The Merchant Navy Salary in India 2025 is known for offering pays high salaries along with global exposure and an adventure-filled lifestyle. It is vital to international commerce, moving goods and products around the planet. If you like travel, adventure and non-taxed income this section of work is for you.
Salaries vary based on rank, experience, ship type, and employer credibility, with senior roles like Merchant Navy Captain Salary and Merchant Navy Chief Engineering Salary up to ₹ 20,00,000 every month.
Merchant Navy Salary Overview
Merchant Navy Salary in India 2025 range from ₹25,000 for cadets up to ₹20,00,000 per month for senior professionals like Chief Engineers and Captains. Merchant Navy Salary on tanker ships is generally higher compared to other vessels, and pay most lucrative for international routes rather than coastal ones.
- Salaries for higher-positioned officers like Chief Engineers and Captains are widely different from the entry-level jobs.
- Tanker ships are the highest-paid jobs available in the field of maritime industry in comparison to general cargo ships, bulk carriers, and container ships.
- Salary for officers on international routes are better than coastal routes.
- Similarly, for Indian seafarers, the salaries earned while spending 183 or more days in a financial year at sea are also tax-free.
Factors Affecting Salary in Merchant Navy
The salary of a Merchant Navy Professional depends on various factors:
- Rank & Experience – Higher ranks (Captain, Chief Engineer etc) have higher pay. It makes sense that the longer you are in the industry, the more you get paid.
- Vessel Type – The highest paying jobs are for oil tankers, LNG carriers, and chemical tankers; these positions are considered to carry a higher risk and more complex operations. Generally, bulk carriers and container ships pay less.
- Trading Routes – Additional allowances for high-risk operations of vessels in or near the Gulf of Aden and the South China Sea.
- Company Reputation — Multinational shipping companies such as Maersk, MSC, Synergy Maritime, and others provide higher pay and benefits.
- Certifications & Skills — Certifications, specialist training and additional skills increase salary prospects. Officers with DG-approved advanced courses frequently receive higher salaries.
Salaries by Ranks and Role of Merchant Navy in 2025
There are different salaries for different roles in the Merchant Navy. Deck Department also has the same ranking, the Best Basic Deck Officer Salary starts as ₹25,000, whereas senior officers receive ₹9,00,000. Engine Department₹30,000 — ₹18,00,000 (Engine Cadets — Chief Engineers) Crew roles such as GP Rating, Cook, and Electrician earn ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month.
Deck Department | Salary |
Deck Cadet | ₹25,000- ₹85,000/ month |
3rd Officer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per month |
2nd Officer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 / month |
Chief Officer | ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 / month |
2nd Officer | ₹6,75,000 – ₹9,00,000 per month |
Engine Department | Salary |
Engine Cadet | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000/month |
Fourth Engineer | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 Per Month |
Third Engineer | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per Month |
Second Engineer | ₹6,00,000 – ₹9,00,000/month |
Chief Engineer | ₹8,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 per month |
Crew Members & Support Staff | |
GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
Trainee Cadet | ₹25,000 – ₹85,000 per month |
Cook | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 a month |
Electrician | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month |
Benefits of a Merchant Navy Career
The Merchant Navy is provided with high wages, tax-free income for seafarers working at sea for 183 or more days, and some also travel overseas. With excellent job security, fast-tracked career growth, and the option to retire early, it’s a great option for people ready to explore the world and gain some quality experiences while saving their next paycheck.
- High Salary – One of the highest paying sectors in India. Experience and promotions lead to significant salary boosts.
- Tax-Free Income — Seafarers who spend at least 183 days in a financial year at sea are not subjected to income tax in India.
- International Travel – Excellent chance to travel to different countries while you are working.
- Early Retirement – Due to high salaries and early savings, many professionals retire in their 40s or 50s.
- Adventure & Growth – Fast-paced work environment with excellent career advancement and training programs.
- Job Security – Merchant shipping has a steady global demand.
Merchant Navy Salary After 10th Class
Students can enter the Merchant Navy after 10th grade through GP Rating, Cook, or Engine Rating courses.
- GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) – ₹ 25,000 – ₹ 60,000 a month
- ITI Electricians – ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 PM
- These positions provide stable paths into new careers where, after time served and the proper credentials, individuals can rise in the ranks to become officers.
Merchant Navy Salary After 12th
The students can join the 12th grade onwards in Deck Cadet, Trainee Engineer and GP Ratings.
Degree Name | Salary Expected |
BSc Nautical Science | INR 7 LPA |
BTech Marine Engineering | INR 7 LPA |
BTech Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering | INR 5 LPA |
BTech Harbour & Ocean Engineering | INR 5 LPA |
BBA Shipping | INR 2.2 LPA |
Electro-Technical Officer Course | INR 14 LPA |
Commercial Diving | INR 9 LPA |
MBA Shipping and Logistics Management | INR 6 LPA |
Students who complete Nautical Science and Marine Engineering courses have better career opportunities and are paid more.
Merchant Navy Salary Overview
Candidates in this section can view the salaries for different profiles offered in merchant navy.
Profile/Post | Qualifications | Salary |
G P Rating | Class 10 | 25,000 — 60,000 per month |
Trainee Cadet | 12th + Pre-sea Nautical Diploma | ₹25000 to ₹85000 per month |
Mess Boy | Class 10 | ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per month |
Engine Rating | Class 10 | ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per month |
Cook | Class 10 | ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 a month |
Welder/Helper | Class 10 + ITI | ₹50,000 – ₹85,000 per month |
Seaman | Class 10 | ₹38,000 to ₹55,000 per month |
Electrician | Class 10 + ITI Electrician Trade | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per month |
Deck Cadet | XII + Pre-sea nautical diploma | ₹25,000 to ₹85,000 a month |
3rd Officer/2nd Officer | 2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per month |
Chief Officer | Certificate of Competency for 1st Mate (FG) | ₹4,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 per month |
Captain | Master (FG) COC | ₹8,65,000 to ₹20,00,000 per month |
Merchant Navy Courses
Here are the Courses Available for Merchant Navy
B.Tech Marine Engineering | B.Tech Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering | B.Tech Harbour & Ocean Engineering. |
Alternate Training Scheme Marine Engineering | G.P Rating | Higher National Diploma (Nautical Science) |
BBA Shipping | MBA Shipping Finance | Diploma in Marine Engineering (DME) |
Master of Business Administration in Shipping and Logistics Management | B.E in Harbour and Ocean Engineering | Diploma in Nautical Science |
BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering | B.Tech Ship Building |
B.E Marine Engineering | B.E Mechanical Engineering | ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) |
B.Sc Nautical Science | The Electro-Technical Officer Course |
Merchant Navy Admission Process and Entrance Exams
After the results are out, IMU will publish the rank and based on the rank, different IMU campuses will allot seats for different courses generally in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering. Marine Engineering from some IITs via an entrance exam, shipping companies conduct sponsorship exams for placement.
- IMU CET – Compulsory for Nautical Science and Marine Engineering courses.
- Marine Engineering in IIT – Entrance Exams Required
- Shipowner Sponsorship Exams – Several shipping companies hold sponsorship exams for direct placement.
Salary Breakdown by Company in 2025
Renowned shipping companies, such as Maersk Line, MSC, Anglo-Eastern, and Synergy Maritime, are willing to pay anywhere between ₹1,00,000 and ₹10,00,000 a month. These companies also offer bonuses, medical coverage, and pension plans.
Name of the Company | Average Salary |
Maersk Line | ₹1,50,000 – ₹10,00,000 per month |
MSC | ₹1,20,000 – ₹9,00,000 per month |
Synergy Maritime | ₹1,20,000 – ₹9,50,000 |
Ocean Sparkle | INR 24,55,000 Per Annum |
Shipping Corporation of India | INR 33,00,000 Per Annum |
Indian Navy | INR 40,00,000 Per Annum |
Anglo-Eastern Ship Management | INR 42,00,000 Per Annum |
Fleet Management | INR 70,00,000 Per Annum |
Leading shipping corporations pay salaries along with other benefits and allowances including bonus, medical, and pension plan.
Conclusion
The Merchant Navy Salary in India 2025 offers financial security, travel across the world, and excitement. There are great career growth opportunities, whether you join after 10th, 12th, or graduation. The Merchant Navy Career is also an excellent option for individuals who love the sea and are interested in a high-paying international career.
