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Are you among those who hate the idea of working on a desk from 9 to 5 job? Rather, willing to have a job that gives you the opportunities to travel around the world? If yes, well then I would like to introduce you to such a career option i.e. Merchant Navy. A career in Merchant Navy not only promises you a luxurious lifestyle in the very early years of the professional career but also provides you with a golden opportunity to take a world tour. Hence, it is not just a treat for eyes to see almost half of the world while being on your job but offers you healthy paycheques as well.

Though there are many people who misinterpret Merchant Navy with Indian Navy. Well, let me tell you that these are two different fields. Let us take a look at the differences between these fields:

Difference Between Navy and Merchant Navy

Now that you are aware of the differences, the next step should be to know how to go for Merchant Navy career.

Eligibility Criteria for Merchant Navy after 12th

There are basically two major profiles in Merchant Navy which you can apply for after completing your 10+2 with Science stream. These profiles are Cadet or Navigation Officer and Merchant Engineer.

Let us know about both the profiles and know the criteria you need to satisfy in order to be eligible for the job!

Deck Cadet

One of the most important works assigned to a deck cadet is to take care of the ship maintenance. The deck cadets are accountable for maintaining the hygiene and sanitation in the ship. They are assigned to report any abnormalities and malfunctioning they find within the area as well. Deck cadets are also responsible for maintaining the Life Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire Fighting Appliances (FFA). This includes checking for flaws, creating reports, repairing them, and getting in touch with clients/ organisations to order the required products and stuff. Along with it, they are required to supervise that the cargo should be loaded and unloaded smoothly.

As you will gain some experience as a deck cadet, you will be assigned with some more jobs and responsibilities as per your experience and knowledge. And how can we forget to include the most important job of a deck cadet i.e. the navigation, right? Though in the absence of the Certificate of Competency (COC), a deck cadet is not allowed to supervise the whole navigation thing on his own, however, a professional/ certified officer helps him learn the process of navigation. With time, you will gain the experience of handling things by yourself. This will help you progress ahead to the Third Officer, Second Officer and the Chief Office as well.

Courses to Apply for the Deck Cadet

• B.Sc Nautical Science – Three Years
• B.Sc Marine Science – Three Years
• B.Sc Marine Catering – Three Years
• B.S Nautical Technology – Three Years + One Year Internship
• Higher National Diploma Nautical Science – Two Years
• Diploma in Nautical Science – One Year

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Deck Cadet

Education Qualification

In order to apply for the Deck Cadet jobs in Merchant Navy, you will need to complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects.

You can also join the Merchant Navy as a Deck Cadet based on your B.Sc. B.E or B.Tech degree.

Age Limit

You should attain the age of 17 years and must not be above 25 years of age. Candidates who belong to the reserved categories will be provided with a relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age criterion.

Physical Fitness

You will need to have a certification of fitness issued by a registered medical practitioner.

Eye-Sight

The criterion for the eye-sight to join the Merchant Navy as the Deck Cadet is 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other eye. Candidates having colour blindness are not allowed to apply for the profile of a Deck Cadet.

Admission Criteria and Selection Procedure

You should clear the IMU CET exam conducted by the Indian Maritime University. This will make you eligible to apply for all the IMU-affiliated colleges that offer B.Sc Nautical Science courses.

There are few Merchant Navy and Marine Engineering colleges in India that require students to qualify JEE Main exam.

Merchant Engineer Officer

As a Merchant Engineer Officer, you will be responsible to take care of the machines and support systems of the ship. Communication Deck Fittings, Equipment, Engines, Navigation Systems and Ventilation Systems are among the functions, which a Merchant Engineer Officer perform. You will be assigned the job responsibilities based on your qualification and experience. At first, you will work as the Junior Engineer, which is also known as the Fourth Engineer. Starting from the Junior Engineer, you will be progressed as the Third Engineer, Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer respectively. The job description for all these profiles varies from each other.

Courses to Apply for the Engineer Post in Merchant Navy

• B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• B.Tech in Harbour & Ocean Engineering
• B.Tech in Marine Engineering
• B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
• B.Tech in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering
• B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering

Eligibility Criteria to Work as an Engineer in Marchant Navy

Education Qualification

You need to complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects from a recognised board in order to be eligible to apply for the engineering posts in Merchant Navy.

The minimum percentage requirement in most of the Merchant Navy colleges in India is 60% in aggregate. However, the percentage criterion may vary depending on the college you are applying in.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for Merchant Navy Engineering is 25 years. However, candidates belonging to the reserved categories may get a relaxation for 5 years.

Physical Fitness

You must be medically fit as per the criteria set by the Merchant Shipping Medical Examination Rules.

Eye-Sight

The criterion for the eye-sight to join the Merchant Navy as the Engineer is same as it is for the Deck Cadet post viz. 6/12 in each or 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other eye. Like it is for the post of a Deck Cadet, students with colour blindness are not allowed to apply for the profile of a Merchant Navy Engineer.

Admission Criteria and Selection Procedure

There are two most popular Merchant Navy entrance exams in India viz. Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) and All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test (AIMNET). Other than that, you can qualify the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Exam in order to apply for the B.Tech courses in India.

So, that was the basic edibility criteria that you need to satisfy in order to opt for the Merchant Navy courses and careers. Now, let us talk about the additional skills and expertise you should possess. There are some conditions or I should say some stipulations you should keep in mind while applying for the Merchant Navy jobs.

Let us take a look at them!

Things to Consider Before Joining Merchant Navy

Select the Suitable Job Profile

Apart from these two major job posts we talked about in this article, there are many other job profiles in Merchant Navy sector. Some of these include captains, chefs, radio officers, and Able Seaman etc. Hence, seeing your skills and expertise, it is highly important to keep in mind that you should choose the right job profile for you!

Physical and Medical Endurance

Being in the Merchant Navy, you are required to be around the sea for weeks and months. Hence, you must be physically and mentally fit and have a high level of endurance.

Controlled and Organised Routine

The key characteristics that a Merchant Navy personnel must possess include the punctuality and discipline. You have to be highly attentive and cautious every time to face the unexpected complications or hitches.

No Social Life

Since you will be required to be there on the ship most of the time in a year, the chances of you having a social life are almost none. So, if you are a party junky or have the tendency of being around your friends and family, Merchant Navy isn’t for you!

Merchant Navy Colleges in India