Dreaming of wandering across the globe while having a glorious income and working at sea? All these could be made possible by joining the Merchant Navy. This is a simple guide regarding everything that you shall need to know to begin a career in the Merchant Navy. Let’s quickly get into it!
What is the Merchant Navy?
The merchant navy is the carrier fleet of ships that facilitates activities movement of for goods and passengers to various parts of the world across oceans. It differs from the navy, whose concern is the protection of a nation; the merchant navy is concerned with trade and transport. So, it is an important aspect in the economy of the world.
Who Can Join the Merchant Navy?
Before you apply, make sure you meet these basic requirements:
- Education: You should have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Some jobs allow students with only a 10th pass certificate.
- Age: You must be between 17 and 25 years old. Some relaxation is given for special categories.
- Health: Good health is a must. Your eyesight should be perfect (6/6 vision), and you should not be color blind.
- Training: You need to complete a special pre-sea training course from a recognized institute.
Top Courses to Join the Merchant Navy
Here are a few most popular courses to get you started on your journey:
- B.Sc Nautical Science
The course is about three years long. You would also get to learn navigation, estuary handling, etc., to improve proficiency at cargo management and practice other cleanup operations, essentially in the maritime law.
- B.E./B.Tech Marine Engineering
This 4-year engineering course trains you to maintain and repair ship machinery.
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
This is a 1-year diploma program. After completing it, you can quickly become a deck officer.
- GP Rating Course
It is a short 6-month course. It prepares you to work in various roles on a ship, like on the deck or in the engine room.
Step-by-Step Process to Join the Merchant Navy
Let’s look at the simple steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Clear the Entrance Exam
You must pass entrance tests like:
- IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
- JEE Advanced (for some colleges)
- Other exams by private academies.
Step 2: Get a Medical Check-up
Please go for a complete medical examination at any medical facility recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) after you have completed the test.
Step 3: Secure Sponsorship
Sponsorships are provided by some companies, which means you already have a job when you finish your course.
Step 4: Complete Pre-Sea Training
Applying to an approved marine institute and completing all the required courses serves as a kind of dry run for life at sea.
Step 5: Do Onboard Training
Finalizing the lessons calls for 12 to 18 months at sea, imbued with practical skills.
Merchant Navy Ranks and Promotions
In the Merchant Navy, you can grow your career step by step. Here’s how:
- Deck Department:
- Deck Cadet
- Third Officer
- Second Officer
- Chief Officer
- Captain
- Engine Department:
- Engine Cadet
- Fourth Engineer
- Third Engineer
- Second Engineer
- Chief Engineer
As you gain experience and pass exams, you get promoted to higher ranks.
Top Colleges for Merchant Navy Training
Choosing a good college is very important. Some top institutes are:
- Indian Maritime University (IMU)
- Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
- Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI)
- Training Ship Chanakya (T.S. Chanakya)
- Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)
These colleges offer quality education and have good placement records.
Skills Needed for a Merchant Navy Career
To succeed in this field, you must have some important skills:
- Technical Knowledge: You must know how to operate and fix machines.
- Good Communication: You need to talk clearly with your team members.
- Physical Fitness: You must stay strong and healthy.
- Problem-Solving: You should be able to make quick decisions during emergencies.
- Teamwork: Working well with others is a must on a ship.
Benefits of Joining the Merchant Navy
There are many reasons why people choose this career:
- High Salary: Even beginners earn a good income.
- Travel Around the World: You visit different countries and learn about new cultures.
- Tax Benefits: Indian sailors enjoy tax savings under special rules.
- Adventure: Life at sea is exciting and full of challenges.
Challenges in the Merchant Navy
But life on the high seas sometimes proves challenging. Here are a few of those poses:
- Away from Home: For months, you might live without seeing your family.
- Long working hours: Depending on the ship’s requirements, some work may extend twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
- Dangerous: You may face situations from storms to mechanical failure and even piracy.
But with the perfect attitude and training, one can cope with all such challenges.
Tips to Do Well in the Merchant Navy
Some basic ideas that will help you on the way to success:
- Staying In Shape: Exercise regularly to stay healthy.
- Continuous Learning: Go for an advanced-level examination course.
- Updated Approaches: Know what’s changing in maritime rules and technologies.
- Adaptability: Be ready to work with different people and in different places.
Conclusion
Purity is an excellent option for entering the Merchant Navy as it loves the sea, is placed high on salary and travels all over. This means hard work, complete dedication, and severe trials, but the rewards are truly great. We have shared everything you need to know about the merchant navy, from eligibility to various courses, from skills to challenges, in plain words.
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