How to Join Merchant Navy 2024: Check Application, Eligibility, and Selection Process

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What is the Merchant Navy? 

The Merchant Navy comprises commercial ships engaged in the transportation of cargo, goods, and passengers across global waters. It plays a crucial role in global trade, with a focus on commerce rather than defence. Key aspects include passenger and cargo transport, international operations, diverse job roles, strict regulations, a global workforce, and a rotation system for seafarers.

Benefits of Becoming the Merchant Navy

Joining the Merchant Navy isn’t just a career choice; it’s a lifestyle. The benefits are enticing and make this profession unique:
  • Attractive Salary: Salaries range from INR 1,50,000 to INR 7,50,000, with higher earnings for Chief Engineers and Captains.
  • Vacation Periods: After months at sea, sailors enjoy a well-deserved vacation before their next assignment.
  • Job Security: In the Merchant Navy, job security is comparatively greater for sailors and officers.
  • Global Travel: Being able to tour the world at no cost is an amazing opportunity.
  • Unique Experiences: This work feels rewarding since it involves spending months at sea, stargazing, and discovering various cultures.

Eligibility Criteria 

To join the Merchant Navy, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria based on the type of course they wish to pursue:
Course Type Eligibility Requirements
One-Year Diploma Course 12th with Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English
Two-Year Diploma Course Diploma in Electronics/ Electrical/ Marine Engineering/ Shipbuilding Engineering/Mechanical/ with minimum 50% marks
Merchant Navy Bachelor Course Class 12th with Chemistry, Physics, and Maths with a minimum score of 60% marks

How to Join the Merchant Navy after the 12th Standard?

Candidates aspiring to become officers should follow these steps:
  • Education: Complete 12th standard with Chemistry, Physics, and Maths, ensuring a minimum score of 60% marks.
  • Admission Exams: Apply for admission exams like the JEE and IMU CET.
  • Interview and Medical Examination: Make it through the interview phase and the physical examination.
  • IMU CET Exam: Take the IMU CET exam, mandatory for pursuing nautical or marine courses from DGS-approved colleges.
  • Sponsorship Exams: Take into consideration passing the psychometric and personality tests required for sponsorship, which are followed by an interview.
  • Enrollment: Enroll from DGS-approved colleges or universities in a B.Sc Nautical Science or a similar marine degree.
  • Onboard Training: Finish the 18-month cadet on-board training programme and apply to the Indian government’s competence exam.
  • Career Progression: Upon passing the test, become a Third Officer and sit for annual tests to advance in rank and get promotions.

IMU CET Exam Pattern 2023

The IMU CET exam consists of 200 MCQs covering Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, English, GK, and Aptitude. No negative marking is considered.
Section Number of Questions
Physics 50
Chemistry 25
Mathematics 50
English 25
General Knowledge 25
Aptitude 25

Lateral Entry into the Second Year of Marine Engineering:

Through lateral entry, candidates can gain admission into the 2nd year of marine engineering if they have completed the first year with either Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or if they have a Diploma in similar Engineering courses with at least a 60%.

Medical Examinations and Physical Fitness

Medical examinations and physical fitness are critical for seafarers. The requirements include:
  • General Health: Good overall health with no serious medical conditions.
  • Vision: 6/6 vision in each eye with no colour blindness.
  • Hearing: Adequate hearing without significant loss.
  • Physical Stamina: Sufficient stamina and endurance for sea duties.

Career Prospects

Role/Career Prospect Eligibility Criteria Selection Process Approx Salary Range (INR per month)
Deck Officer 12th with 60% marks in Chemistry, Physics, Maths IMU CET Entrance Exam, Personal Interview, Medical Exam INR 25,000 to INR 50,000
Marine Engineer 12th with 60% marks in Chemistry, Physics, Maths IMU CET Entrance Exam, Personal Interview, Medical Exam INR 30,000 to INR 75,000
Electro-Technical Officer 12th with 60% marks in Chemistry, Physics, Maths IMU CET Entrance Exam, Personal Interview, Medical Exam NR 25,000 to INR 40,000
Ratings 12th with 60% marks in Chemistry, Physics, Maths Personal Interview, Medical Exam INR 10,000 to INR 25,000
GP (General Purpose) Rating 10th or 12th pass with 40% marks Personal Interview, Medical Exam INR 8,000 to INR 15,000

Documents Required for Merchant Navy

Ensure you have the following documents ready for a seamless application process:
  • Educational Certificates
  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Nationality and Identity Proof
  • Medical Certificates
  • Sponsorship Letter (if applicable)
  • Character Certificate
  • Entrance Exam Admit Card and Result
  • Passport-sized Photographs
  • Training Certificates (if applicable)
  • Visa (if required)