is not part of the military; it plays an important role in global trade and logistics, oil transport, exports, supply chain operations, and exports.
Merchant Navy ships includes:
- Cargo ships
- Tankers (Oil, Gas, and Chemical)
- Container vessels
- Passenger ships and cruise ships
- Bulk carriers
Seafarers are people who work on ships. This group includes officers, technical staff and support crew, all of whom perform various jobs in the merchant navy jobs.
Main Departments in the Merchant Navy
Three major departments are responsible for the Merchant Navy’s operations onboard a ship. Each department is responsible for a different, but equally important function. The three departments on board a ship work together to make sure that the ship sails smoothly, that machinery is running smoothly, that cargo is handled efficiently and all systems are working without fail. Here is a detailed description of each department.
The three main departments of the Merchant Navy include:
1. Deck Department
The Deck Department is a core unit that controls and navigates the ship. This department is responsible for ensuring that the ship navigates safely between ports while adhering to international maritime laws and charts. This department is a key part of merchant navy jobs as it contains many key positions, such as deck cadets and officers.
Key Responsibilities
- Navigation: Choosing the route of a ship, using GPS, radars and charts to avoid obstacles, and monitoring GPS.
- Cargo Operations: Supervise the loading and unloading cargo. Ensure correct weight distribution.
- Safety Management: Implementing procedures for safety, conducting drills in emergency situations, and maintaining life-saving gear.
- Ship Security: Monitoring activities on deck, controlling access and ensuring compliance to security protocols.
- Bridge Watchkeeping: Officers rotate through the duty of monitoring the ship and its surroundings 24 hours a day.
Ranks in Deck Department:
- Deck Cadet
- Third Officer
- Second Officer (Navigation Officer)
- Chief Officer (Second-in-command)
- Captain / Master (Overall in charge of the ship)
Importance:
The Deck Department is the brain of the ship, making every critical decision related to navigation, safety, weather routing, and overall vessel management.
2. Engine Department (Machinery & Technical Operations)
The Engine Department is responsible for the mechanical and technical functions of the ship. This department is responsible for ensuring that all machinery, including the main engines, generators and pumps, boilers and air conditioning systems, operate smoothly during the voyage. The Engine Department is a key department in the merchant navy jobs because of its critical responsibilities. It offers opportunities to professionals with skills who can keep a vessel operating safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintenance & Operation of Engines: Ensure that the main engine, diesel generators and auxiliary machines are running efficiently.
- Repair and Troubleshooting : Fixing mechanical problems during the voyage.
- Fuel Monitoring: Maintenance of fuel systems, oil purification and monitoring of consumption.
- Power Management: Ensures uninterrupted electrical supply throughout the ship.
- Engine Room Rounds: regular inspections to check temperatures, pressure and machine health.
Ranks in Engine Department:
- Engine Cadet / Junior Engineer
- Fourth Engineer
- Third Engineer
- Second Engineer
- Chief Engineer (Head of Engine Department)
Importance:
The Engine Department is at the core of the ship. It ensures that all mechanical systems are running safely and continuously. This allows the ship to function and move properly.
3. Electro-Technical Department (Electrical & Electronic Systems)
The Electro-Technical Department is led by an ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) and manages all electrical, electronic automation, communication, and automation systems on board the ship. This department is becoming more important as modern ships become more automated and advanced. The ETO role has become one of the most desired merchant navy jobs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Electrical Maintenance: This includes the monitoring and repair of all electrical equipment such as lighting systems, motors and panels.
- Electronic Systems: Manage radar, navigation devices, communication devices and automated machinery controls.
- Automation & sensors: Ensure that engine systems, alarms and control panels work correctly.
- Power Stability: Maintaining an electrical balance, preventing circuit shorts, and assuring safety when power is distributed.
Importance:
The ETO Department controls the electrical system that supports navigation and machinery as well as communication and safety systems.
Ratings / Support Crew (Assistive Operations)
Ratings are highly skilled seafarers that support the Deck and Engine Departments in their daily operations. They are responsible for performing hands-on duties that are vital to the smooth running of the ship. This makes them an important part of merchant navy jobs careers around the globe.
Deck Ratings Include:
- Able Seaman (AB)
- Ordinary Seaman (OS)
Engine Ratings Include:
- Wiper
- Oiler
Other Support Roles:
- Cook
- Steward
- Bosun (Head of Deck Ratings)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting officers
- Maintaining ship cleanliness
- Helping in cargo operations
- Performing watchkeeping duties
- Working on deck and in the engine room
Importance:
Ratings form the support backbone of the ship, ensuring day-to-day operational tasks are completed efficiently.
Eligibility After 12th (India)
Students can join the Merchant Navy after 10th, 12th, Diploma, or graduation. The most popular entry is after 12th (Science).
1. Deck Cadet (DNS / BSc Nautical Science)
Anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy jobs as a deck officer should start with the Deck Cadet rank. The Deck Cadet is the first step in a seafarer’s career on board a vessel. A Deck Cadet is a young person who works under the supervision of senior officers, such as the Chief Officer, the Second Officer and the Third Officer. They learn all the practical skills necessary to become an officer and one day a captain.
A Deck Cadet is trained in navigation, seamanship and cargo operations. They also learn safety procedures, watchkeeping and ship management. They help with day-to-today tasks such as steering, maintaining navigational gear, handling ropes, mooring lines and monitoring weather conditions. They also learn passage planning and observe senior officers while they are in action. They are also responsible for maintaining safety on deck, taking part in drills, such as fire drills and abandon ship drills, and learning maritime rules.
Deck Cadet is fundamentally a period of learning, during which a cadet goes from being a student to a professional seaman. The cadet must spend months at sea to obtain the necessary sea time experience required for the Certificate of Competency exams. These exams are required to become a licensed deck officer.
This rank is intended to provide a solid foundation for real-world operations onboard. A Deck Cadet learns how to navigate a ship safely across oceans. They also learn how to load and discharge cargo, handle emergencies, and operate a vessel as a technical unit. Deck Cadets progress from Third Officer to Second Officer and Chief Officer. They eventually become the Captain of the vessel.
Requirements:
- 12th PCM with 60%
- 50% in English
- Age: 17–25 years
- Eyesight: 6/6, no color blindness
- Must pass DG Shipping medical test
2. Marine Engineering (B.Tech Marine Engineering)
Marine Engineering is an engineering specialty that deals with design, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems and equipment on ships and marine vessels. The focus is on engineering technologies which keep a ship operating efficiently and safely as it sails across oceans. Marine Engineers ensure that the engine room, the heart of a ship, is always running smoothly.
This field includes a variety of technical fields, including main propulsion engines and auxiliary engines. It also covers fuel systems, pumps, air compressors, steering systems, HVAC systems and advanced automation controls. A Marine Engineer is required to be knowledgeable in the operation of machinery, troubleshooting procedures, safety regulations, and environmental regulations.
Marine Engineers are employed in the Engine Department of a ship under the supervision of the Chief Engineer. They are responsible for monitoring the performance of engines, maintaining equipment, performing routine checks, Merchant Navy jobs dealing with machinery failures and ensuring international maritime safety standards. Also, they participate in drills for emergency situations such as firefighting or flooding control.
Marine engineering is more than just onboard work. This includes ship design, shipyard operation, offshore engineering and underwater structures. It also covers maritime research, power plant engineering and shipyard operations. Most students choose Marine Engineering because they want to work on the sea. The responsibilities and career progression are rapid.
As a trainee marine engineer, you will progress through the ranks of Fourth Engineer, third Engineer, second engineer, and finally Chief Engineer who is the head of the entire engine department. Marine Engineers who have gained experience and certification can move into shore-based positions such as technical superintendent, marine safety officer and shipyard engineer.
Marine Engineering is a challenging and exciting career that combines mechanical engineering with maritime operations. It provides high salaries, travel opportunities, and the opportunity to work with the most advanced engines and technology.
Requirements:
- 12th PCM with 60%
- 50% in English
- Age: 17–25
- Medical fitness required
3. GP Rating (After 10th or 12th)
GP Rating is a position that is available to students who have completed a maritime training course. They can join ships immediately after completing the course. The GP Rating Program is designed to prepare individuals for work in the Deck Department as well as the Engine Department. This makes them versatile and able to handle a variety of shipboard duties. This is the easiest path for students to begin a career in seafaring immediately after finishing 10th or 12th grade.
The GP Rating trainee will learn essential skills such as seamanship, deck-maintenance, engine-room operations, firefighting techniques, safety procedures, survival methods, ship hygiene and emergency response. The dual training allows them to assist officers and engineers with day-to-day ship operations. GP Ratings, with their diverse skillsets, are known as the core of the crew.
GP Ratings are responsible for a variety of tasks on board a vessel, including handling ropes, moorings, assisting with navigation watches, maintaining deck gear, cleaning and painting the ship’s structure, and supporting cargo operations. On the engine side they assist with cleaning engine rooms, lubricating machinery, maintaining equipment, and helping engineers during repairs. They are also responsible for emergency drills, watching duties and overall ship safety.
Physically demanding, but rewarding. The GP rating job offers a direct route to higher positions by gaining experience and passing qualifying exams. GP Ratings can become Able Seamans (ABs) and Oilers after completing the required certifications and gaining sea time. They can also progress to Bosuns and Officers by passing the relevant competency examinations.
The GP Rating is perfect for students who are looking to quickly enter the Merchant Navy jobs, earn early and build a solid maritime career by gaining practical experience. It is a great way to gain international experience, a stable income and if you want a long-term career, it’s incredibly popular amongst non-engineering graduates.
Requirements:
- 10th pass with 40% or 12th pass
- English: 40%
- Age: 17–25
- Suitable for those who want to start working quickly
Merchant Navy Salaries (Approximate)
Merchant Navy is known for its high salaries, often tax-free for Indian seafarers who stay outside India for 183+ days.
| Officer Salaries | Salary Per Month |
|---|---|
| Captain | ₹7–15 lakh |
| Chief Engineer | ₹7–12 lakh |
| Chief Officer | ₹5–8 lakh |
| Second Engineer | ₹5–8 lakh |
| Second Officer | ₹2–4 lakh |
| Third/Fourth Engineer | ₹2–4 lakh |
| Cadet (Deck/Engine) | ₹20,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Ratings Salaries |
|---|
| ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
Popular Merchant Navy Courses
After 12th
- DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)
- BSc Nautical Science
- B.Tech Marine Engineering
- GP Rating
After Graduation
- GME (Graduate Marine Engineering)
- ETO Course
Entry Paths After 10th, 12th, Diploma & Graduation
1. After 10th – GP Rating
Course Duration: 6 months
Jobs: Able Seaman, Oiler, Wiper
Career Growth:
GP Rating → AB → Bosun → Officer (with exams)
Ideal for those who want a quick job on ships.
2. After 12th PCM – Officer Level Jobs
A. DNS – 1 Year Diploma in Nautical Science
- Requires IMU-CET exam
- Fastest route to become a Deck Officer
Career Path: Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → Captain
B. BSc Nautical Science – 3 Years
- Same Deck Officer route
- More theory + long-term academic foundation
C. B.Tech Marine Engineering – 4 Years
- Career Path: Engine Cadet → 4th Eng → Chief Engineer
D. GME (For Engineering Graduates)
- 1-year fast-track training
- For Mechanical/Naval Architecture graduates
3. After Diploma (Polytechnic Students)
You can enter Marine Engineering directly into 2nd year through Lateral Entry (LE).
Eligibility:
Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Marine with 60%
4. After B.Tech (EE, ECE, EEE, E&I) – ETO Course
Course Duration: 4–6 months
Job: Electrical/Automation Officer
Medical Eligibility (Very Important)
Deck Department:
- 6/6 eyesight (without glasses)
- No color blindness
Engine Department:
- Glasses allowed (within limits)
General Requirements:
- Good physical fitness
- No major diseases
- Must pass DG Shipping medical test
Which Career Path is Best?
| Path | Best For | Career Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| GP Rating | Quick job after 10th | Crew → Officer |
| DNS | Fastest officer route | Captain |
| BSc Nautical Science | Theory + practical balance | Deck Officer |
| B.Tech Marine Engineering | Engineering interest | Chief Engineer |
| GME | Engineering graduates | Engineer |
| ETO | Electrical background | Electro-Technical Officer |
Merchant Navy Exam Pattern
IMU-CET (for DNS, BSc NS, B.Tech Marine Eng)
- 200 MCQs
- Physics – 50
- Maths – 50
- Chemistry – 25
- English – 25
- Aptitude – 50
- Physics – 50
GP Rating Entrance
- Basic English, Maths, Science
- Interview
- Medical test
GME / ETO Exams
- Subject-specific MCQs
- Technical interview
- Psychometric test
Sponsorship Route (Most Preferred)
Sponsorship means the company guarantees your training + job as a Cadet or Junior Engineer.
Stages:
- Written Test (PCM, English, Aptitude)
- Psychometric Test
- HR + Technical Interview
- Medical Test
This is the best and safest way to join the Merchant Navy.
1. What is the Merchant Navy?
It is the industry of commercial shipping that transports passengers and goods around the globe. The Merchant Navy supports global trade through the operation of cargo ships, tanks, container vessels, cruise ships.
2. How can I join the Merchant Navy after 12th?
After passing the IMU-CET, you can apply for a DNS, BSc Nautical Science or B.Tech Marine Engineering.
3. What is the starting salary in the Merchant Navy?
Freshers earn ₹20,000–₹80,000 per month, depending on rank and company.
4. Is the Merchant Navy safe?
Yes, modern ships follow strict international safety rules, advanced navigation systems, and regular emergency drills.
5. What departments exist on a ship?
Ships have three main departments : Deck (navigation), Engine (machinery), and ETO (electrical & electronics).
6. What is GP Rating?
The GP Rating course is a six-month course that prepares students for work on deck or as engine crew aboard ships.
7. Can girls join the Merchant Navy?
Girls can be officers in the Deck, Engine and ETO departments just as men.
8. What are the eyesight requirements?
Engineers can wear glasses to a certain extent. Deck officers must have 6/6 vision and be colorblind-free.
9. How long is a typical contract at sea?
Officers typically work for 4-6 months and Ratings 6-9 months. Both are followed by paid holidays.
10. Which course is best to become an officer?
B.Tech Marine Engineering and DNS (fastest route), as well as BSc Nautical Science, are the best options for Deck Officers.