Ultimate Guide: How to Join Merchant Navy in 2025

If You Are looking for how to join merchant navy , then you are at right place. in this articles, we will discuss about how to join merchant navy , the eligibility criteria to join merchant navy and and different courses to join merchant navy after 10th and 12th .The Merchant Navy is an exciting and challenging career option for those who love the sea and adventure. It provides an opportunity to explore different parts of the world, meet new people and learn new skills. let’s first understand about the Merchant Navy and the benefits of joining the merchant navy

WHAT IS MERCHANT NAVY

The Merchant Navy refers to the commercial shipping fleet that carries goods and passengers across the globe. the Merchant Navy is primarily dedicated to trade and commerce. With various types of vessels such as container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers, cruise ship, it plays a vital role in the world economy. the Merchant Navy focuses on trade and commerce through maritime transportation.

BENEFITS OF JOINING MERCHANT NAVY

Joining the Merchant Navy offers several benefits, making it an attractive career choice for many. Here are some key advantages:

1. Travel Opportunities: You get to travel the world while working, visiting various ports and experiencing different cultures.
2. Lucrative Pay Packages: The pay in the Merchant Navy is quite competitive, with salaries starting from around $1000 per month and increasing with experience.
3. Tax Benefits: Tax-free income for seafarers, allowing you to save more of your earnings.
4. Early Financial Independence: Due to the high pay, many seafarers achieve financial independence early in their careers.
5. Professional Growth: The Merchant Navy offers clear career progression paths, allowing you to rise through the ranks from deck cadet to captain and engine cadet to chief engineer.
6. Exposure to Different Cultures: Working on ships means interacting with people all over the world from various backgrounds and different cultures .
7. No Fancy Degrees Required: While specialized training is needed, you don’t necessarily need advanced degrees to start your career.
8. Long Vacations: Seafarers often get extended periods of leave, allowing for long breaks between contracts.
9. Enhanced Professionalism: The structured environment and responsibilities on board help in developing a strong work ethic and professionalism.
10. NRI Status: Working in the Merchant Navy can provide you with Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status, which comes with its own set of benefits

HOW TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY ?

After completing your high school, you must choose a specialization, go through training and certification, apply for the eligible course to join merchant navy, go through the selection process, pass a medical exam, and join course , complete the course and finally join a ship in order to join the Merchant Navy. Building a successful career at sea needs constant professional development, and every step helps.

After the tenth, twelfth, and even graduation, you can enlist in the Merchant Navy.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MERCHANT NAVY

1. Education: To be eligible for the Merchant Navy, candidates must have completed either their 10th or 12th-grade education.
2. Age: Typically 17-25 years.
3. Medical: Must pass a fitness exam for physical and mental health.
4. Skills: Good English communication.
5. Documentation: Valid passport.
6. Training/Certification: Approved maritime courses from DG approved institutes.
7. Experience: Prior experience may be required for some roles

JOIN MERCHANT NAVY AFTER 10TH

You can join the Merchant Navy after the Class 10Th by completing a GP Rating Course. However, if you have the opportunity, you should join the Merchant Navy after the 12th PCM,if you wish to join after the 10th, you have only one option, you can go through GP Rating. Many colleges conduct the course for GP Rating, such as NUSI Goa, Seven Islands and Great Eastern

JOIN MERCHANT NAVY AFTER 12TH

After the 12th, there are 2 Departments and many ways through which you can join the Merchant Navy. If you have done PCM then you can either go for Diploma in Nautical Science and B.Sc in Nautical Science for the navigational department or B.Tech Marine Engineering for Engine Department.

MERCHANT NAVY AFTER GRADUATION

If you are pass your graduation or you are in last year of your graduation Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and planning to join merchant navy , then you can cheer up as you can go for Graduate Marine Engineering or Electro-technical Officer after Mechanical and Electrical Engineering respectively. These are the courses specifically designed for graduated students to join the Merchant Navy

MERCHANT NAVY COURSES

If you want to join the Merchant Navy there are a lot of options available for you from, 6 month GP , one year Diploma and 4 year B.Tech. there are many option to join you can join the Navigational Department, Engine Department, or GP Rating there is a course that will suit your qualifications, age, and comes under your budget. one by one we know about this courses.

	Courses	Duration
After 10th	GP Rating	6 months
After 12th	Diploma in Nautical Science B.Sc. in Nautical Science  B.Tech Marine Engineering	1 Year 3 Year  4 Year
After Graduation	Graduate Marine Engineering Electro-technical Officer	1 Year 4 months

QUALIFICATION

COURSES	Qualifications
1 ) Diploma in Nautical Science	In 12th, more than 60% in PCM (70% for AEMA)More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th
2)   B.Sc in Nautical Science	In 12th, more than 60% in PCM more than 50% in English in 10th or 12th
3) B.Tech Marine Engineering	In 12th, more than 60% in PCM more than 50% in English in 10th or 12th. OR candidate with 3 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering can take lateral entry in the 2nd year of B.Tech Marine Engineering. More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th is required.
4)  Graduate Marine Engineering	Candidates must have a Degree in Mechanical or Naval Architecture with more than 55%. Mora than 50% in English in 10th or 12th.
5)  Electro-technical Officer	In 12th, more than 65% in PCM. More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th. Candidates must have a 3-year Diploma or 4-year Graduation in Electrical or any other related Engineering.
6)  GP Rating	In 10th, more than 40% in Science /English /Math’s. In 12th, more than 40% in any stream with 40% in English. More than 40% Marks in ITI final year & more than 40% in English.

SKILLS REQUIRED TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY

Joining the Merchant Navy requires a blend of technical skills, physical fitness, and soft skills. Here’s a list of key skills you’ll need:

1. Technical Knowledge: Understanding maritime laws, navigation techniques, ship operation, and maintenance are fundamental.
2. Physical Fitness: The job demands good health and physical fitness due to the rigorous and sometimes hazardous nature of the work.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Quick thinking and effective problem-solving are crucial, especially in emergency situations.
4. Teamwork: Working in confined spaces and for extended periods means that teamwork and effective communication are vital.
5. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different environments, cultures, and challenging conditions is essential.
6. Attention to Detail: Precision in tasks like navigation, machinery operation, and safety checks is critical.
7. Discipline and Responsibility: Following strict protocols and maintaining discipline ensures the safety and efficiency of operations.
8. Technical Aptitude: Skills in operating and maintaining various mechanical and electrical systems onboard.
9. Leadership Skills: For those aspiring to higher ranks, leadership and decision-making abilities are important.
10. Crisis Management: Being prepared and able to manage crises or emergencies calmly and effectively is crucial, specially for those who is going join cruise ship or passenger ship.

IS MERCHANT NAVY A GOVERNMENT JOB ?

Merchant navy is private job. merchant navy is contract based job.If you work for the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), you work in government company but you work as contract basis not permanent employee. Apart from SCI, the majority of other companies in this field are private entities.

MERCHANT NAVY MEDICALS

Physical Standards	1) Candidates should be physically fit for sea service under the standard normal.
	2) NO COLOR BLINDNESS, Partial Colour Blindness is also not acceptable.
	3) The D.G. Shipping Medical Certificate must be issued by D.G. Shipping Approved Doctors, under the specified medical examination requirements.

EXAMS FOR JOIN MERCHANT NAVY

• IMU CET: Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (mandatory for government training institutes).
• AIMNET: All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test (accepted by many private institutes).
• Shipping company sponsored exams: Some companies conduct their own entrance exams for direct cadet recruitment.

HOW TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY : FAQ

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