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To join merchant navy after 12th candidates are required to clear class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as their compulsory subjects from a recognised board followed by a bachelor’s degree in marine science or related subjects. They have to also enrol for 18 months of cadet onboard training to start working as 3rd officers.
BE Marine Engineering is the most preferred course by candidates aspiring to Join the Merchant Navy. BSC in Maritime Science, BS in Marine Science, MSc in Oceanography and diploma in nautical science are some of the top courses. JEE Main, JEE Advanced and AIMNET are some of the top exams for the Merchant Navy.
The Salary in Merchant Navy is mainly determined by the ranks of different officers and the departments. The average annual salary of the Captain is INR 50 LPA and in certain cases even more. The Chief Officer serves as the second-in-command. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s engines and machinery. INR 72 LPA and INR 50 LPA are the salaries for the Chief Officer and the Chief Engineer respectively. Read: Ranks in Merchant Navy
ESSAR shipping, The Great Eastern Shipping Companies, Global Offshore Services Ltd and ABG Shipyard are some of India's top recruiters of merchant navy officials. Read: Merchant Navy Jobs
Table of Contents
- How to Join Merchant Navy after 12th: Quick Facts
- Eligibility to Join Merchant Navy after 12th
- Steps to Join Merchant Navy after 12th
- Courses to Join Merchant Navy after 12th
- Top Colleges for Merchant Navy
- Skills Required to Join Merchant Navy after 12th
- Benefits of Joining Merchant Navy
- Merchant Navy Salary
- How to Join Merchant Navy after 12th: FAQs
How to Join Merchant Navy after 12th: Quick Facts
| Eligibility Criteria | Candidates need to have a completed mark sheet for class 10th for the GP rating course They are also required to opt for the posts of deck cadet or engine cadet must have a mark sheet of completion of 12th with them with PCM attaining 60% and above |
| Skills Required | Leadership and decision-making, Mental fortitude, Strong physical health |
| Starting Salary (INR) | 5.50 LPA & above |
| Average Salary (INR) | 10 LPA – 30 LPA |
| Highest Salary (INR) | INR 2 Crore & above |
Eligibility to Join Merchant Navy after 12th
The following eligibility criteria must be fulfilled by the candidates to join the Merchant Navy after 12th,
- They must clear class 12 with a minimum of 60% in PCM stream from a recognised board.
- The age of the candidates must between 17 to 25 years of age.
- Medical standards set by the respective bodies must be met by the candidates.
Steps to Join Merchant Navy After 12th
Candidates looking to join the Merchant Navy after 12th can follow the steps mentioned below for a hassle free process.
- Clear class 12 with 60% marks in the PCM stream.
- Appear in entrance exams like JEE, HMT-OET, AIMNET, IMU-CET and TMI- BITS EE for admission into bachelor’s courses.
- Complete bachelor’s degree like BE, BTech or BSc in marine engineering or related courses.
- Candidates can also opt for master’s courses for better career growth.
- There is also an option for lateral entry. Candidates in the first year of a degree or with a diploma are eligible for lateral entries.
- Candidates are also eligible for sponsored entry in the Merchant Navy courses.
Courses to Join Merchant Navy After 12th
Candidates can choose from various courses offered in the field of marine sciences to join the merchant navy. The details for some of the popular courses are mentioned in the following table
| Parameters | BE Marine Engineering | BTech Marine Engineering | MTech Marine Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years | 4 years | 2 years |
| Top Colleges | Andhra University, Southern Academy of Maritime Studies, Academy of Maritime Education and Training University | Cochin University of Science and Technology, C.V. Raman Global University, MAKAUT, Indian Maritime University | Andhra University College of Engineering, NIT Karnataka, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Marine Engineering and Research Institute |
| Entrance Exams | JEE, WBJEE, VITEEE, KEAM | JEE, WBJEE, NHT CET, BITSAT | GATE, SRMJEE, WBJEE, PGECET |
| Average Course Fees (INR) | INR 15,000 - 15 L | INR 4 - 14 L | INR 1 - 7 L |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 5 LPA - 12 LPA | INR 3 - 10 LPA | INR 4 - 5.50 LPA |
Top Colleges for Merchant Navy after 12th
Marine and related courses are offered by many colleges in India that can help candidates in joining the Merchant Navy. Details for some of the top colleges are mentioned in the following table.
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| AMET university | Chennai | 1.8 L - 3.45 L |
| Balaji Seamen Training Institute | Chennai | 1.2 L - 2 L |
| CMC Maritime Academy | Chennai | 8.7 L |
| School of Seamanship and Nautical Technology | Kancheepuram | 2.25L - 16.3 L |
| Indian Maritime University | Chennai | 1.45 L |
| Indus Seafarers Training Academy | Chennai | 2.25 L |
| Maritime Foundation | Chennai | 3.75 L |
| Southern Academy of maritime studies | Chennai | 8 L |
| Coimbatore Marine college | Coimbatore | 1.8 L |
| Marine Training Academy | Daman | 2.25 L |
Skills Required to Join Merchant Navy after 12th
Merchant Navy Officers are required to possess a set of skills which are essential for operating and efficient working onboard the ship. The top skills are mentioned in the table below
| Passion for sailing | Patience and resilience |
| Teamwork | Analytical and logical thinking |
| Planning and decision making | Practical knowledge of physics, mathematics and marine science |
| Interpersonal skills | Liking for adventures |
| Sailing enthusiasm | Enjoying sailing activities |
Benefits of Joining Merchant Navy after 12th
Like every other profession, merchant navy also comes with its own set of perks and benefits that are listed below for your reference.
- Merchant Navy Officers enjoy a competitive salary compared to other professions in the related fields.
- They are granted leave before every relocation.
- The job security is relatively higher in the industry.
- Merchant Navy Officers get to travel and experience different cultures as a part of their job.
Merchant Navy Salary
Salaries of different Merchant Navy Officers according to their designations are in the table below.
| Designation | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Captain | 35 L |
| Chief Officer/First Mate | 33.4 L |
| Second Officer/Second Mate | 13.8 L |
| Third Officer/Third Mate | 8 L |
| Deck Cadet | 7.79 L |
| Chief Engineer | 35 L |
| Second Engineer | 17.5 L |
| Third Engineer | 8 L - 13.9 L |
| Electrical Officer/ETO | 19 L |
| Chief Cook | 3.5 L - 6.3 L |
| Trainee Cook | 2 L - 3 L |
| Steward | 1.4 L - 2 L |
How to Join Merchant Navy after 12th: FAQs
Ques. What is the average salary of a Merchant Navy Officer?
Ans. The average salary of a Merchant Navy Officer lies between INR 1 LPA to INR 7 LPA.
Ques. What are the different job profiles in the Merchant Navy?
Ans. Job profiles are based on the type of department in the Merchant Navy. Trainee cadet, Deck Cadet, Officer, Chief Officer, Engineer and Captain are some of the common job profiles.
Ques. What is the average salary of a Captain in the Merchant Navy?
Ans. The average salary of a Captain in the Merchant Navy is INR 35 LPA.
Ques. Name some colleges that offer courses for the Merchant Navy.
Ans. CV Raman College of Engineering, AMET University, Balaji Seaman Training University, Chennai School of Ship Management and Indian Maritime College are some of the best colleges offering Merchant Navy courses.
Ques. Does the Merchant Navy have tax free salary?
Ans. After serving the pre-defined period of 183 days in international waters in a year, the salary in the Merchant Navy becomes tax-free
Ques. Name some top recruiters in the Merchant Navy.
Ans. ESSAR shipping, The Great Eastern Shipping Companies, Global Offshore Services Ltd and ABG Shipyard are some of the top recruiters of merchant navy officials in India.
Ques. For how many months does a Merchant Navy officer stay onboard?
Ans. Merchant Navy officers stay onboard for a period of 4 months.
Ques. What are the career prospects in the Merchant Navy?
Ans. Deck Officers, Engineering Officers, Electrical Officers and Catering Officers are some of the top career prospects in the Merchant Navy. With experience and training, individuals can move up to higher roles and take on more responsibilities.
Ques. What are the type of ships on which the Merchant Navy Officers operates?
Ans. The Merchant Navy Officers operate on a variety of ships. Container ships, oil tankers, passenger ships and cruise liners are some of the common ones.
Ques. What are some of the challenges faced by the Merchant Navy Officers?
Ans. Merchant Navy can be challenging as professionals spent a long time away from home. The work is also physically demanding and potentially dangerous, especially when working with heavy machinery and hazardous cargo.
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