How to Become a Merchant Navy?
Everything you need to know about joining the Merchant Navy: eligibility, exams, tasks, required knowledge and skills, job roles, and top colleges
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Merchant Navy
“The Merchant Navy is the silent sentinel of global trade, navigating the vast oceans to deliver prosperity.”
Merchant navy officers work for commercial shipping companies to manage the transport of goods across regions and governments. They ensure secure cargo movement and have various roles, including deck commanders and technicians. Merchant navy officers primarily work on ships, making it a lifestyle rather than just a job. Due to the large import-export market, significant numbers of naval personnel are required for these roles.
Steps to Become a Merchant Navy:
Step-1
Understand the roles and responsibilities of Merchant Navy officers. This includes knowing the daily life aboard ships and the various career paths available.
Step-2
Ensure you meet the educational and physical requirements for joining the Merchant Navy. This often involves specific academic qualifications and medical standards.
Step-3
Enroll in a recognized Merchant Navy training program. Courses are available at various maritime colleges and institutions.
Step-4
Pass the Merchant Navy entrance exam after 12th. These exams test your aptitude in subjects such as mathematics, physics, and general knowledge.
Step-5
After clearing the entrance exam, you’ll need to go through interviews and medical tests to ensure you are fit for the demanding nature of the job.
Step-6
Undergo rigorous training, including onboard internships and theoretical studies, to gain the skills required for a successful career at sea.
Step-7
Apply for positions within shipping companies. Start your career as a cadet and work your way up through various ranks.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Degree in BE/B.Tech or a diploma is required to become a Marine Engineer. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Tech in Marine Engineering can provide better learning and advanced opportunities. |
| Entrance Exams | Achieve a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-Mains, CET, VITEEE, or JEE-Advanced. Some colleges have their own exams. |
- You need at least 50% aggregate in 12th grade from any recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC), with a science background. Cut-off margins may vary by college.
- A valid score in Entrance exams after 12th like JEE-MAINS, CET, VITEEE, or JEE-Advanced is required. Certain colleges may also require their own entrance exams.
- Obtain a BE/B.Tech or diploma in Marine Engineering to qualify.
- An M.Tech in Marine Engineering can enhance your prospects and learning opportunities.
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Tasks to perform as a Merchant Navy:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Merchant Navys must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Have a thorough understanding of charts, navigation systems, and celestial navigation. | Knowledge of ship machinery and systems |
| Techniques for safely loading, securing, and unloading cargo | Firefighting, first aid, and emergency protocols |
| Maritime laws and regulations governing shipping | Understanding weather patterns and their impact on navigation |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Physical Fitness |
| Technical Proficiency | Leadership |
| Communication | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Merchant Navy.
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Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for a Merchant Navy:
Once qualified as a Merchant Navy, you have various career options:
Specializes in water-related infrastructure and wastewater management, working on projects like building reservoirs and analyzing flood impacts. They use advanced computer tools and collaborate with engineers and authorities.
Acts as a bridge between businesses and development teams, creating and refining software based on consumer feedback. They handle technical support, install and maintain equipment, and conduct client demos.
Focuses on developing, integrating, and debugging machinery. They improve processes, manage tool reliability, and work both independently and with teams to meet project deadlines.
Creates scientific illustrations for industrial equipment, often working with scientists and designers. They handle computations, design schematics, and revise existing machinery based on client feedback.
Assists engineers in research, production management, and design. They work in various industries, supporting tasks like R&D, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance, often under the guidance of experienced engineers.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Merchant Navy:
Merchant Navys can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Amet University Chennai | Vertex Infosoft Solutions Pvt. Ltd | 21 Knots Design & Consulting Pvt. Ltd |
| Brunel | Tata Projects | Johnson Controls |
| Sheth Creators Pvt. Ltd | International Maritime Institute | RINA |
| Elcome Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. |
Colleges offering courses for Merchant Navy:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
| Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi | The Neotia University, Kolkata |
| Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune | International Maritime Academy, Chennai |
| Mangalore Marine College and Technology, Mangalore | Marina Maritime Academy, Chennai |
| Indian Maritime University, Kolkata | CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneshwar |
End Note
Starting a career in the Merchant Navy offers an exciting blend of adventure and professional growth. With the right education, training, and dedication, you can navigate your way to a successful maritime career. For personalized Career counselling after graduation and support on your journey, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer. We’re here to help you chart your course toward a fulfilling career in the Merchant Navy.
In this Career Outline
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