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Kamaldeep
13 July, 2024
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Are you interested in working in the Merchant Navy? It is one of the best career options if you want to work in seas. Merchant Navy is a specialised profession that deals with commercial activities related to shipping passengers and cargo by sea. As you know, in India, a large part of transportation and shipping is done via sea routes via maritime transportation. This is an exciting sector that offers great financial rewards and opportunities for professional advancement. Read the blog further to learn more about the merchant navy’s salaries, pay scales, benefits, career growth, and exams for the merchant navy.
Students usually get confused about the best career options after the 12th . To clear your doubts, you can always consult career experts. The merchant navy maintains a hierarchy of ranks among the deck, engine, and catering departments. The first step towards launching a career in the merchant navy is becoming a Deck Cadet (for the deck department) or an Engineering Cadet (for the engine department). These positions can be achieved once you pass the IMU-CET exam. The highest-ranking and highest-paid officers on a merchant navy ship are the Captain and Chief Engineer, responsible for all maintenance and operations.
You must pass exams such as IMU CET and JEE Main to join the merchant navy.
| Exam | IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test) |
| Overview | IMU CET is a primary entrance exam conducted for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the field of maritime studies. |
| Authority | Indian Maritime University |
| Eligibility | – Candidates should be between 17 and 25 years old. – Educational Qualification: For undergraduate courses, candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with at least 60% aggregate marks. |
| Exam Pattern | – Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test) – Duration: 3 hours – Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Aptitude – Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced |
| Overview | For admission to their marine engineering programmes, several maritime universities, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, accept JEE Advanced marks. |
| Eligibility | – Age: As per JEE Advanced eligibility criteria – Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). – Other Requirements: Must qualify for JEE Main and be among the top candidates to be eligible for JEE Advanced. |
| Exam Pattern | – Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test) – Duration: 3 hours per paper (two papers) – Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics – Type: MCQs, Numerical Answer Type Questions |
The average salary range in the Merchant Navy after completing relevant degrees is INR 3 LPA – 18.7 LPA*. Suppose you have passed your 12th board examinations and choose to work directly as a Deck Officer or a catering department employee. In that case, you will have average salaries of INR 2.20 LPA and 3 LPA, respectively. On the other hand, if you have educational credentials and a significant amount of experience of more than 15 years, you can also make up INR 1-2 crores. The average salaries of Merchant Navy professionals are listed in the table below.
| Job Role | Average Salary in INR* |
| Captain | 1 Crore – 2 Crores |
| Chief Officer | 70 LPA – 80 LPA |
| Deck Cadet | 15 LPA – 20 LPA |
| Trainee Cadet | 10 LPA – 15 LPA |
| Engineer | 15 LPA – 20 LPA |
| Catering and Hospitality Crew | 20 LPA- 15 LPA |
Source: Glassdoor
*Note: The salaries listed may vary according to the terms and conditions of the organisation.
The Starting salaries of merchant navy officers typically fall between INR 4 and 7 LPA, or INR 30,000 and 60,000 per month. If you become an officer in the Merchant Navy with over ten years of significant experience, you can earn up to INR 2.5 lakh per month. With 20 years of significant expertise, the Merchant Navy Salary might range from INR 8 lakh to INR 20 lakh monthly.
If you aspire to join the merchant Navy, you require a bachelor’s degree in marine science or similar fields after completing class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as needed subjects from an accredited board to join the merchant navy after graduation.
| Designation | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Captain | 60 LPA – 70 LPA |
| Chief Officer/First Mate | 30 LPA- 40 LPA |
| Second Officer/Second Mate | 10 LPA – 15 LPA |
| Third Officer/Third Mate | 8 LPA – 13 LPA |
| Deck Cadet | 8 LPA – 13 LPA |
| Chief Engineer | 30 LPA – 40 LPA |
| Second Engineer | 15 LPA – 20 LPA |
| Third Engineer | 10 LPA – 16 LPA |
| Electrical Officer/ETO | 20 LPA – 27 LPA |
| Chief Cook | 4 LPA – 6 LPA |
| Trainee Cook | 3 LPA – 4 LPA |
| Steward | 2 LPA – 3 LPA |
Source:Glassdoor
The eligibility to enrol in the merchant navy after the 10th is to pass the class 10 board exam with a minimum of 45% overall. You should also complete an enrollment form and attend tests to take mental and physical exams. This six-month pre-sea training programme for general-purpose rating prepares cadets mainly for two roles: deck and engine rating.
The training course has a minimum age requirement of 17 years old and a maximum age limit of 25 years old. After finishing the GP Rating course, you can begin working as a deck or engine crew. You may take the 2nd Mate Examination to become an officer after serving for 36 months on the board. Salaries in the merchant navy for those who have completed 10th will range from INR 30,000 to INR 350,000 per annum, and the pay scale is subject to change based on exam performance and other factors.
The second officer is one of the most important positions you can obtain with an onboard promotion. The second officer, who is also the ship’s medical officer and makes an attractive salary while on board, is in charge of the ship’s navigation and route planning. In addition to serving as the ship’s navigator and, occasionally, medical officer, a second officer watches the bridge and acts as an official communication officer.
In India, a Second Officer in the Merchant Navy makes, on average, INR 13.8 lakhs a year. However, this amount may differ depending on several variables, such as the kind of vessel, the shipping firm, prior experience, and additional qualifications.
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary in INR |
| 0-4 Years | 15 – 20 LPA |
| 5-10 Years | 30 – 40 LPA |
After you pass your 2nd exam for Deck Cadet, you will be awarded the first rank, the third officer. Your salary position rises sharply in proportion to the level of responsibility. The third officer is also known as the ship’s safety officer. He is in command of the lifesaving and firefighting equipment and keeps watch over the bridge.
In India, a Third Officer in the Merchant Navy makes, on average, INR 13 – 15 LPA. This amount, however, may differ depending on several variables, such as the kind of vessel, the shipping firm, prior experience, and additional qualifications.
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary in INR |
| 0-4 Years | 13 – 17 LPA |
| 5-10 Years | 35 – 40 LPA |
| 10 + Years | 45 – 50 LPA |
The salaries in the merchant navy are heavily influenced by experience. Compared to their colleagues, a candidate’s chances of receiving a high salary increase with experience. Entry-level merchant navy salaries typically fall between INR 5 LPA and 6 LPA. Meanwhile, those with significant experience, roughly 7 to 10 years, are paid an average of INR 30 LPA to 85 LPA, or even more in some circumstances.
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| 0 – 5 years | 8 LPA – 11 LPA |
| 6 – 10 years | 15 LPA – 20 LPA |
| 11 – 15 years | 20 LPA – 30 LPA |
| 16 – 20 years | 30 LPA – 45 LPA |
| 20 years & above | 50 LPA & above |
The person in charge of a ship’s general operations and final authority over it is called a Captain or master. Following many years of relevant experience, the typical monthly salary for a Merchant Navy Captain is between INR 30 L and 40 L. However, after over 20 years of employment, the typical Merchant Navy Captain’s salary might be INR 2 to 3 crores, with a monthly income of INR 30 – 35 LPA.
| 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 |
The Chief Officer manages the deck crew, environmental protection, safety and firefighting operations, and cargo operations. A Chief Officer also acts as the vessel’s security officer. After the Captain, the Chief Officer has the second-highest rank within the ship. The maintenance and well-being of the crew members on the ship are under the purview of the Chief Officer. Since he has more experience than the Captain, he also serves as a duty officer for the newly recruited Deck Cadets. The salary range of a Chief Officer in the Merchant Navy is between 4,00,000 and 6,00,000 per month.
There are various advantages of working with the Merchant Navy. Some of the significant benefits are listed below.
1. Work while you travel the world:
Travel lovers find this point very attractive.
You can travel around the world for free as part of the job.
Explore new areas when the ship arrives at the port.
2. Get lucrative pay packages:
High entry-level salaries, starting from $1500 to $3000 per month.
Higher positions like Captain earn even more.
Salaries vary by company and increase with experience.
3. Get amazing tax benefits:
Tax exemptions for sailors meeting specific residency requirements.
In India, if you are not present for 182 days, you don’t pay tax.
4. Get To Know Various Cultures:
You can interact with people from different cultures and nations.
There are various customs and traditions, you can learn about them.
Flexibility and adaptability to live in different cultures
Frequent contact with international colleagues.
5. No requirements for fancy degrees:
Start a career without higher qualifications.
You can also start a career after the 10th and 12th standard.
Begin onboard training right after pre-sea training.
6. Enhances professionalism:
Develop teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
Grow both professionally and personally.
High responsibility and discipline are integral.
7. Long and pure vacations:
Extended work periods are compensated with long holidays.
4-5 months of complete vacation after 6-8 months of contract.
Enjoy undisturbed time with family.
8. Builds discipline:
Develop punctuality and focus due to the unpredictable nature of the job.
Live a disciplined lifestyle according to marine norms.
Wearing navy uniforms throughout the contract period.
9. Temporary seniors and colleagues
Different seniors in each contract.
Career progression in the merchant navy is vast. For example, in the deck department, a person may be promoted from Third Officer to Second Officer, Chief Officer, and finally Captain. Fourth Engineers are followed by Third Engineers, Second Engineers, and thenChief Engineers in the engine department. Check out the job roles and their descriptions in the table below.
| Position | Detailed Responsibilities |
| Deck Cadet | – Maintain the ship. – Ensure essential safety equipment is available. – Assist in operating the ship. |
| Chief Officer | – Oversee cargo loading and unloading. – Conduct navigation watch duties. – Manage various cargo operations onboard. |
| Captain | – Command the entire ship. – Manage all maritime operations. – Address legal issues during voyages. |
| Maritime Engineers | – Supervise ship maintenance. – Ensure operational efficiency of maritime equipment and systems. |
| Catering and Hospitality Crew | – Manage the catering department. – Attend to guest needs. – Ensure quality food and beverage services onboard. |
A career in the Merchant Navy provides a promising career that includes financial gain, professional development, and adventure. It’s clear why so many people chose this exciting sector, given the clear career growth options, significant benefits, and appeal of the vast ocean. The Merchant Navy offers a rewarding and productive career path, regardless of your experience level or maritime career goals.
A Captain or Chief Engineer is the highest-paying position in the Merchant Navy. Chief Engineers manage the engineering operations of the ship, whereas Captains are in charge of overall command and safety. Their annual compensation may exceed 35 lakhs Indian rupees, contingent upon the firm, vessel type, and experience level.
Professionals in the Merchant Navy usually experience considerable compensation increases after seven years of service. With six to ten years of experience, a second officer or engineer can make about 45 lakhs of rupees yearly. With more experience and in higher positions, salaries keep increasing.
Yes, there will likely be an increase in merchant navy salary for several reasons. First, as global trade expands, so does the need for shipping, creating a greater need for qualified marine workers. People tend to get paid more as they advance in their careers because it represents their improved knowledge and abilities. Since pay changes are meant to reflect the growing cost of living, inflation also plays a part.
There are various reasons why the Merchant Navy pays so much. First, there is a big risk factor associated with employment; it comes with many obligations and dangers, such as working in demanding situations and being away from home for extended periods of time. Second, the high skill level requires certain training and credentials.
