The Merchant Navy is a crucial part of global trade, responsible for transporting goods and passengers across international waters. If you are looking for a career that offers high salaries, adventure, and travel, then joining the Merchant Navy in 2024 could be the right choice.
This topic provides a detailed guide on the Merchant Navy recruitment process in 2024, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, job roles, salary expectations, and career growth opportunities.
1. What Is the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy is a fleet of commercial ships involved in transporting cargo and passengers. Unlike the Indian Navy or other military navies, it is a civilian sector offering employment in cargo ships, oil tankers, container vessels, cruise ships, and bulk carriers.
Why Join the Merchant Navy?
✔️ High-paying jobs with tax-free income in some cases.
✔️ Opportunity to travel to different countries.
✔️ Career growth and promotions based on experience and certifications.
✔️ Adventurous lifestyle away from a regular 9-to-5 job.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Merchant Navy Recruitment 2024
Before applying for the Merchant Navy in 2024, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualifications
Deck Cadet / Officer Rank: 10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) with at least 60% marks.
Engine Cadet: Engineering degree in Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
Ratings (Entry-level crew jobs): 10th pass or ITI diploma in relevant trades.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO): B.E./B.Tech in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.
Age Limit
✅ Deck Cadet & Engine Cadet: 17 to 25 years.
✅ Ratings (Seafarers & Crew): 17 to 27 years.
Medical & Physical Fitness
✔️ Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (no color blindness).
✔️ Height & Weight: Minimum 157 cm height and appropriate BMI.
✔️ Medical Fitness: Candidates must pass a medical examination approved by DG Shipping.
3. Merchant Navy Recruitment Process 2024
Step 1: Select the Right Course
Candidates must first choose a course based on their educational background and career aspirations. Popular courses include:
✔️ DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) – 1-year course
✔️ B.Sc. Nautical Science – 3-year course
✔️ B.Tech Marine Engineering – 4-year course
✔️ General Purpose (GP) Rating Course – 6-month course
Step 2: Entrance Exam
To get into the Merchant Navy, candidates must qualify for entrance exams such as:
IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
JEE Advanced (For B.Tech Marine Engineering at IITs)
Company-Specific Sponsorship Exams (T.S. Rahaman, Great Eastern, Anglo-Eastern, etc.)
Step 3: Sponsorship & Training
✔️ Candidates can apply for sponsorship from shipping companies before starting their course.
✔️ After securing a seat, they must undergo training at DG Shipping-approved institutes.
Step 4: Onboard Training & Certification
✔️ After completing the pre-sea training, cadets join a merchant ship as a trainee (onboard training for 6-12 months).
✔️ They must clear the Competency Exam (conducted by DG Shipping) to get their Certificate of Competency (CoC).
4. Job Roles in the Merchant Navy
There are multiple career paths in the Merchant Navy, including deck, engine, and support staff roles.
Deck Department
Deck Cadet → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
✔️ Responsibilities: Navigation, ship operation, cargo handling, safety measures.
Engine Department
Engine Cadet → Fourth Engineer → Third Engineer → Chief Engineer
✔️ Responsibilities: Maintenance of machinery, fuel efficiency, ship power systems.
Catering Department
Steward → Chief Cook → Catering Officer
✔️ Responsibilities: Managing kitchen and meals for crew and officers.
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Maintains electrical and electronic systems on the ship.
5. Salary in the Merchant Navy (2024)
Merchant Navy salaries vary based on rank, experience, and type of vessel.
Deck Department Salaries
✅ Deck Cadet: $400 – $1,500 per month
✅ Second Officer: $2,000 – $4,000 per month
✅ Chief Officer: $6,000 – $10,000 per month
✅ Captain: $10,000 – $15,000 per month
Engine Department Salaries
✅ Engine Cadet: $400 – $1,500 per month
✅ Fourth Engineer: $3,000 – $5,000 per month
✅ Chief Engineer: $10,000 – $15,000 per month
Ratings & Support Staff Salaries
✅ GP Rating: $500 – $2,000 per month
✅ Chief Cook: $1,500 – $3,500 per month
6. Career Growth and Promotions
The Merchant Navy offers structured career growth. Promotions depend on experience, training, and competency exams.
✔️ Deck Cadet → Captain (in 10-15 years, based on performance)
✔️ Engine Cadet → Chief Engineer (within 10-15 years)
✔️ GP Rating → Bosun (after several years of service)
7. Top Institutes for Merchant Navy Training (India)
Several DG Shipping-approved institutes offer Merchant Navy training:
Indian Maritime University (IMU) – Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam
T.S. Rahaman – Mumbai
Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies – Lonavala
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies – Pune
Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy – Karjat
8. Challenges of a Merchant Navy Career
Although rewarding, a Merchant Navy career comes with challenges:
✔️ Long months at sea (4-9 months per contract).
✔️ Physical and mental stress due to isolation.
✔️ Extreme weather conditions.
✔️ Strict discipline and work schedules.
However, the high salary, international exposure, and career growth opportunities make it a highly desirable profession.
The Merchant Navy Recruitment 2024 offers exciting opportunities for those looking to build a career in maritime transport and global trade. With the right qualifications, training, and certifications, candidates can secure high-paying jobs and travel the world while working in this industry.
If you are passionate about the sea, disciplined, and willing to work hard, the Merchant Navy could be the perfect career for you!