Join Merchant Navy after 10th and 12th – Eligibility, Medical Requirements, Courses, Best Colleges & Salary 2023

The merchant navy is a specialized industry wholly dedicated to commerce activities such as freight and passenger transportation over marine routes. The Merchant Navy, sometimes known as “Merchant Marine,” is an important element of the worldwide distribution industry and an important part of any country’s economy.

It is one of the most popular courses after engineering due to its great wage package and unique employment options. Because the majority of the world’s economic transactions take place on the ocean, the naval forces sector has a strong global image.

What is the Merchant Navy?

A merchant naval officer’s job includes traveling across the world, handling cargo, inspecting ship direction, maintaining the ship, cleaning the boats, learning about different cultures, and so on. It is thrilling for people who are interested in traveling or have been bitten by the travel bug. They must make a huge sacrifice by not seeing their family for an extended period of time. Their work time is around 6-7 months, followed by a continuous holiday of 4-5 months. The best aspect of this position is that it is tax-free. Because you must dwell outside of India for at least six months, you will be granted NRI status.

How to Join Merchant Navy Highlights 

Those interested in working aboard ships and traveling by sea enroll in the Merchant Navy program. A candidate who enrolls in a merchant navy school will study a specialty that will assist them in understanding how a ship’s basic workings operate. The following table gives details to learn more about how to join merchant navy-

Particulars	Details
Industry	Marine
Profession	Merchant Navy
Eligibility	10+2 or at least a graduate degree in a relevant field.
Specialization	B.Tech Marine Engineering B.Tech Ship Building Diploma in Nautical science
Age Limit	Minimum: 17 years Maximum: 25 years
Entrance Exams	Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET)
Job Opportunity	School, College, Educational Institute, Professional College, etc.
Average Starting Salary	Rs. 3.50 – 5 LPA
Highest Salary	Rs. 1-2 Cr LPA as a Captain or Chief Engineer

Alert: Hope you’re aware of Merchant Navy frauds happening in India. Read Full Report

How to join Merchant Navy After 10th?

If a person wishes to join the navy after finishing class 10, they must achieve a grade point average of 40%. This condition is likewise permitted for just select levels; entrance is determined by a series of examinations and assessments. The individual must first pass one exam, followed by a screening test and a written examination. Following the 10th standard, a student can choose from a variety of merchant navy courses. It includes the following-

1. Deck Rating Course
2. Diploma in Marine Engineering (follow it up with DME pre-sea training).
3. Engine Rating Course
4. GP Rating Course
5. NCV Course
6. Saloon Rating Course

Also read How to Join Merchant Navy in India – A Complete Guide

To join Merchant Navy after high school, an individual must meet a number of requirements, which are mentioned below-

1. First and foremost, the individual must be an Indian citizen and unmarried, which applies to both males and females. 
2. A few exams are administered, and if a candidate passes the written examination, they must submit to a medical examination.
3. After graduating from class 12th, an individual can choose a professional path that begins with six months of pre-sea training. 
4. Then, as a trainee, join the merchant fleet. 
5. Following that, aim to get to the rank of able-bodied seaman. 
6. Following that, after passing the COC test, aim to get promoted to bosun. 
7. Following that, candidates are ready to become the ship’s captain, then a chief officer, then a second officer, and finally, try to pass the DG shipping examinations and become deck officers.

How to join Merchant Navy after 12th?

After finishing secondary school, it is not difficult to pursue a job in the merchant marine. Candidates can acquire a career in the Navy by passing various examinations and achieving certain percentages in this class. But if they are considering a career in the merchant navy after graduating from high school, keep the following factors in mind-

To join Merchant Navy after high school, an individual must meet a number of requirements, which are mentioned below-

1. First and foremost, the individual must be an Indian citizen and unmarried, which applies to both males and females. 
2. A few exams are administered, and if a candidate passes the written examination, they must submit to a medical examination.
3. After graduating from class 12th, an individual can choose a professional path that begins with six months of pre-sea training. 
4. Then, as a trainee, join the merchant fleet. 
5. Following that, aim to get to the rank of able-bodied seaman. 
6. Following that, after passing the COC test, aim to get promoted to bosun. 
7. Following that, candidates are ready to become the ship’s captain, then a chief officer, then a second officer, and finally, try to pass the DG shipping examinations and become deck officers.

Read Here: How to Join Merchant Navy in India – A Complete Guide

Steps of How to join Merchant Navy in India 

Students who want to join the merchant navy must take the steps outlined below-

1. Step 1: Applicants must pass their class 12 board examinations with a minimum of 60% or equivalent CGPA and a requisite subject mix of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
2. Step 2: Students can then apply for and pass the JEE and IMU CET entrance tests, followed by an interview and medical examination stage.
3. Step 3: Applicants must then enroll in a BSc nautical science program at any of the country’s leading nautical science schools.
4. Step 4: Students must then complete their 18-month cadet onboard training before applying for the Indian government’s competence exam.
5. Step 5: Join as a Third Officer, then apply for rank upgrades and promotions. After beginning as a Third Officer, candidates can take yearly tests and pass them with flying colors.

The candidate can prepare for a career in the merchant navy by following the stages outlined below throughout their academic years-

1. The student must complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
2. Retain normal vision, which is necessary; however, glasses with a plus or negative of 2.5 are permitted.
3. Before employment, the student may be required to take a ship-training course. 
4. The training is typically brief, with applicants learning about fundamental travel security considerations.

Merchant Navy Medical Requirements

Joining the merchant navy has a number of medical prerequisites. To begin with, physical fitness is a must for joining the merchant navy. The candidate’s mental and physical health should be great, with no physical symptoms. Below are some of the most important medical needs for the merchant navy-

Constitution

The candidate should not have a weak constitution in any way; his or her weight should be less than 42 kg, and his or her maximum height should be 150 cm. The chest should be at least 5 centimeters larger.

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

There should be no harm in any of the three.

There are many other medical disorders, such as those of the lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, skin, speech, neurological system, and so on, that should not be a barrier to their entering the merchant marine.

Skeletal System

There should be no joint or muscle limitation, no deformity of the chest or any joint, no aberrant curvature of the spine; and any fracture with a pin inside would be regarded as disqualifying.

How to join Merchant Navy: Maritime Courses

Some of the best courses that may be followed in order to enter the Merchant Navy are mentioned below-

Certificate Course Maritime Catering

A Certificate Course in Maritime Catering is a one-year full-time certification course or diploma program. The following table gives details about the certificate course-

Particulars	Details
Course Level	Certificate
Duration	1-year
Eligibility	10+2
Examination Type	Semester Type
Course Fee	INR 10,000 to 3 Lakhs
Admission	Merit-based or Entrance based
Average Starting Salary	INR 1 to 20 Lakhs
Top Job Profiles	Chief Cook, Catering Officer, General Steward, Hotel Manager, Maintenance Manager.
Top Recruiting areas	Hospitals, hotels, airlines, motels, cruise lines, guest houses, restaurants, industrial canteens, and resorts are all examples of shipping zones.

Diploma in Nautical Science

Diploma in Nautical Science is a one-year full-time Diploma study in Nautical Science. 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or an equivalent test with a score of 55% from a recognized board is required for eligibility. The following table gives details about the diploma course-

Particulars	Details
Course Level	Diploma
Duration	1-year
Eligibility	10+2
Examination Type	Semester Type
Course Fee	INR 2,000 to 3 Lacs
Admission	Merit-based or Entrance based
Average Starting Salary	INR 2 to 15 Lacs
Top Job Profiles	Marine Engineering Instructor, Operation Manager, Trainee Navigating Officer, Teacher, Lecturer
Top Recruiting areas	Indian Naval Sciences, Port Operations Companies, Weather Forecasting Centers, Educational Institutes
Recruiters	SMEC Automation Private Limited, American Cruise Lines, GMMCO Limited, GE Shipping Co Limited, TMC Shipping Private Limited

BE Marine Engineering

The B.E. in Marine Engineering course is the study of the manufacture, design, development, and maintenance of sea equipment used in boats, ships, submarines, or any other kind of water transportation. The following table gives details about the bachelor’s course-

Particulars	Details
Course Level	BE Marine Engineering
Full Form	Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering
Level	Graduate
Duration	4 year
Eligibility	10+2
Examination Type	Semester Type
Average Tuition Fees	INR 15,000 to 15,00,000
Admission	Merit-based or Entrance based
Average Starting Salary	INR 5,00,000 – 12,00,000
Top Job Profiles	Maritime Educators, Second Marine Engineer, Ship Manager, Ship Operator, Marine Surveyor, Chief Marine Engineer, Port Manager, and so on.
Top Recruiting areas	Research and Deployment Centers, Ship Building Companies, Naval Jobs, Harbours and Ports, Colleges and Universities, etc.

How to join Merchant Navy: Subjects & Syllabus 

The merchant navy training is completed after passing an admission examination, a screening test, and a medical exam. Candidates are also given a final written examination; those who pass the exam are invited to an interview and, later, a medical test. After class 10th and 12th, a candidate can pursue a merchant navy course. In both circumstances, the following subjects are available for selection-

Classes	Subjects and Syllabus
After 10th	Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) Commercial Diving Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) GP Rating	–
After 12th	To join as a Deck Officer	To join as an Engineer
	B.Sc. Nautical Science Diploma in Nautical Science  (Leads to a BSc Nautical Science)	B.E. Marine Engineering B.E. Naval Architecture, and Offshore Engineering B.E. Harbour & Ocean Engineering B.E. Mechanical Engineering. Electrical & Electronics Engineering for Electro-Technical Officer Course

List of Top Best Colleges to Join Merchant Nacy 

Merchant Navy colleges may be found nationwide and are meant to prepare anyone interested in joining this non-combatant commercial force. The following are some of India’s best merchant navy colleges for 2023. The Directorate of Shipping has authorized these colleges, and the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India has approved them for personnel training. The following table gives locations with colleges-

Also Read Top 10 Merchant Navy Colleges in India

Name of Colleges	Location
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training (MANET)	Pune
Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies	Mumbai
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)	Pune
International Maritime Institute (IMI)	Delhi
Vels Academy of Maritime Studies	Chennai
B.P. Marine Academy Navi	Mumbai
Coimbatore Marine College (CMC)	Coimbatore
Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering (ITME)	Kolkata
Indian Maritime University (IMU)	Chennai
TS Rahaman	Mumbai

How to join Merchant Navy: Salary 2023

Many people consider the Merchant Navy to be one of the most popular courses and career options. The salary structure after entering the Merchant Navy is listed below-

Average Annual Salary

Name of the Organization	Average Annual Salary
Government	NA
Private	INR 75,000 – INR 75,00,000

Experience Wise Salary

Experience Wise	Average Annual Salary
Fresher	INR 27 lakh
Experienced	INR 1.2 Crore

Specialization Wise Salary

Specialization	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Trainee	Rs. 8 lakh
Deck Cadet	Rs. 1 lakh
2ndOfficer	Rs. 5 lakh
3rdOfficer	Rs. 7 lakh
Cheif Officer	Rs. 6 lakh
Captain	Rs. 10 lakh

Read Related Article on Merchant Navy Salary 2023.

Job Profile Wise Salary 2023

Merchant Navy Profile	Qualification	Merchant Navy Salary (INR)
G P Rating	Class 10th	Rs. 25,000 to 60,000 per month
Trainee Cadet	Class 12th along with pre-sea Nautical Diploma	Rs. 25,000 to 85,000 per month
Deck Cadet	Class 12th along with pre-sea Nautical Diploma
3rd Officer/ Merchant navy 2nd officer salary in India	2nd Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency	Rs. 1,50,000 to 3,00,000 per month
Chief Officer	1st Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency	Rs. 4,00,000 to 6,00,000 per month
Merchant Navy Captain salary per month	Master (FG) Certificate of Competency	Rs. 8,65,000 to 20,00,000 per month

Also read: Is Merchant Navy a good career option for Girls

Skills Required to Join Merchant Navy 2023

Some of the most important skill sets required of how to join the merchant navy are listed below- 

1. Collaborative Effort
2. Enjoying Aquatic Activities
3. Interpersonal Abilities
4. Making Plans and Making Decisions
5. Patience and Fortitude
6. Practical understanding of Physics, Mathematics, and Navigation, among other things.
7. Rational and Analytical Thinking
8. Sailing Enthusiasm

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the various colleges that offer Merchant Navy courses??

Ans. C.V. Raman College of Engineering, AMET University, Balaji Seamen Training Institute, Chennai School of Ship Management, Chidambaram Institute of Maritime Technology, and others provide Merchant Navy courses, Indian Maritime College, International Maritime Academy, and several other institutions.

How much does a Merchant Navy Officer make on average??

Ans. The monthly remuneration of a Merchant Navy Officer ranges from INR 1,00,000 and 7,00,000 INR.

Is there a tax-free wage in the Merchant Navy??

Ans. Yes, sailors working in the Merchant Navy receive tax-free income provided they spend 183 days of the year in international waters; otherwise, the salary is taxable under the statutes of the Government of India.

What are the various job profiles in the Merchant Navy??

Ans. Trainee Cadet, Deck Cadet, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer, Chief Officer, and Cadet are the various career profiles.

Is working in the Merchant Navy a good job??

Ans. Yes. Merchant Navy is a profitable job option and one of today’s top vocations.

What is the typical salary of a Merchant Navy Captain??

Ans. The monthly remuneration of a Captain in the Merchant Navy ranges from Rs. 8,65,000 to Rs. 20,00,000.

How long do merchant navy officers stay onboard a ship??

Ans. After signing on to a ship, the merchant navy crew stays onboard for at least 4 months until being signed off, depending on the availability of their replacement. If they are not granted sign-off, the officers must remain on board even during anchoring.

How can Merchant Navy officers feed for months on end without coming into contact with the land??

Ans. The ship will be filled with food supplies such as meat, rice, muesli, bread, and so on, which will be chilled and so usable for an extended period of time.