What is Merchant Navy

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Introduction to the Merchant Navy

• If you're a science student between the ages of 17 - 25, love outdoor walks, don’t like the idea of working at a desk from 9 to 5, and are prone to hard work and friendly disposition, and love the outdoors and walking, then Merchant Navy can be an exciting career option for you.
• Career options in the merchant navy have been available for quite some time, but the niche character of the industry leads many students to be unaware of the exciting and lucrative career choices available.
• As an officer from a very young age, you are allowed to work in an industry that you can only dream of. The salaries/compensation is best when compared to the top professions. 

So to learn more about the Merchant Navy, read on and find out about the career you didn't know about.

What is the Merchant Navy?

• World’s 95% trade is done through sea routes. The ships of private and government agencies help in transporting cargo from one place to another. This is the main function of a merchant fleet.
• An essential component of the global economy, the Merchant Navy consists of a wide range of industries such as shipping, fishing, agriculture, mining, construction, and manufacturing.
• Just Imagine if oil reached refineries, gas stations were forced to close, or other modes of transportation were shut down because they would not receive fuel. 
• Steel and textile producers will close their factories and the world will return to the Stone Age.
• Newspapers and print ink wouldn't be made without printing presses. 
• Farmers around the world will be destroyed because fertilizer will not be available for their farms, and crops grown elsewhere will Not reach the necessary markets. 

Why should you join the Merchant Navy?

Top reasons to join Merchant Navy

• It is an adventurous, exciting and lucrative profession
• One of the highest paying jobs in the industry
• You become financially independent after you start earning as a deck cadet
• A lot of responsibilities are laid upon you at a very early age
• The opportunity of seeing the world and interaction with different cultures and people
• Fast progress compared to other professions
• Job security
• Long vacations that help in making work-life balance
• Quality accommodation and food facilities while you are onboard ships
• Opportunity to save a lot of money as the major expenses such as lodging and food has no charge

How to join the Merchant Navy?

You can join Merchant Navy as Officers through following three main channels

• Deck Department (Become a Captain of a Ship): 
  1. Courses Eligible: BSc in Nautical Science AND Diploma in Nautical Science.
• Engine Department (Become a Chief Engineer of a Ship)
  1. Courses Eligible: BTech/BE in Marine Engineering and GME.
• Electrical Department (Become Electrical Officer) 
  1. Courses Eligible: Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)

DNS SPONSORSHIP & IMUCET MISSION 2025 (FEB BATCH)

Note: IMU-CET is mandatory to Join Merchant Navy if a student is applying for B.E Marine Engineering, BSc Nautical Science or DNS Course.

9CC is India’s only Merchant Navy coaching institute from the last 5 years with 100% success rate.

DNS Sponsorship & IMUCET 2025 Classes (Offline Batch) - Book your course now Rs 60000(Offline Classes)
50% money back guarantee if not selected
Schedule - Monday to Saturday 5 hours of classes everyday.

DNS SPONSORSHIP Online CLASSES Book - Rs 25000
Schedule - Monday to Saturday 5 hours of class everyday.

Highlights of Our Online Coaching

• Unlimited coaching and mentorship until 100% selection.
• Coaching from India’s top notch Physics, Maths & Chemistry teachers.
• Thorough Interview preparation for sponsorship from our domain experts.
• One Shipping Campus Visit.
• English / Soft skills training.
• Books / Study material.
• 9CC T-Shirts and ID’s.
• Sponsorship assistance through Top Shipping Companies with Complete Step-By-step Guidance from 9CC until Selection.
• Free career counselling and mentoring from Seniors Officers of Maersk Line & MSC Shipping during the course.
• End-to-End Assistance including filling of Application forms and Admission in Top College.
• Smooth Student Loan Process through 9CC’s Financial Partners.

Eligibility

B.Tech (Marine Engineering), B.Sc. (Nautical Science), and Diploma in Nautical Science(DNS):

• A Minimum 60% average of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
• 50% or above in English in the 10th or 12th qualifying exam.
• People above 25 years of age are not eligible for the course.

Online Booking Procedure:-

• Step I: Fill the online Booking form.
• Step II: Pay the non-refundable booking fee of Rs 2000.

Join Merchant Navy as officer under following courses:

1. B.Sc Nautical Science (3 Years Degree Program)
2. Diploma in Nautical Science (1 Year DNS Program leading to Bsc Degree)
3. B.Tech/B.E. Marine Engineering (4 Years Degree Program)
4. Graduate Marine Engineering (1 Year GME degree Program)
5. Electro-Technical Officer/Electrical Officer (4months ETO Course)

 

1) B.Sc. Degree in Nautical Science.

Course Duration 3 years

BSc in Nautical Science is a three-year course which will eventually lead you to become a captain onboard a ship. A candidate who pursues this three-year degree course joins a ship on deck department as a deck cadet. This course enables the cadets in becoming Navigating Officers up to the rank of Captain on Board Merchant Naval Ships in the world. This three-year degree course in Nautical Science is strictly a residential course.

What is Eligibility?

• Academic Qualification: (10+2) or equivalent examination (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as separate subjects). PCM average should not be less than 60% and for English Language, minimum 50% marks are required at 10th or 12th/qualifying exam level.
• Maximum Age limit is 25 years

What are the Medical requirements?

• Medical Fitness: For admission to DG, Shipping approved marine courses, the candidates are required to produce medical fitness certificates by authorities approved by the Director-General of Shipping.
• Eyesight: Candidates joining B.Sc. (Nautical Science) course are not allowed to wear glasses and their vision should be 6/6 (normal) in each eye separately.

Career progression after BSc in Nautical Science

After 3 years of college, you will become

• Deck Cadet (12 months at Sea) - Approx 450 USD/month
• Clear 2nd Mates COC Exam.
• 3rd Officer - 2800 USD/month
• 2nd Officer - 4500 USD/month
• Chief Officer - 8000 USD/month
• Captain - 10000 USD/month
• Salaries are subjected to change from company to company.

Source: 9.O CareerCafe In-house data team.

 

2) Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

Course Duration: 1 year

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is a one year course which will lead to BSc Nautical Science after a brief 18 months of sea service. It will also lead to a 2nd Mate foreign going certificate of competency (awarded by the Ministry of Shipping). This course enables the cadets in becoming Navigating Officers up to the rank of Captain on Board Merchant Naval Ships in the world. This one-year Diploma in Nautical Science Course is strictly residential.

Age Limit: Maximum 25 years

Academic Qualification: Must have completed (10+2) or equivalent examination (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as separate subjects.) The PCM average should not be less than 60% and with 50% marks in the English language at 10th or 12th std or qualifying exam.

Physical Standards: Should be Medically fit as per the standards set by M.S. Medical Examination Rules, 2000.

Eyesight: A full eyesight test conducted by the DG Shipping approved doctor before being finally selected for the course. Eyesight should have 6/6 in each eye without visual aids and should be free from colour blindness (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000; as amended.

What is Career Progression in this course?

1. 1-year DNS course at the Academy.
2. 18-month sea training onboard a ship.
3. Appear for 2nd mate exams + awarded a BSc Degree.
4. After graduation and clearing the COC exam, join as a 3rd officer.

 

• Deck Cadet (min 18months at sea) - Approx 450 USD/month
• 3rd Officer - 2800 USD/month
• 2nd Officer - 4500 USD/month
• Chief Officer - 8000 USD/month
• Captain - 10000 USD/month

Source: 9.O CareerCafe In-house data team

 

3) 4-Year Degree Course in Marine Engineering

This course leads to becoming a marine engineer onboard a ship who primarily takes care of various machineries and engine. Marine engineering, in particular, is the study of applied engineering and science, including, but not limited to, the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and maintenance of ships and vessels. This includes but is not confined to the engineering sciences, such as mechanical and electrical.

Academic Qualification/Eligibility: 

1. (10+2) or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English with a PCM average of not less than 60%.
2. A minimum of 50% marks in the English language at 10th or 12th.
3. Applicants who have passed their 1st year from AICTE approved engineering colleges in Mechanical/Electrical can join the BE Marine Engineering course with minimum 60% minimum average marks.
4. Applicants who have completed 3 year diploma along with a 3 year regular diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electrical & Electronics Engineering from AICTE or State Board of Technical Education approved colleges can also take admission in the 2nd year of the BE Marine Engineering course

Diploma programs eligible are

• Electrical Power System Electrical and Electronics Engineering Stream
• Digital Electronics 
• Electronics and Communications
• Electronics & Telecommunication
• Industrial electronics
• Electronics
• Electronics Production & Maintenance
• Instrumentation
• Instrumentation & Control Mechanical Engineering Stream :
• Automobile
• Machine Tools and Maintenance
• Plant Engineering
• Production Technology
• Production Engineering
• Advanced Diploma in Tool and Die Making

Note: Candidates are not eligible for exemption in the examination of Applied Mechanics and Heat Engine subject of Part ‘A’ MEO Class IV and Class II of Certificate of Competency Examinations.

1. Diploma Holders (4 years) in Shipbuilding Engineering from AICTE/State Board of Technical Education can take admission in the 2nd year of BE Marine Engineering (Minimum 55% average marks are required in the last year of the diploma course.)
2. The Maximum Age Limit is 25 Years.

 

What are the required medical prerequisites?

Medical Fitness:

• Spectacles are allowed in case the student is joining BE (Marine Engineering) but if the eyesight in each is beyond +/- 2.5, the candidature will be rejected. Preferred vision must be 6/12 minimum in both the eyes or 6/9 in the good eye and minimum 6/12 in the other eye.
• Applicants must be medically fit that includes eyesight and hearing as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000. Medical test to be carried out by DG shipping approved doctor only.

Career progression after BE/Btech in Marine Engineering

• Engine Cadet (min 6 months sailing) - 450 USD/month
• 4th Engineer - 2800 USD/month
• 3rd Engineer - 4500 USD/month
• 2nd Engineer - 8000 USD/month
• Chief Engineer - 10000 USD/month

Source: 9.O CareerCafe In-house data team

 

4)Marine Engineering Course for Graduates (GME)

Course Duration: 1 Year

What are the minimum requirements?

Academic Qualification/Eligibility:

1. BE (Mechanical) Engineering/Naval Architecture with minimum 50% marks in final year and with minimum 50% marks in the English language at 10th or 12th or in qualifying degree Exam.
2. Mechanical and Automation Engineering graduates from AICTE approved colleges with 50% minimum marks in the final year and minimum 50% in the English language (10th/12th/qualifying degree)

The Maximum Age Limit is 28 Years.

Career progression after BE/Btech in Marine Engineering

• Junior Engineer (min 6months sailing) - 450 USD/month
• 4th Engineer - 2800 USD/month
• 3rd Engineer - 4500 USD/month
• 2nd Engineer - 8000 USD/month
• Chief Engineer - 10000 USD/month

Source: 9.O CareerCafe In-house data team

 

5) Electro-Technical Officer (ETO course)

(Leading to Elec/Electronic Engineer on a merchant navy ship)

Course Duration: 4 months of pre-sea training followed by 6 months onboard training.

What are the minimum requirements?

Academic Qualifications:

Must have completed their Engineering degree i.e. BTech in Electrical or Electronics or Electrical & Electronics or Electronics & Telecommunication/ Communication Engineering or Electronics and Instrumentation or equivalent engineering degrees. You must have secured 60% marks aggregately in your Engineering degree.

Age & Medical Requirements

You should not be more than 30 years on the date of commencement of training.

You should be medically fit which includes eye vision and hearing abilities should be as per the guidelines prescribed in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000; as amended intermittently

After getting the certification of ETO, it becomes quite easy for Electrical & Electronics Graduates to enter into Merchant Navy

Expected Salary

Above Rs 1.5Lakhs/month.

 

What is the scope after a sailing career?

After spending a considerable amount of time at Sea, mariners tend to think about living offshore life, which is not a bad option if you plan it properly

Options after a successful sailing career

• Entrepreneur: You can start your own business with the money you saved over the years.
• You can try to join administration related jobs in private sectors or shipping companies or take jobs as surveyors, vetting Inspectors, Agents Brokers in the allied fields in the maritime industry.
• You can take jobs in the electronics, electrical, mechanical industries or hotel industry as an AC technician if your background is a marine engineer.
• Some sailors try to continue their studies and opt for higher education programs in their choice of interest.