Careers in Merchant Navy: Merchant Navy is a commercial fleet handling cargo to far off countries located in different directions of the globe. The job involves travelling for considerably longer durations.
Careers in Merchant Navy
The life of those who work in the Merchant Navy is distinctly different from the usual. Only those having a great flair for such type of journeys by sea, remaining away from their homes for months, an adventurous career, besides possessing the requisite level of intelligence and qualification and a high sense of discipline are best suited for this field. Of course, the returns are quite lucrative. In addition to a good pay and packet, food, entertainment, sports and suchlike facilities are also provided.
Careers in Merchant Navy – Personal attributes
Should not be sea sick. Strong inner self and tough physical form, along with a sporting, adaptive and adjustable attitude; willingness to take on responsibility, love for adventure and challenges; ability to work as well as study for examinations in between. Candidates need to be intelligent, intuitive, willing to work as a team, flexible in approach, patient; have a liking for solitude, and be their willing to live apart from loved ones for long stretches of time.
What the Merchant Navy offers as a career
Indian Merchant Navy comprises passenger vessels, cargo, liners, tankers, ore carriers and other types of specialised ships. These ships are operated by public and private sector shipping companies and manned by trained navigators, marine engineers and crews.
The responsibility for adequate training of personnel for the Indian Merchant Navy lies with Government of India functioning through the Ministry of Surface Transport. Accordingly, a number of training institutions under the direct administrative control of the D.G. of Shipping have been established.
Functional set up
Under the main departments of the ship of Merchant Navy, the first is Deck Department which is headed by the Master, a Chief Mate or a Captain who is overall master of the ship.
Next in hierarchy is the First Mate.
Second Mate who provides assistance to the above two officers in discharging their duties. Third Mate followed by Harbour Master, Pilot of the ship and Serang.
Engine Department is headed by a ship engineer, assisted by 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Engineers and other staff. This department also has an Electrical Officer and Radio Officer and finally sea canny who steers vessel. The core job of engineers of engine department is to operate, run, watch, and do maintenance both preventive and breakdown. Next comes the Service Department, which is headed by a Chief Steward and Chief Cook, cooks, mess men, etc. Lastly, there are – Nautical surveyors, light keepers, dress divers and skin divers. The job of deck department is general management of the ship i.e to navigate, look after loading, unloading, personnel of both sides, their medical needs and so on. Also to deal with foreign nation’s harbour formalities, customs, coast guard, immigration, and health officers of the nation arrived. Deck side people are responsible for the overall safety of the vessel.
Selection of Officers
To be employed as a Navigating Officer on a merchant ship, it is necessary to obtain a “Certificate of Competency” under the regulations in force in India, relating to the examinations of Masters and Mates in the Mercantile Marine.
The first Certificate of Competency for the navigating officers who qualify from T.S. “Chanakya” is that of Second Mate (Foreign Going). After successful completion of three years degree course in Nautical Science on Training Ship “Chanakya” the cadet officer is required to complete one year in the deck department on board a merchant ship before becoming eligible for the grant of Second Mate (F.G.) certificate of competency. During this period he is given a nominal stipend. Candidates who pass the B.Sc (Nautical Science) examination, conducted by the University of Bombay, are eligible for remission of sea service and certain exemptions in the certificate of competency examination.
After possession of the certificate of competency of Second Mate (F.G.) such an officer is eligible to be appointed as 3rd officer/2nd officer on board a merchant ship and draws a handsome salary.
For subsequent promotion, he has to render further sea service to pass the higher examination namely First Mate (Foreign Going) and Master (Foreign Going). The certificate of competency as Master (F.G.) entitles the officer to become the Captain of a merchant ship. The competency examinations are conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport through the Directorate General of Shipping, Bombay.
On the marine engineering side, the lowest examination relates to the Second Class Certificate of Competency. Examinations are conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport in two parts ‘A’ and ‘B’. Candidates of MERI (Merchant Engineering Research Institute) in possession of final Passing out Certificates are exempted from Part A. Part B of the Second Class Certificate can be obtained after completion of the qualifying sea- service after obtaining Part ‘A’ of the certificate, unless exempted as in the case of MERI cadets.
After completion of the training in MERI, a cadet is taken in as a Junior Engineer Officer on a Merchant navy ship. Subsequently, a Junior Engineer, subject to satisfactory service and passing of requisite examinations, is posted as a Third Engineer, Second Engineer and ultimately a Chief Engineer of a ship. Examination for marine engineers are also conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport through the D.G. Shipping, Mumbai.
Careers in Merchant Navy – Functions & Responsibilities
The navigating officers who qualify from Training Ship ‘Chanakya’ are responsible for the navigation of a ship, loading and discharging of cargo, maintenance of ship, safety of passengers and crew and observance of various national and international codes of conduct, insofar as they relate to sea transportation.
The marine engineer, from Marine Engineering Research Institute takes up the responsibility of operating and maintaining ship’s main engines and auxiliary machinery as also safety equipments. The highest post of navigating officer one can expect to attain on board a merchant ship is that of a Master of a Ship. While in the case of a marine engineer the highest post is that of a Chief Engineer of ship.
Employment for the trainees
Although Government undertakes no obligations to find employment for the trainees, T.S. Chanakya and MERI, the institutes assist them in getting suitable employment with the Indian Shipping Companies.
Remuneration
Pay & perks offered by merchant navy are excellent. A navigating officer and marine engineer gets Rs. 60000 p.m.approx. in India whereas Rs. 1,20000 p.m.approx. abroad. Prospects of promotion are directly linked to passing the requisite competency examination.
Prominent Institutes & Courses
Indian Maritime University, East Coast Road, Uthandi, Chennai 600119 (T.N.) (Ph: 044-24530343 / 345 Email: [email protected], www.imu.edu.in) is Central University. It is a teaching and affiliating University which offers degree, postgraduate degree and research programmes in all disciplines of maritime sector.
There were 7 renowned legacy teaching-cum- research institutes under the Ministry of Shipping, and these were subsumed under the Indian Maritime University in November 2008.
The 3 institutes in Mumbai, namely, the Training Ship Chanakya, the Lai Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies & Research, and the Marine Engineering Research Institute became the Mumbai Campus of the Indian Maritime University.
The 2 institutes in Kolkata, namely, the Marine Engineering Research Institute and the Indian Institute of Port Management became the Kolkata Campus of the University. The National Ship Design and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam and the National Maritime Academy in Chennai became the Visakhapatnam and Chennai Campuses respectively of the University. post-November 2008, Kochi Campus was set up – in 2009. The University also has 24 Affiliated Institutes.
Courses offered and admission details:
(I) Courses offered by the Indian Maritime University:
Undergraduate programmes
(i) 3-Year B. Sc (Maritime Science)
(ii) 3-Year B. Sc (Nautical Science)
(iii) 3-Year B. Sc (Ship Building & Repair) – This Programme is being conducted only in the Affiliated Institutes.
(iv) 1-Year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) leading to B.Sc. (Applied Nautical Science)
(II) IMU Campuses:
| Campus | Courses | Duration | Seats |
| Mumbai | B.Sc (Nautical Science) | 3 Years | 180 |
| B.Sc (Maritime Science) | 3 Years | 40 | |
| Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) | 1 Year | 40 | |
| Chennai | B.Sc (Nautical Science) | 3 Years | 120 |
| Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) | 1 Year | 40 | |
| Cochin | B.Sc (Nautical Science) | 3 Years | 40 |
General Instructions:
Age limit: Min. 17 yrs. Max.: 25 years. Note: For Scheduled Castes (SC) & Schedule Tribe candidates (ST) Candidates maximum age relaxation is for five (5) years.
Reservation of Seats: as per Govt, rules.
Eligibility:
The qualifying examinations are listed below:
(i) The final examination of the 10+2 system, conducted by any recognized Central/State Board, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi; Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi; etc. (ii) Intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination conducted by a recognized Board/ University,
(iii) Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services wing of the National Defence Academy,
(iv) General Certificate Education (GCE) examination (London/ Cambridge/Srilanka) at the Advanced (A) level,
(v) High School Certificate Examination of the Cambridge University or International Baccalaureate Diploma of the International Baccalaureate Office, Geneva,
(vi) H.S.C vocational examination,
(vii) Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling with a minimum of five subjects,
(viii) A Diploma recognized by AICTE or a state board of technical education of at least 3 year duration,
(ix) Any Public School/Board/ University examination in India or in any foreign Country recognized as equivalent to the 10+2 system by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Careers in Merchant Navy Physical Fitness
Candidate for admission to marine courses are required to produce certificate for medical fitness by authorities authorized by DG Shipping. Cadets are subject to further medical examination by the respective shipping companies before joining ships.
Note: All Candidates who qualify for 4 year B Tech (Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering) degree course will have to submit a Physical Fitness Certificate from Registered Medical Practitioner in a prescribed format that will be made available to them at an appropriate time.
Do Check: Careers in Civil Aviation
Careers in Merchant Navy For any enquiry/information, you may contact:
Campuses of the University:
1. INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
Chennai Campus, East Coast Road Uthandi, Chennai 600 119
Ph: (044) 24530343 / 345, Fax: (044) 24530342.
Email: [email protected]
2. INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
South End Reclamation Area (SE&A), NH-47A, Near Alexander Parambithara Bridge, “60 Matsyapuri (P.O.),
Willingdon Island, Cochin-682029
3. INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
Kolkata Campus, P -19, Taratalla Road, Kolkata – 700088
Ph: (033) 24014673 / 76 & 78, Fax: 2401 4333.
Indian Institute of Port Management
Subhas Bhavan, 2nd Floor
40, Circular Garden Beach Road
Kolkata – 700043
Ph: (033) 2439 4123/4124
Email: [email protected]
www.merical.ac.in
4. INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
Palm Beach Road Campus,
Karave, Nerul, Navi Mumbai – 400706 Ph: (022) 27703876/27701935
Fax No.: (022) 27700398 Hay Bunder Road Campus,
Mumbai- 400033
Ph: (022)23719932/35/36/40/4 1/44/46 /23723577 / 23774261, 23725987
Email: [email protected]
5. INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
Visakhapatnam Campus, PO Gandhigram Visakhapatnam- 530 005.
Ph: (0891) 2578360/64 Extension 228 or 220, Direct (0891) 2577247
Email: [email protected] www.imuv.edu.in
Further details can be had from Directorate General of Shipping, 9th Floor Beta Building, i- Think Techno Campus, Kanjurmarg (East), Mumbai – 400042, (Ph: 022-25752040/41/42/43/45 Email :[email protected])
AMET University, 135, East Coast Road, Kanathur, Chennai 603112 (Ph 044-2747 2905 Toll free: 1800 108 3030, www.ametuniv.ac.in) offers
(i) B.Sc. Nautical Science;
(ii) B.E. Marine Engineering;
(iii) Graduate Marine Engineering (GME);
(iv) HND in Nautical Science;
(v) HND in Marine Engineering;
(vi) B.E. Naval Architecture & Offshore Engineering;
(vii) B.E. Harbour Engineering and Offshore Technology;
(viii) B.E. Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Selection is made on the basis of Entrance Test and Interview.
AMITY UNIVERSITY, Block -J2, Gate No: 3, Amity University Campus:Sector-125, Noida- 201313 (UP)
Ph.: 0120-4392000© +91 8448396303
Email: [email protected] www.amity.edu
Other Campuses: Lucknow, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Gwalior, Greater Noida, Raipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ranchi, Patna.
offers Full-time B.Sc. (Hons.)-Marine Science.
Eligibility: PCB (min 50%)
Bharath Shipping Limited, 26/32, M-4′, Pal Mohan Sadan, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi-110008,
www.bharatshipping.com, offers B.Tech in Marine.
Chennai School of Ship Management, New No. 2/156 (Old no. 2/14) School Street, Vandaloor – Kelambakkam Road, Mambakkam, Chennai – 600 048. (www.cssmmarine.com) offers 3-year Marine Engineers- Alternate Training Scheme (including 9 months on-board training with stipend arranged by CSSM as per regulations implemented by the International Maritime Organisation).
International Maritime Academy, 41, Giri Road, T. Nagar, Chennai (T.N) (Ph 044-43502120, 43502320,43502520,09710940210,42124848 Email [email protected] www.ima-maritime.com) offers the following courses:
(i) B.Sc Nautical Science
(ii) Diploma in Nautical Science
(iii) B.Tech Marine Engg.
(iv) 6-month General Purpose Rating
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET), Gate No. 140, Loni Kalbhor,
Rajburg, Pune-Solapur Highway, Pune 412201 (Maha.) (Ph: 020-26912901/02/03/04
Email: [email protected] www.manetpune.com) offers the following courses:
- 4-year B.Tech. in Marine Engineering Residential Course, approved of DG Shipping.
- 3-year B.Tech in Marine Engineering. Selection is made on the basis of marks obtained in PCM at XII level and Medical Test by DG Shipping (approved Medical Practitioner). Entrance Exam./Last date: May.
Neotia Institute of Technology & Management and Science, Vill: Jhinga, Diamond Harbour Road; South 24 Pargans (S), West Bengal 743368 (Ph 03174-245078/101, www.nitmas.edu.in) offers 3- year Bachelor Degree in Nautical Science.
Note: This is only an indicative list of institutes/ courses. Further information can be had from , www. dgshipping. com.
ANGLO-EASTERN SHIP MANAGEMENT LTD.
Invites applications for selection of cadets for undertaking pre-sea training at
ANGLO-EASTERN MARITIME ACADEMY (AEMA)
For further information, please visit our website
www.angloeasterncollege.com
Our contact details are:
Mumbai: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management
303, 3rd Floor, Leela Business Park, Marol, Andheri-Kurla Road
Andheri (East) Mumbai-400059
Ph: +91 22 6112 4434/35
Delhi: Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre
A-103, Dayanand Colony, Lajpat Nagar-4, New Delhi- 110024
Ph: +91 11 2647 1129
Email:[email protected]
Courses offered:
- DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) – Leading to B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science)
- GME (Graduate Mechanical Engineering Course)
- ETO (Electro-Technical Officer Training Course)