Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to joining the Merchant Navy in India, including salary details to help you understand potential earnings and career growth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Join the Merchant Navy
Check Eligibility
- Must be at least 17 years old and have passed class 12th (with Physics, Chemistry, Maths—PCM—minimum 60% aggregate) from a recognized board.
- For officer/cadet profiles, a degree or diploma in nautical science/marine engineering is usually needed.
- Good eyesight (6/6 or 6/12 depending on the role), no color blindness, and satisfactory medical fitness are essential.
Clear Entrance Exams
- Appear for the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) or sponsorship/other recognized exams. Some colleges also consider JEE scores.
- The IMU CET covers Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English, and General Knowledge. The exam is conducted online once a year for various maritime courses.
Choose Specialization/Department
- Decide between Deck, Engine, Electro-Technical, or Catering departments based on your interests and qualifications.
Medical Fitness Test
- Undergo a thorough medical check by DG Shipping-approved doctors. Visual and physical fitness is a must. Some roles allow limited use of corrective lenses, but color blindness is strictly not allowed.
Counseling and Selection Process
- Participate in counseling sessions based on your entrance score. Provide preferences for maritime institutes and course options.
Complete Pre-Sea Training
- Join a recognized Maritime Training Institute for pre-sea training (typically 1 year for cadet profiles).
- After classroom training, cadets go for ‘on-ship’ training, ranging from 6 months to 18 months depending on the profile (engineers: 6 months, deck cadets: 12–18 months).
Boarding & Earning
- Once pre-sea training and ship training are complete, clear final exams and obtain STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certification.
- Begin working onboard as a cadet, officer, or engineer with progressive career growth as you gain experience.
Merchant Navy Salary Structure in India (2025)
- Entry-level (Deck Cadet/Junior Engineer): ₹20,000–₹50,000/month
- 3rd Officer/4th Engineer: ₹2–₹3.5 lakh/month
- 2nd Officer/2nd Engineer: ₹2.15–₹5 lakh/month
- Chief Officer/Chief Engineer: ₹5.4–₹12 lakh/month
- Captain/Master Mariner: ₹6.6–₹12 lakh/month or higher
- Other ranks (Cook, Wiper, Electrician, Able Seaman): ₹25,000–₹80,000/month
- Note-Salaries may vary from company to company
Additional Benefits:
- Salaries are mostly tax-free if working outside India for more than 182 days.
- Perks and allowances: Travel, free accommodation and meals on board, insurance, and bonuses.
- Salary depends on experience, rank, type of vessel (cargo, tanker, cruise ship), and shipping company.
Career Progression:
- Start as a Cadet/Junior Engineer, gain sea-time experience, clear competency exams, and climb up the ranks from Officer to Chief Engineer or Captain.
Why Join the Merchant Navy?
- High salary and excellent benefits from early in your career.
- International exposure, travel opportunities, and adventure.
- Job security and career growth in a booming global sector.
Quick Tips for Aspiring Candidates:
- Keep up physical and medical fitness.
- Build strong English and technical skills.
- Prepare thoroughly for IMU CET (or equivalent exams).
- Stay updated about changes in maritime training and recruitment.
The Merchant Navy isn’t just a career—it’s a chance to travel the world, earn a great salary, and be part of a unique and rewarding profession.
