Merchant Navy Jobs: Average Salary, Jobs for Freshers, Career Options, Top Recruiters, Merchant Navy Jobs in India

Ahana Bhaduri's profile photo

Ahana Bhaduri

Content Writer | Updated 3+ months ago

B.Sc Nautical Science Latest Updates

29 Jan, 2026 NMIMS NPAT 2026 phase 1 registrations have started. Last date to apply is 22nd March. Check Here  

28 Jan, 2026 The OJEE 2026 application process started on 28th January and will end on 22nd March, 2026. Check Here

07 Jan, 2026 National Entrance Screening Test has released the NEST 2026 dates. Apply by 06 April 2026. Check Dates Here.

05 Jan, 2026 PESSAT 2026 registration has been started @admissions.pes.edu. Apply Here 

05 Jan, 2026 NEST 2026 application process has been started. It will remain open till April 6, 2026. Apply Here 

03 Jan, 2026 Karnataka UGCET Exam Dates released. Kannada Language Test on April 22. Check Dates Here

03 Jan, 2026 SET registration and payment last date has been extended to April 15, 2026. Check Here 

31 Dec, 2025 Test structure for SET/SITEEE 2026 has been released. Check Here 

31 Dec, 2025 JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration fee has been announced. Check Here 

29 Dec, 2025 JEE (Advanced) 2026 will be held on Sunday, 17th May, 2026. Check Dates Here 

22 Dec, 2025 PU-CET (UG) registration is open. Exam is scheduled for May 10, 2026, and information submission closes on April 22, 2026. Check Here 

15 Dec, 2025 NEST 2026 schedule has been released @nestexam.in. Application process will start on 5th January till 6th April 2026. Check Here

Merchant navy is the term used to describe commercial shipping. The main job of merchant navy officers is the transportation of goods from place to place. Most of the transport of the world is done through ships and the merchant navy is the most essential element of the transportation sector. It is the international commercial shipping industry and the merchant navy is made up of different shipping companies who recruit civilians as their seafarers.

Candidates aspiring to join merchant navy as their career can work as an engineer, deck officer and ratings. These are the main 3 operational departments of the Merchant Navy. All of these 3 have different functions that are the deck department consists of navigating officers, the engineering department consists of marine engineers and the hotel or catering department is responsible for catering and domestic service. Check: How to Join Merchant Navy after 12th 

Students who wish to pursue a career in the merchant navy should be willing to do B. Tech in marine engineering, B.Tech in Naval Architecture, and Ocean Engineering after their 12th grade. The average Merchant Navy Salary usually ranges between INR 50 L - 70 L after gaining substantial years of experience. Read: Ranks in Merchant Navy

Merchant Navy Jobs

The main role of a marine engineer in the merchant navy is to look after the safe transport of goods from place to place. However, their roles can be broken down into sub-roles they are listed below. 

  • Responsible to take care of the health of onboarding people with respect to the health and safety guidelines.
  • Maintaining and monitoring all kinds of life-saving equipment like life-saving boats and fire-fighting equipment.
  • Keep themselves updated with all the legal and operational records of the ship.
  • Responsible to check the weather conditions.
  • Required to navigate the reports and take appropriate actions
  • Responsible for the everyday checking of the machinery equipment of the ship.
  • Responsible to inspect mechanical and electrical equipment for the smooth functioning of the ship.

Merchant Navy Job Profiles

All officers are required to do some essential work and this includes administration, including budgets, cargo and passengers etc. Exact job description of job roles is described below:

Job profiles Job description Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Navigation or Deck Officer Navigate a wide range of satellites, weather checking, safe loading, unloading cargo, maintenance of deck machinery, managing ship communications, maintaining life-saving equipment, ensuring health and safety, and keeping themselves updated with legal and commercial developments. 25,000 - 65,000 
Engineering Officer Maintaining and operating mechanical and electrical equipment, distribution of systems, ventilation and pumping systems, manage power generation. 3,50,000 - 10,00,000 
Electro-Technical Officer Merged with engineer’s officer’s job, maintenance of electronic and electrical equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency. 1,50,000 - 3,00,000
Catering Department Ensuring the proper supply of food and beverages to the passengers on the ship 45,000 - 70,000
Radio Department Maintaining the communication system including the radio and satellite systems 80,000 - 1,20,000
Medical Department Handling the medical emergency in the ship 1,00,000 - 5,00,000

Merchant Navy Recruiting Companies

Some of the top recruiting companies for merchant navy are tabulated below for your reference. 

Boston Putford offshore safety Ltd. Carisbrooke Shipping Carnival UK
Foreland Shipping Ltd Condor Ferries P&O Cruises
Global Marine Jubilee Sailing Trust Saga Cruises
Rio Tinto Marine Princess Cruises -

Carisbrooke Shipping

Merchant Navy Jobs for Freshers

Candidates with no prior experience and who are freshers in the field can look for the following job roles in order to join merchant navy. 

Company Salary Average
Prior Hr Services (Merchant Navy) Rs. 2.5 LPA
Ocean star ships Rs.3 LPA
Vision placement services Rs. 4.5 LPA - 10 LPA
Kosta shipping LLP Rs. 20,000 / month
MariApps Marine solutions Rs. 20,000 / month
Markab marine services pvt ltd Rs. 95,000 to 1,50,000 / month
SBN Technologies Pvt.ltd Rs 20,000 to 25,000 / month
Grandeur marine international Rs. 20,000 / month

Government Jobs in Merchant Navy

In India, there are various government institutes which provide marine courses. Mainly there are 4 institutes and they are:

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri College of advanced maritime studies and Research, Mumbai
  • Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Mumbai
  • Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Kolkata
  • Training ship Chanakya, Navi Mumbai

Those who are interested in pursuing marine jobs in the government field can apply for the following roles:

  • Deck department
  • Engine Department
  • Service Department

Merchant Navy Recruiting Companies in India

The below table shows the Indian companies that recruit merchant navy in India:

Company Average Starting Salary (INR)
Equals Maritime management 40,000 – 60,000
Jaikisan 70,000 & above
Tactics management services 70,000 & above
Ocean one ship management 1.50 L & above
Samson Maritime Limited 80,000 & above

Merchant Navy jobs in Bangalore

Tabulated below are the companies in Bangalore recruiting for Merchant navy:

Company Average Starting Salary Per Month (INR)
Vision placement services 70,000
Seaspan 60,000
Msc cruises 70,000
R G Technosolutions 1.50 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Pune

Tabulated below are the companies in Pune recruiting for merchant navy:

Company Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Royal marine services 1.75 L
RCM- marine 3.75 L
Lilly maritime 1.80 L
BSM ship management company 1.80 L
Blue Whale 2 L

Merchant Navy jobs in Hyderabad

Tabulated below are the companies in Hyderabad recruiting for merchant navy:

Company Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Shri maritime 80,000
S S placement services 65,000
Dynacons systems and solutions 70,000
MSC ship management 70,000
Ac Mechanical services 1.20 L

Merchant Navy jobs in Chennai

Tabulated below are the companies in Chennai recruiting for merchant navy:

Company Average Annual Salary (INR)
Maritime smart services 4.50 L
Imates Consultants 8 L
Confidential 5 L
Nidhi maritime consultancy 9.50 L
Dhanaj construction 12 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in New Delhi

Tabulated below are the companies in New Delhi recruiting for merchant navy. 

Company Average Annual Salary (INR)
Fleet management 7.60 L
Anglo-eastern group 4.60 L
Ocean sparkle 9 L
Pacific international lines 17.30 L
Nyk ship management 9 L

Eligibility Criteria for Merchant Navy

These are the major eligibility to pursue a career in Merchant Navy:

  • Candidates must be unmarried
  • Both male and female candidates can apply for the job
  • The age required to apply for the job is between 17 to 25 years. However, candidates who have prior experience in the merchant navy are given relaxation or those applying for the post of a marine engineer.
  • Candidates should have proper medical stability and they should be medically fit. This is done per the standards set by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). They are also required to undergo a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner and should have a certificate of fitness.
  • There are physical requirements that should be followed by the candidates. The minimum height that the candidate should have is 157 cm and weigh proportionate to height. They should have a stable vision of 6/6 in each eye with no colour blindness or vision blindness.
  • A course on ship training must be completed where the basic security concerns of voyaging are taught.

Merchant Navy Jobs: FAQs

Ques. What is the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The Merchant Navy is a fleet of commercial ships that transport goods and passengers across the world's seas and oceans. It is not a branch of the military but a civilian fleet of vessels.

Ques. What is the role of a Merchant Navy Officer?

Ans. Merchant Navy Officers are responsible for the safe operation and navigation of a ship, including the management of its crew, cargo, and maintenance. They also ensure compliance with international maritime regulations.

Ques. How do I become a Merchant Navy Officer?

Ans. To become a Merchant Navy Officer, you need to complete a relevant degree program in marine engineering or nautical science. You will also need to gain practical experience through an apprenticeship or training program and obtain a Certificate of Competency from the relevant maritime authority.

Ques. What are the working conditions like on a Merchant Navy ship?

Ans. The working conditions on a Merchant Navy ship can be challenging, as the crew is often at sea for long periods of time and may face extreme weather conditions. However, the work can also be rewarding, as you will have the opportunity to travel the world and work with a diverse team of people.

Ques. What are the career prospects for Merchant Navy Officers?

Ans. Merchant Navy Officers can progress through the ranks to become captains or chief engineers, and can also pursue careers in maritime management or consulting. There is currently a shortage of qualified Merchant Navy Officers, which means that there are good job opportunities in the industry.

Comments


No Comments To Show

Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Nautical Science) Colleges IN INDIA

View All
75 K first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
Chitkara University - [CU]
Chandigarh, Chandigarh
NCTE
1.5 L first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
5.08 L first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
61 K first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
The Neotia University - [TNU]
Kolkata, West Bengal
AICTE
1.34 L first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
7.22 L first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
3.15 L first year fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES
Training Ship Rahaman
Panvel, Maharashtra
8.35 L Total fees
VIEW ALL COURSES & FEES