Merchant Navy
Merchant Navy
Summary
This is the most productive and profitable career for individuals who love ships and travelling, and don't have their
heart set on a 9 to 5 desk job. A profession in the merchant navy sector involves trading in commercial items like
liquid cargo, general cargo, live stocks, chemical tankers, oil tankers and so forth all over the world via sea-routes.
Consequently, it is widely regarded as the spine of international trade. This also serves as the distinction between
Merchant Navy and Indian Navy where the latter is engaged in defending the country with its naval power. Those in the
Merchant Navy get a chance to explore and get themselves acquainted with various locations, people and their culture.
Though the career provides high remunerations, it is a challenging job both physically and mentally as one has to stay
at sea for months at a time. In spite of this, a career in the Merchant Navy is regarded to be a highly satisfying one,
especially for someone interested in travelling all around the world.
● Pros
- It is a highly reputable and honorable career that is guaranteed to earn you the admiration of general public.
- The earnings through this career are sizeable, making it a highly lucrative career option.
- It enables one to travel throughout the world and gain a variety of memorable experiences.
- When not on duty (4-6 months every year), one gets substantial leaves. Thus, allowing one to compensate for the time spent away from family.
- A career in the Merchant Navy demands one to spend long durations at sea, and away from their family. Since this kind of work is strenuous both physically and mentally, it is not meant for everyone.
- At sea, the conditions and atmosphere are not always favorable so the experience can quicky turn into a nightmare.
Career Opportunities in Merchant Navy
As a deck cadet, one is tasked with the maintenance of the ship and given the responsibility of lifesaving appliances like jackets and boats, firefighting appliances and structural integrity of the deck. Other activities include pilotage paperwork, monitoring the cargo, communication, monitoring the entry as well as exit points of the ship for security purposes. The work of navigation also forms an essential aspect of a deck cadet's working contract.
As a professional in the engine department, one is involved in maintaining the electrical as well as the mechanical machinery and instruments of the ship. One would be operating and upholding the support system present on the ship above as well as below the deck. Working with navigation, engines, and communication equipment, ventilation system, etc. constitute some areas of work as an engineer in the Merchant Navy.
The professionals in the architecture department hold the responsibility of constructing, designing as well as repairing ships and other offshore structures and marine vessels. This department usually works in collaboration with a team of engineers and integrate their activities for the successful accomplishment of ship construction. They are the ones who ensure that an economic, safe as well as a seaworthy design is created.
This department is the one responsible for preparing and serving the meals to the crew as well as the passengers. They are also involved in housekeeping, which includes chief cook, trainee cooks, and stewards. They are in charge of the food stores and ensuring that the ship is uncontaminated and clean at all times. The strength of this department varies according to the number of passengers and the size of the ship.
How to Pursue a Career in Merchant Navy
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post Graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | SSC with Science Stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Take up Bachelor of Science in Marine Catering or Nautical Science | Take up Masters of Science in Marine Catering or Nautical Science | - |
| Path 2 | SSC with Science Stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Take up Bachelor of Technology in Marine Engineering | Take up Masters of Technology in Marine Engineering or a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in logistics and Shipping | - |
Important Courses Covered
Majority of the Urban Planners hold Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Technology degrees in the following domains:
- Marine Catering
- Marine Engineering
- Nautical Science
- Must have passed class 12th or Senior Secondary Examination with minimum 50% marks in English.
- Must have passed class 12th or Senior Secondary Examination with minimum 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Prescribed medical standards as well to be met.
Leading Institutes
Top Institutes in India
| College | Location | Entrance Exam | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Maritime University | Multiple Campuses | Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) | www.imu.edu.in |
| International Maritime Institute, Greater Noida | Greater Noida | JEE Advanced | www.imi.edu.in |
| Delhi Academy of Merchant Navy | New Delhi | JEE Advanced | www.delhiacademy.in |
| Neotia Institute of Technology Management and Science | Kolkata | JEE Advanced | www.nitmas.edu.in |
| R.L. Institute of Nautical Sciences | Madurai | JEE Advanced | www.rlins.edu.in/new |
| Vels University | Chennai | JEE Advanced | www.velsuniv.ac.in |
| Coimbatore Marine College | Coimbatore | JEE Advanced | www.cmcmarine.in |
| International Maritime Academy | Chennai | JEE Advanced | www.imauniv.in |
| Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) | Cochin | JEE Advanced | www.cusat.ac.in |
| Haldia Institute of Maritime Studies and Research | West Bengal | JEE Advanced | www.himsar.net |
| AMET University (Academy of Maritime Education and Training) | Kanathur, Chennai | JEE Advanced | www.ametuniv.ac.in |
| Department of Marine Science, Goa University | Goa | JEE Advanced | www.unigoa.ac.in/contentarticledisp.php?id=51 |
| Department of Marine Science, Bhavnagar University | Gujarat | JEE Advanced | www.mkbhavuni.edu.in/mkbhavuniweb/marine-science-dept.php |
| School of Marine Sciences, Bharatidasan University | Tamil Nadu | JEE Advanced | www.bdu.ac.in/schools/marine_sciences/marine_science |
| Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University | Tamil Nadu | JEE Advanced | www.annauniv.edu/iom/home.htm |
Top Institutes in the World
| College | Location | Website | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Tyneside College | United Kingdom | http://www.stc.ac.uk | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | United States | https://www.maritime.edu | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
| Webb Institute | United States | www.webb.edu | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
| California Maritime Academy | United States | www.csum.edu/web/mycampus/home | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
| Maine Maritime Academy | United States | www.mainemaritime.edu | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
Entrance Exams
| Exams | Eligible Colleges | Tentative Dates | Important Subjects Covered | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) | Centrally funded universities and several private universities | April | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | www.jeemain.nic.in |
| Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced) | IITs, NITs, and various centrally funded universities | May/June | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | www.jeeadv.ac.in |
| Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET) | Indian Maritime University | June | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, GK, Aptitude, English | www.imu.edu.in/index.php?prod_id=358 |
Work Description
In the commercial shipping industry, Merchant Navy officers are hired on several categories of vessels. The job of merchant navy officers involves:
- Sailing the ship with the help of different types of satellites, apparatus, and radar networks
- Scanning sailing information and the weather
- Synchronizing the secure depot, lading, and dispatching of freight
- Surveying the ship to verify that the security and health measures are in place
- Checking and regulating firefighting, security, and life-saving apparatus
- Watching and sustaining all the electrical apparatus on board to certify the efficacy and security of the ship.
- Dealing with the job of marking and providing training and assistance to trainee officers
- Staying shoulder to shoulder with the advancements in nautical methods, commercial and governmental matters
Top Hiring Companies
List of top 10 merchant navy companies in India:
- The Shipping Corporation of India Limited
- Essar Shipping Ltd
- The Great Eastern Shipping Companies
- Bharti Defense and Infrastructure Limited
- ABG Shipyard
- Mercator Ltd
- Gujarat Pipavav
- Varun Shipping
- Global Offshore Services Limited
- Shreyas Shipping
- NYK (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha)
- Evergreen Marine Corporation:
- CMA CGM Group
- Maersk
- MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
- HAPAG- LLOYD
- APL (American President Lines)
- COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Company)
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MSLOY)
- CSCL (China Shipping Container Lines)
FAQs
- Attend classes and complete your homework
- Collaborate with your professors
- Select your friend circle wisely
- Learn and practice the art of coding
- Make sure to undergo an internship for gaining experience
- Time Management – Master the art of managing time both before and during the exam
- Know the Syllabus – At the start of your preparation, be thorough with your exam syllabus
- Make Short Notes – Make ample number of short notes which eventually come in handy for last-minute revision
- Know your Strengths and Weaknesses – Analyze your strengths and weaknesses during preparation and come up with a strategy to suit them
- Find Best Study Material – Look around to find the best study material that suits your needs
- Revision – If possible, always complete the syllabus well in advance which will save enough time for revision as revision helps you cement your learnings
- Maintain Good Health – Along with your mind, take proper care of your physical being as well to ensure maximum performance during the exam
- Get Comfortable with a computer – Since many exams have shifted online after the pandemic, learn to use a computer
- Set a routine – Experts recommend a routine study of 8-9 hours daily along with timely breaks
Advice for students?
4.9 of 5