Merchant Navy in India: Courses, Eligibility, Types, Top 10 Institutes, Fees, Merchant Navy vs Indian Navy and Salary 2023

New updates: The following are the new updates for the candidates for the merchant navy-

Financial aid based on the candidate's final qualifying mark is provided.   

The Merchant Navy's new selections begin in session 2023-2024.   

Limited seats are available in each cohort, and complete job placement is assured.   

There are additional educational loan options and opportunities available for 10th, 12th, and ITI, as well as diploma and degree diesel mechanical/electrical students.

Merchant Navy Overview

The Merchant Navy is a maritime sector in charge of moving cargo and passengers over sea routes. After Class 10, candidates can also study Pre-sea Nautical diploma courses.  Candidates who have completed their Class 10+2 can follow Merchant Navy courses and apply for bachelor's degrees. Admission to merchant navy programs is based on merit, as determined by admission tests. Candidates in the merchant navy are educated about shipping management, cargo machines, maritime communication, and navigation fundamentals. In India, the average merchant navy pay ranges from INR 4.5 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA for freshers to INR 37 LPA for experienced personnel. 

What is the Merchant Navy?

A merchant navy, sometimes known as a merchant marine, is a fleet of commercial boats registered in a given jurisdiction. Seafarers of various grades, as well as members of maritime labor unions, are obliged under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to carry commercial mariner's documents on commercial ships. Following their involvement in World War I, King George V conferred the moniker "Merchant Navy" to the British commercial shipping fleets; since then, numerous other nations have adopted that designation or a similar "Merchant Marine." 

Merchant Navy Highlights

The following table gives details about the merchant navy-

What is Merchant Navy in India?

The current Indian Merchant Navy began before India's independence from the United Kingdom when the SS Loyalty sailed from India to Britain in 1919. In terms of total DWT, India now ranks 15th in the world. India now contributes around 12.8% of officers and 14.5% of ratings to the global maritime community. This is one of the tallest in the world. There are several commercial shipping businesses in India. The Shipping Corporation of India, Essar, and others are among them.

Why pursue Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy officers are in high demand in today's globe. During the globalization period, countries interact with international trade, which is mostly carried out by shipping businesses. A career as a Merchant Navy officer will open up several job opportunities in India and abroad. The following are some of the reasons why one should pursue a career in the merchant navy-

1. In India, merchant navy officers have a variety of career options. 
2. In India, an experienced merchant navy's pay might be as high as INR 37 LPA. 
3. The employment of Indian sailors on Indian and international ships has increased by 35%. 

Merchant Navy Types

There are several types of merchant navy officers. The following two major kinds of Merchant Navy officers-

Engineering Officer

An engineering officer is in charge of the ship's or cruise ship's machinery maintenance. They are in charge of the propulsion, fuel, and waste systems. An engineering officer is in command of the ship's machinery.

Deck Officer

A deck officer is in charge of steering and maneuvering the ship, as well as navigation and communications. The function of a deck officer on a cargo ship is critical since he or she is in charge of ship navigation, cargo handling, strategic and safe management, and delivery, as well as the maintenance of any potentially life-saving equipment.

How to join the Merchant Navy in India?

If an applicant wishes to join the merchant navy in India, he or she should do the following-

1. The student must pass the Class 12 board examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as required subjects.
2. Maintaining normal vision and clean eyesight is required; however, glasses with a plus or minus 2.5 are permitted.
3. Prior to employment, students must also attend a ship-training course. 
4. The training is typically brief, with applicants learning about fundamental travel security considerations.

The mentioned link is for the Merchant Navy Institute in India- https://mnavynms.com/.

How to do Merchant Navy after 12th in India?

Because Merchant Navy courses are provided at the UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate levels, the qualifying criteria for each course change. Depending on the course structure, each degree has distinct qualifying conditions. The following are some common prerequisites for Merchant Navy courses at various levels-

1. Aspiring applicants for undergraduate Merchant Navy studies must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as obligatory subjects. 
2. Students should have completed their degree in a relevant topic with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA to be eligible for postgraduate Merchant Navy courses.
3. The permitted age range is 17–25 years.

Because there are several types of diploma courses offered, the requirements within each category vary, which are as follows-

1. Aspiring applicants should be between the ages of 25 and 28.
2. A 10+2 level examination including physics,chemistry,mathematics, andenglish as obligatory topics is required for one-year diploma programs.
3. Students must hold a diploma in Electronics Engineering/ Marine Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering/ Electrical Engineering/ Shipbuilding Engineering with at least 50% marks to be eligible for two-year diploma programs.

Read more about How to join Merchant Navy after 12th in India.

Merchant Navy Admission Process

Candidates can join any merchant navy firm after passing Class 10 examinations and completing a pre-sea nautical diploma program. Candidates must be physically fit in addition to having Merchant Navy certifications. The following are some of the steps to follow-

Step 1: Pass Classes 10 and 12

To sit for an entrance test or enroll in a Merchant Navy short-term course, candidates must have completed Class 10 and Class 12 from a recognized board with minimum grades in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. 

Step 2: Take the Merchant Navy Entrance Exams

To obtain a well-recognized degree in the Merchant Navy, one must pass admissions tests. Many colleges and institutions admit students depending on their 12th-grade passing rate. The Merchant Navy entrance exams are as follows-

*The MERI admissions exam and the TMISAT Entrance Exam are two more Merchant Navy admissions exams that individuals can take after graduating from high school.

Step 3: Enroll in a Merchant Navy Bachelor's Program

To pursue a successful career in the Merchant Navy, a bachelor's degree program in a comparable specialization is required. A Merchant Navy bachelor's program might last anywhere from three to four years. One can register for the following Merchant Navy bachelors programs-

Step 4: Enroll in the Merchant Navy Master's Program

If the candidate has completed their bachelor's degree, they can seek a job right away or pursue a master's degree if they so desire. Some master's programs for the Merchant Navy are as follows-

Step 5: Lateral Entry (LE) Placements

Lateral Entry into the second year of Marine Engineering in the Merchant Navy For maritime design projects certified by the Directorate General of Shipping, direct admission is also available. There are two ways to ensure LE placements in Marine Engineering Programs-

1. Successful completion of the first year of Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
2. A diploma in related engineering courses is necessary, with a minimum grade of roughly 60%.

Step 6: Acceptance into the Merchant Navy by way of Sponsorship

Students who apply to prestigious maritime studies institutes may be eligible for sponsored admission to Merchant Navy courses. They can seek assistance from big marine organizations. If these organizations recognize a student's promise, they will fund both their education and their involvement in the shipper naval force.

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria

The following are the qualifying requirements for the merchant navy-

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria for a Bachelor's Degree

1. Candidates must have finished their 12th grade with at least 60% in physics, chemistry, and math.
2. Candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 25 to meet the Merchant Navy age restriction for bachelor's courses. 

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Degree

1. A candidate for GME must hold a B.E. degree in Naval Architecture or Mechanical Engineering.
2. A candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in order to pursue an MBA in the Merchant Navy.
3. The maximum age limitations for MBA and GME are 25 and 28 years, respectively.

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria for 6-Month Merchant Navy Courses

1. The age range should be 17–25 years. 
2. Candidates must have passed Class 10 with Science, English, and Math as primary subjects with a minimum of 40% marks. 

Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria for Diploma Courses

1. Candidates for a one-year diploma must have passed their 12th-grade examinations in PCM and English.
2. Candidates for two-year diploma courses must have a diploma with a minimum aggregate score of 50% in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or Shipbuilding Engineering.
3. A candidate's age should be between 25 and 28 years old.

Merchant Navy Medical Fitness

1. Candidates must have normal vision (6/6) in both eyes and medically adequate hearing.
2. Applicants must have the required physical fitness certificates. 
3. Candidates applying for any of the Merchant Navy courses must be physically fit.

Tattoos are permitted in the Merchant Navy

Tattoos and body piercings are not forbidden in the Merchant Navy. In fact, sailors are the progenitors of nautical tattoo culture. The maritime academies, on the other hand, have severe disciplinary criteria and expect officers to possess specific characteristics. As a result, if an applicant has odd piercings and tattoos, it may be considered unacceptable.

List of Top 10 Merchant Navy Bachelor Degree Courses and Duration

There are several Merchant Navy courses available for students with scientific, commercial, or artistic backgrounds.  After finishing Class 12, you can apply for the merchant navy courses listed below-

List of Top 10 Popular Merchant Navy Specializations 

The following is the list of popular Merchant Navy specializations-

Merchant Navy Internships

To obtain a better understanding of a career as a Merchant Navy officer, it is normally useful to enroll in an internship. Regardless of how much practical learning experience the institution or university provides, working for a firm or organization will provide with real-world experience. Internships are an excellent way to get experience. Many government and commercial shipping enterprises offer Merchant Navy internship programs.

Merchant Navy Fee Structure 

The Merchant Navy fees in India vary based on a variety of things, such as the college one chooses, the program, the term, and so on. The following table provides a comprehensive picture of the Merchant Navy course fees in India with respective colleges-

List of Top 10 Colleges of Merchant Navy

These colleges have been authorized by the Directorate of Shipping, and the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India has approved them for personnel training. The following are some of the best Merchant Navy colleges in India with their locations-

Merchant Navy Salary 2023

Merchant Navy is one of the top paying jobs in India and throughout the world. Sailors are paid well since working on a ship is considered a challenging profession. The remuneration of a merchant navy officer in India varies according to their position in the company's hierarchy. Naval officers are typically awarded six-figure salaries. The average merchant navy pay in India for freshers is between INR 4.5 LPA and INR 5.5 LPA. Once in the merchant navy, a candidate's pay might rise to INR 37 LPA on average.  

Salary of a Merchant Navy Officer in India After Completing Class 10

The beginning of the Merchant Navy income range from INR 25,000 and INR 30,000 and it is subject to vary depending on tests and achievements.

Salary of a Merchant Navy Officer in India After Completing Class 12

After the 12th class, the lowest Merchant Navy compensation in India is INR 25,000 per month, while the maximum compensation is INR 10 lakhs per month. The following is a wage range for a merchant navy career-

Read more about Merchant Navy Salary 2023.

Merchant Navy Required Skills

Aside from academic and medical qualifications, a candidate should have specific interpersonal qualities that will help him or her perform well at work. The following are the qualifications that a candidate must possess in order to be a successful Merchant Navy officer-

Leadership and Decision-Making

Good leadership abilities are required since there will come a moment when you will be in control and crew members will look to you for big and effective choices. You will be able to handle your work obligations and crew members effectively if you have leadership qualities.

Mental Fortitude

A voyage in the Merchant Navy might be lengthy without ever seeing land. This can be harmful to individuals who are not psychologically strong enough. As a result, a Merchant Navy officer must have strong mental fortitude.

Strong Physical Strength

A Merchant Navy officer's career requires extensive travel across the oceans and seas, and they should be physically fit and powerful so that they can stay afloat and avoid seasickness.

Candidates should also have a great enthusiasm for sailing, patience, problem-solving skills, logical and analytical thinking, and a practical grasp of physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

Difference Between Merchant Navy and Indian Navy

Many candidates mistake the Merchant Navy for the Indian Navy while deciding on a career as a Merchant Navy officer. To have a better understanding, the table below differentiates between the Merchant Navy and the Indian Navy-