Home  >  News & Articles  >  How to Join Merchant Navy: in India, After 10th and 12th, Eligibility, Steps, Medical Requirements, Courses, Best Colleges, and Salary 2023

Nikita Parmar

Updated on 07th April, 2023 , 10 min read

How to Join Merchant Navy: in India, After 10th and 12th, Eligibility, Steps, Medical Requirements, Courses, Best Colleges, and Salary 2023

How to Join Merchant Navy Overview

The merchant navy is a specialized industry wholly dedicated to commerce activities such as freight and passenger transportation over marine routes. The Merchant Navy, sometimes known as "Shipper Marine," is an important element of the worldwide distribution industry and an important part of any country's economy. It is one of the most popular courses after engineering due to its great wage package and unique employment options. Because the majority of the world's economic transactions take place on the ocean, the naval forces sector has a strong global image.

What is the Merchant Navy?

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A merchant naval officer's job includes traveling across the world, handling cargo, inspecting ship direction, maintaining the ship, cleaning the boats, learning about different cultures, and so on. It is thrilling for people who are interested in traveling or have been bitten by the travel bug. They must make a huge sacrifice by not seeing their family for an extended period of time. Their work time is around 6-7 months, followed by a continuous holiday of 4-5 months. The best aspect of this position is that it is tax-free. Because you must dwell outside of India for at least six months, you will be granted NRI status.

How to Join Merchant Navy Highlights 

Those interested in working aboard ships and traveling by sea enroll in the Merchant Navy program. A candidate who enrolls in a merchant navy school will study a specialty that will assist them in understanding how a ship's basic workings operate. The following table gives details to learn more about how to join merchant navy-

Particulars 

Details

Industry

Marine

Profession 

Merchant Navy 

Eligibility

10+2 or at least a graduate degree in a relevant field.

Specialization

B.Tech Marine Engineering

B.Tech Ship Building

Diploma in Nautical science

Age Limit 

Minimum: 17 years

Maximum: 25 years

Entrance Exams

Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET), JEE Advanced, All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test (AIMNET)

Job Opportunity

School, College, Educational Institute, Professional College, etc.

Average Starting Salary

Rs. 3.50 – 5 LPA

Highest Salary

Rs. 63 LPA

How to join Merchant Navy After 10th?

If a person wishes to join the navy after finishing class 10, they must achieve a grade point average of 40%. This condition is likewise permitted for just select levels; entrance is determined by a series of examinations and assessments. The individual must first pass one exam, followed by a screening test and a written examination. Following the 10th standard, a student can choose from a variety of merchant navy courses. It includes the following-

  1. Deck Rating Course
  2. Diploma in Marine Engineering (follow it up with DME pre-sea training).
  3. Engine Rating Course
  4. GP Rating Course
  5. NCV Course
  6. Saloon Rating Course

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To join Merchant Navy after high school, an individual must meet a number of requirements, which are mentioned below-

  1. First and foremost, the individual must be an Indian citizen and unmarried, which applies to both males and females. 
  2. A few exams are administered, and if a candidate passes the written examination, they must submit to a medical examination.
  3. After graduating from class 12th, an individual can choose a professional path that begins with six months of pre-sea training. 
  4. Then, as a trainee, join the merchant fleet. 
  5. Following that, aim to get to the rank of able-bodied seaman. 
  6. Following that, after passing the COC test, aim to get promoted to bosun. 
  7. Following that, candidates are ready to become the ship's captain, then a chief officer, then a second officer, and finally, try to pass the DG shipping examinations and become deck officers.

How to join Merchant Navy after 12th?

After finishing secondary school, it is not difficult to pursue a job in the merchant marine. Candidates can acquire a career in the Navy by passing various examinations and achieving certain percentages in this class. But if they are considering a career in the merchant navy after graduating from high school, keep the following factors in mind-

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  1. One must deal with a variety of situations that are not ideal for everyone.
  2. After finishing their higher education, they are eligible to participate in several merchant navy courses. 
  3. To begin with, one must have at least a 60% in class 12 after studying Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry. 
  4. The candidate must be unmarried, which applies to both males and females.
  5. An applicant should be between the ages of 17 and 25. 
  6. Physical fitness is an important need in this career. 
  7. A practitioner must have a fitness certificate to enroll in this course. 
  8. The term "addiction" refers to the condition of becoming addicted to anything. 
  9. The entrance exam will be used to determine admission, which will be followed by a screening test and a written examination. 
  10. Following the completion of the test, there will be an interview round, followed by a medical examination. 
  11. The ship training course must be completed by the candidate.

How to join Merchant Navy Eligibility Requirements

Individuals must have studied physics, math, or chemistry in class 12th and have received at least 60% of their marks to be eligible. The following are some the requirements for mechant navy-

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  1. The term "virtual reality" refers to the process of creating a virtual reality experience. 
  2. English is the required language. 
  3. As a result, a candidate must obtain 50% in English subjects. Relationship status is also an important consideration in the merchant fleet. 
  4. As a result, their relationship status should be unmarried at the time of joining, which is significant for both men and women.
  5. If you are pursuing a B.Sc. in Maritime Science, for example, one should have 6/6 vision in each eye; ocular vision is important in many areas. 
  6. If they want to study (B.Tech.) Marine Engineering, their eye vision can be plus or minus 2.5, and their unaided vision should be 6/12 in both eyes, 6/9 in one eye, and 6/12 in the other. 
  7. Color blindness is not tolerated in the merchant marine. 
  8. One must be 17 years old to join, and applications are accepted until they are 22 years old. 
  9. One should be in decent physical shape if one wants to join the merchant marine.

Steps of How to join Merchant Navy in India 

Students who want to join the merchant navy must take the steps outlined below-

  1. Step 1: Applicants must pass their class 12 board examinations with a minimum of 60% or equivalent CGPA and a requisite subject mix of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  2. Step 2: Students can then apply for and pass the JEE and IMU CET entrance tests, followed by an interview and medical examination stage.
  3. Step 3: Applicants must then enroll in a BSc nautical science program at any of the country's leading nautical science schools.
  4. Step 4: Students must then complete their 18-month cadet onboard training before applying for the Indian government's competence exam.
  5. Step 5: Join as a Third Officer, then apply for rank upgrades and promotions. After beginning as a Third Officer, candidates can take yearly tests and pass them with flying colors.

How to Join Merchant Navy in India?

The candidate can prepare for a career in the merchant navy by following the stages outlined below throughout their academic years-

  1. The student must complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  2. Retain normal vision, which is necessary; however, glasses with a plus or negative of 2.5 are permitted.
  3. Before employment, the student may be required to take a ship-training course. 
  4. The training is typically brief, with applicants learning about fundamental travel security considerations.

How to join Merchant Navy Medical Requirements

Joining the merchant navy has a number of medical prerequisites. To begin with, physical fitness is a must for joining the merchant navy. The candidate's mental and physical health should be great, with no physical symptoms. Below are some of the most important medical needs for the merchant navy-

Constitution

The candidate should not have a weak constitution in any way; his or her weight should be less than 42 kg, and his or her maximum height should be 150 cm. The chest should be at least 5 centimeters larger.

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

There should be no harm in any of the three.

There are many other medical disorders, such as those of the lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, skin, speech, neurological system, and so on, that should not be a barrier to their entering the merchant marine.

Skeletal System

There should be no joint or muscle limitation, no deformity of the chest or any joint, no aberrant curvature of the spine; and any fracture with a pin inside would be regarded as disqualifying.

How to join Merchant Navy: Maritime Courses

Some of the best courses that may be followed in order to enter the Merchant Navy are mentioned below-

Certificate Course Maritime Catering

A Certificate Course in Maritime Catering is a one-year full-time certification course or diploma program. The following table gives details about the certificate course-

Particulars

Details

Course Level

Certificate

Duration

1-year 

Eligibility 

10+2

Examination Type

Semester Type

Course Fee

INR 10,000 to 3 Lakhs

Admission

Merit-based or Entrance based

Average Starting Salary

INR 1 to 20 Lakhs

Top Job Profiles

Chief Cook, Catering Officer, General Steward, Hotel Manager, Maintenance Manager.

Top Recruiting areas

Hospitals, hotels, airlines, motels, cruise lines, guest houses, restaurants, industrial canteens, and resorts are all examples of shipping zones.

Diploma in Nautical Science

Diploma in Nautical Science is a one-year full-time Diploma study in Nautical Science. 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or an equivalent test with a score of 55% from a recognized board is required for eligibility. The following table gives details about the diploma course-

Particulars 

Details 

Course Level

Diploma

Duration

1-year 

Eligibility 

10+2

Examination Type

Semester Type

Course Fee

INR 2,000 to 3 Lacs

Admission

Merit-based or Entrance based

Average Starting Salary

INR 2 to 15 Lacs

Top Job Profiles

Marine Engineering Instructor, Operation Manager, Trainee Navigating Officer, Teacher, Lecturer

Top Recruiting areas

Indian Naval Sciences, Port Operations Companies, Weather Forecasting Centers, Educational Institutes

Recruiters 

SMEC Automation Private Limited, American Cruise Lines, GMMCO Limited, GE Shipping Co Limited, TMC Shipping Private Limited

BE Marine Engineering

The B.E. in Marine Engineering course is the study of the manufacture, design, development, and maintenance of sea equipment used in boats, ships, submarines, or any other kind of water transportation. The following table gives details about the bachelor's course-

Particulars 

Details

Course Level

BE Marine Engineering

Full Form 

Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering

Level

Graduate

Duration

4 year 

Eligibility 

10+2

Examination Type

Semester Type

Average Tuition Fees

INR 15,000 to 15,00,000

Admission

Merit-based or Entrance based

Average Starting Salary

INR 5,00,000 - 12,00,000

Top Job Profiles

Maritime Educators, Second Marine Engineer, Ship Manager, Ship Operator, Marine Surveyor, Chief Marine Engineer, Port Manager, and so on.

Top Recruiting areas

Research and Deployment Centers, Ship Building Companies, Naval Jobs, Harbours and Ports, Colleges and Universities, etc.

How to join Merchant Navy: Subjects & Syllabus 

The merchant navy training is completed after passing an admission examination, a screening test, and a medical exam. Candidates are also given a final written examination; those who pass the exam are invited to an interview and, later, a medical test. After class 10th and 12th, a candidate can pursue a merchant navy course. In both circumstances, the following subjects are available for selection-

Classes

Subjects and Syllabus

After 10th

Near Coastal Voyage (NCV)

Commercial Diving

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

GP Rating

 

-

After 12th 

To join as a Deck Officer

To join as an Engineer

 

B.Sc. Nautical Science

Diploma in Nautical Science 

(Leads to a BSc Nautical Science)

B.E. Petroleum Engineering

B.E. Marine Engineering

B.E. Naval Architecture, and Offshore Engineering

B.E. Harbour & Ocean Engineering

B.E. Mechanical Engineering

B.E. Civil Engineering

B.Sc. Marine Catering

B.E. Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Electro-Technical Officer Course

List of Top Best Colleges to Join Merchant Nacy 

Merchant Navy colleges may be found nationwide and are meant to prepare anyone interested in joining this non-combatant commercial force. The following are some of India's best merchant navy colleges for 2023. The Directorate of Shipping has authorized these colleges, and the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India has approved them for personnel training. The following table gives locations with colleges-

Name of Colleges

Location

Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training (MANET)

Pune

Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

Mumbai

Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)

Pune

International Maritime Institute (IMI) 

Delhi

Vels Academy of Maritime Studies

Chennai

B.P. Marine Academy Navi

Mumbai

Coimbatore Marine College (CMC)

Coimbatore

Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering (ITME)

Kolkata

Indian Maritime University (IMU)

Chennai 

TS Rahaman

Mumbai

How to join Merchant Navy: Salary 2023

Many people consider the Merchant Navy to be one of the most popular courses and career options. The salary structure after entering the Merchant Navy is listed below-

Average Annual Salary

Name of the Organization

Average Annual Salary

Government 

NA

Private 

INR 75,000 – INR 75,00,000

Experience Wise Salary

Experience Wise 

Average Annual Salary

Fresher 

INR 27 lakh

Experienced

INR 1.2 Crore

Specialization Wise Salary

Specialization

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Trainee

Rs. 8 lakh

Deck Cadet

Rs. 1 lakh

2ndOfficer

Rs. 5 lakh

3rdOfficer

Rs. 7 lakh

Cheif Officer

Rs. 6 lakh

Captain

Rs. 10 lakh

Read Related Article on Merchant Navy Salary 2023.

Job Profile Wise Salary 2023

Merchant Navy Profile

Qualification

Merchant Navy Salary (INR)

G P Rating

Class 10th

Rs. 25,000 to 60,000 per month

Trainee Cadet

Class 12th along with pre-sea Nautical Diploma

 

Rs. 25,000 to 85,000 per month

Deck Cadet

Class 12th along with pre-sea Nautical Diploma

3rd Officer/ Merchant navy 2nd officer salary in India

2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency

Rs. 1,50,000 to 3,00,000 per month

Chief Officer

1st Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency

Rs. 4,00,000 to 6,00,000 per month

Merchant Navy Captain salary per month

Master (FG) Certificate of Competency

Rs. 8,65,000 to 20,00,000 per month

Skills Required to Join Merchant Navy 2023

Some of the most important skill sets required of how to join the merchant navy are listed below- 

  1. Collaborative Effort
  2. Enjoying Aquatic Activities
  3. Interpersonal Abilities
  4. Making Plans and Making Decisions
  5. Patience and Fortitude
  6. Practical understanding of Physics, Mathematics, and Navigation, among other things.
  7. Rational and Analytical Thinking
  8. Sailing Enthusiasm

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. C.V. Raman College of Engineering, AMET University, Balaji Seamen Training Institute, Chennai School of Ship Management, Chidambaram Institute of Maritime Technology, and others provide Merchant Navy courses, Indian Maritime College, International Maritime Academy, and several other institutions.

Ans. The monthly remuneration of a Merchant Navy Officer ranges from INR 1,00,000 and 7,00,000 INR.

Ans. Yes, sailors working in the Merchant Navy receive tax-free income provided they spend 183 days of the year in international waters; otherwise, the salary is taxable under the statutes of the Government of India.

Ans. Trainee Cadet, Deck Cadet, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer, Chief Officer, and Cadet are the various career profiles.

Ans. Yes. Merchant Navy is a profitable job option and one of today’s top vocations.

Ans. The monthly remuneration of a Captain in the Merchant Navy ranges from Rs. 8,65,000 to Rs. 20,00,000.

Ans. After signing on to a ship, the merchant navy crew stays onboard for at least 4 months until being signed off, depending on the availability of their replacement. If they are not granted sign-off, the officers must remain on board even during anchoring.

Ans. The ship will be filled with food supplies such as meat, rice, muesli, bread, and so on, which will be chilled and so usable for an extended period of time.

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