Merchant Navy Courses, Eligibility, Fee, Exams, Job and Salary

You must heard about Merchant Navy and wonder what is merchant navy or what they do, how much the earn or you are interested in pursuing career in merchant navy but don’t know where to start so let me tell you If you want to work on the sea, this is one of the best jobs for you. The Merchant Navy is a specialized field that handles business matters related to shipping goods and people by sea. As you know, a lot of shipping and transportation in India operates on the water. This is an interesting field that can pay well and give you chances to grow in your career. In this article we will explore more about Merchant Navy including their eligibility criteria, exams, courses, Job and Salary and career growth, so lets begin

What is Merchant Navy ?

The Merchant Navy is a force that represents the business aspect of shipping goods by sea. It involves transporting people and goods across oceans on freight boats, big carriers, and luxury ships. Maritime business is still an important part of world economies and organizations because it helps countries trade with each other.

The company has job openings both at sea and on land. They offer many of the best job opportunities after high school. The goal of these courses is to build up the whole naval force team and make them smarter. There are a huge number of workers on vendor ships who move goods from one country to another. Sailors and marines are the people who work on these business ships.

Program Overview

Merchant Navy transports goods and passengers by sea. Candidates can apply after Class 10+2, for bachelor’s degrees in marine, naval architecture, ocean technology, shipping, and more in Merchant Navy. Pre-sea Nautical diplomas are also offered after Class 10. Candidates must have good merit in entrance exams like IMU CET, JEE Main, TMI-BITS-EE to getting enrolled in Merchant Navy.

The sector focuses on transporting cargo and passengers across marine routes. After 10+2, candidates can pursue bachelor’s degrees like B.Tech in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a BBA in Shipping. Candidates who just completed Class 10 can pursue in Pre-Sea Nautical diploma courses to Join this sector. Admission is typically merit-based via entrance exams such as IMU CET, JEE Main, or TMI-BITS-EE.

The curriculum covers shipping management, cargo operations, marine communication, and navigation principles. Major recruiters include the Shipping Corporation of India, Great Eastern Shipping, and Essar. Courses are available both online and offline at top institutions like Tolani Maritime Institute and Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies.

Starting salaries for officers range from INR 7.5–9.5 LPA, with senior roles offering up to INR 37 LPA, and Chief Engineers can earn over INR 2 crore annually with experience.

What are the eligibility for Merchant Navy ?

This career is idle for those who love the ocean and want to explore. Candidate must not having seasickness because of long sea voyages. You must also be fit and meet Merchant Navy requirements.

See Merchant Navy eligibility requirements below.

Level	Eligibility Criteria	Age Limit
Bachelor's Degree	12th with at least 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.	17-25 years.
Master's Degree	GME: B.E. in Naval Architecture or Mechanical Engineering. MBA: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.	25 (MBA), 28 (GME).
6-Month Courses	10th grade with at least 40% in Science, English, and Math.	17.5-25 years.
Diploma Courses	1-year diploma: 12th grade with PCM and English. 2-year diploma: Diploma in a relevant engineering field with at least 50% aggregate.	25-28 years.

Medical fitness for Merchant Navy

Medical Fitness Criteria	Description
Vision	Normal vision (6/6) in each eye separately.
Hearing	Candidates must have medically fit hearing capabilities.
Physical Fitness	Candidates must be medically fit, meeting all physical standards.
Certification	A medical fitness certificate from authorized authorities is required for course applications.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exams

There are many entrance exams for Merchant Navy in India. Candidates must pass the entrance exam of a top Merchant Navy college in India. For these Merchant Navy entrance exams, you must pass Class 10+ 12 from an accredited school with at least 50%. See below for popular merchant navy entrance exams.

Exam	IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)	Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced
Overview	Primary entrance exam for UG and PG maritime courses	Required for marine engineering programs at institutes like IIT Madras
Authority	Indian Maritime University	N/A (Conducted as per IIT system)
Eligibility	10+2 with PCM, minimum 60% aggregate for UG	Must clear JEE Main, 10+2 with PCM
Exam Pattern	Mode: Online (CBT) Duration: 3 hours	Mode: Online (CBT) Duration: 3 hours per paper (two papers)
Subjects	PCM, English, GK, Aptitude MCQs	PCM MCQs, Numerical Answer Type
Age Limit	17-25 years	As per JEE Advanced criteria

1. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

Course	Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
Duration	1 year (Residential Program)
Overview	Intensive training in Navigation, Seamanship, Ship Construction, MARPOL, and Marine Engineering Knowledge. Leads to B.Sc. in Nautical Science after 18 months of sea service.
Program Structure	Divided into two semesters
Eligibility Criteria	A) Educational Requirements: - Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized Board - Minimum aggregate of 60% marks (70% for AEMA) B) English Requirement: Minimum 50% marks in English (either in 10th or 12th standard)
Age Limit:	Minimum age: 18 years Maximum age: 25 years

2. B.Sc Nautical Science

Course	Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nautical Science
Duration	Typically 3 years
Overview	Designed to train individuals for roles as Deck Officers in the Merchant Navy. Covers navigation, seamanship, ship operations, and compliance with maritime regulations like SOLAS and MARPOL. Includes hands-on experience with bridge simulators and practical sea service. Emphasizes safety and emergency procedures. Graduates earn certifications, such as Officer of the Watch (OOW).
Eligibility Criteria	A) Educational Requirements: 1) Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized Board with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks in PCM. 2) English must be passed with a minimum of 50% marks (either in 10th or 12th standard).
Age Limit:	Male: 25 years Female: 27 years

3. B.Tech in Marine Engineering

Course	Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Marine Engineering
Duration	Typically 4 years
Overview	Focuses on training individuals to become marine engineers. Involves the operation, maintenance, and repair of a ship’s propulsion systems, including engines and other mechanical and electrical systems.
Eligibility Criteria	A) Educational Requirements: 1) Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized Board with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks in PCM. 2) English must be passed with a minimum of 50% marks (either in 10th or 12th standard).
Age Limit:	Male: 25 years Female: 27 years

How to Join the Merchant Navy after 10th ?

Eligibility and Admission

Minimum Qualification: Class 10 with at least 40% marks.
Admission Process:
- Pass an initial exam.
- Complete a screening test.
- Undergo a written examination.

Courses Available After Class 10

Deck Rating Course: Basics of deck operations.
Engine Rating Course: Training in engine room skills and maintenance.
NCV (Near Coastal Voyage) Course: Coastal navigation skills.
Diploma in Marine Engineering (DME): Marine engineering basics, including pre-sea training.
GP (General Purpose) Rating Course: Combined deck and engine training.

Career Progression Path

Step 1: Complete six months of pre-sea training.
Step 2: Join the commercial fleet as a trainee.
Step 3: Progress to Able-Bodied Seaman (AB).
Step 4: Advance to Bosun after passing the Certificate of Competency (COC) test.
Step 5: Continue to higher ranks like Chief Officer, Captain, and Deck Officer by clearing DG Shipping exams.

Steps to Join the Merchant Navy in India After Class 12

Step 1: Complete Class 12 with a minimum of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Step 2: Apply for and clear the JEE and IMU CET entrance exams, followed by an interview and a medical examination.
Step 3: Enroll in a B.Sc. Nautical Science program or related Merchant Navy course at a reputed maritime university.
Step 4: After completing an 18-month cadet training program on board, apply for the Indian Government’s Competency Exam.
Step 5: Begin your career as a Third Officer and work towards higher ranks by completing additional exams and assessments as required.

Popular Merchant Navy Subjects

Maritime Law	Ship Operation Technology	Marine Machines and System Design
Principles of Navigation	Marine Heat Engines and Air Conditioning	Voyage Planning and Collision Prevention
Marine Auxiliary Machine	Shipping Management	Electrical Machines
Environmental Science	Marine IC Engineering	Naval Architecture
Cargo Machine and Marine Communication	STCW and Ship Fire Prevention	Mechanics of Fluids

Top Merchant Navy Colleges in India

Institution Name	Fee (INR)
B.P. Marine Academy Navi	1,35,000
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training (MANET)	1,37,000
Coimbatore Marine College (CMC)	2,00,000
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)	6,00,000
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies	6,25,000
TS Rahaman	7,45,000
International Maritime Institute (IMI)	10,00,000
Indian Maritime University (IMU)	11,00,000
Vels Academy of Maritime Studies	12,00,000
Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering (ITME)	NA

Source- Collegedekho

What are the average Salaries in Merchant Navy?

After earning relevant degrees, The average salaries in Merchant Navy is INR 3 LPA–18.7 LPA. If you pass your 12th board exam, you can work as a Deck Officer or in catering. your average salaries will be 2.20 LPA and 3 LPA. However, you can earn INR 1-2 crores with more experience and education and over 15 years of experience. The following table listed Merchant Navy professionals’ average salaries.

Job Prospects and Salaries

Job Profiles	Responsiblity	Anual Salary
Trainee Cadet	Responsible for basic duties of a Deck Officer during the onboarding of a ship.	₹2 Lakh to ₹3
Deck Cadet	Responsible for navigating a ship and planning its journey the captain is the highest-ranking deck officer.	₹3 Lakh to ₹6 Lakh
Catering and Hospitality Crew	Responsible for catering and hospitality for passengers and crew members on board, including food storage, preparation, and cooking.	₹4 Lakh to ₹7 Lakh
Engineer	Responsible for maintaining the ship's engine engine room, and related equipment in good working condition.	₹8 Lakh to ₹15Lakh
Chief Officer	In charge of the safety of passengers and crew accountable for watch duties related to vessel navigation.	₹25 Lakh to ₹65 Lakh
Captain	Leads a merchant ship, overseeing its operations and handling legal matters related to maritime issues.	₹70 Lakh to ₹1Crore+

Source- Ambitionbox

Merchant Navy Salary Rank wise

Designation	Average Salary (₹)
Steward	2,00,000 – 3,00,000
Trainee Cook	3,00,000 – 4,00,000
Chief Cook	4,00,000 – 6,00,000
Deck Cadet	2,00,000
Electrical Officer/ETO	2,00,000 – 4,00,000
Third Engineer	2,00,000 – 4,00,000
Second Officer, Third Officer	1,50,000 – 3,00,000
Second Engineer	5,00,000 – 7,00,000
Chief Engineer	4,00,000 – 6,00,000
Chief Officer/First Mate	4,00,000 – 6,00,000
Captain	6,65,000 – 11,95,000

Source- Dehradun Academy

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th: Position and Experience

Salaries in the merchant navy for those who have completed 10th grade typically range from INR 25,000 to INR 300,000 per year, depending on performance and other factors.

Position	Years of Experience	Average Annual Salary (INR)
2nd Officer	0-4 Years	15 – 20 LPA
	5-10 Years	30 – 40 LPA
3rd Officer	0-4 Years	13 – 17 LPA
	5-10 Years	35 – 40 LPA
	10+ Years	45 – 50 LPA

What is the Salary of Captain in Merchant Navy?

Captains or masters lead ships and have the final word. A Merchant Navy Captain earns between INR 30 L and 40 L per month after years of experience.

Salary Ranges by Years of Experience

Years of Experience	Average Annual Salary (INR)
0 – 5 years	30 – 35 LPA
6 – 10 years	35 LPA – 50 LPA
11 – 15 years	50 LPA – 60 LPA
16 – 20 years	60 LPA – 80 LPA
20 years and above	1 Crore & above

Takeaway

There is a lot of potential for earnings, professional growth, and adventure in a career in the Merchant Navy. There are straightforward career growth options, big benefits, and the appeal of the vast ocean in this exciting field, which is why so many people chose it. The Merchant Navy is a rewarding and useful job, no matter how much experience you have or what you want to do with your maritime career.

Frequent Asked Questions

What are the career prospects in the merchant navy?

If you aspire to join the merchant navy as a youth, here are several opportunities in this career path: On Deck: Captain, Chief Officer; Second Officer, Third Officer, and Deck Cadet Trainee. Engine Department: Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer, and Engine Cadet Trainee.

Who earns the most in a Merchant Navy career?

The position of Captain earns the highest salary in the Merchant Navy, with a monthly salary ranging from around rupees 8,65,000 to Rs. 20,000....

What is the maximum age for joining the Merchant Navy?

Merchant navy eligibility in India is usually 17–25 years old.

Can someone join the Merchant Navy after 30?

The Merchant Navy's deck officer and marine engineer age limit is 28. Deck and engineering officers can be 25–30 years old.

Is swimming required for the Merchant Navy?

It's not required. No tests determine swimming ability. Life jackets are required for all water-based courses.

Is merchant navy good job?

A Merchant Navy career can be attractive for those who love ships and travel. This field offers competitive salaries, tax benefits, diverse cultures, and other benefits.