Join the Navy to see the world says an old song. Today, that would translate to mean the Merchant Navy. Since time immemorial ships at sea have beckoned the brave and adventurous. Seafarers face a hard life, living in harsh conditions and spending months and months away from their families. But if you want to live a life that is full of adventure and the wanderlust of exotic lands, and can overcomes all obstacles to do this, a life riding the waves could be for you. It is indeed an alluring option and as popular a career choice with young Goan men as that of a Chef or Hotel Administration.
Specialization
Since there are different types of ships specialization depends on the type of vessel that one is working in or interested in working. Officers who do these courses are better placed or gets better increment and also they have a sound knowledge of that particular type of vessels.
The Fleet
The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant, commercial fleet which deals with transporting cargo and sometimes passengers, by sea from one part of the world to another. Its fleet consists of a variety of vessels. These are some of the ships that you may one day man.
1. Barges: Flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods across rivers and canals while being pulled by tugboats. Barge carrying ships are long, usually flat boats which are usually wed or manoeuvred by other towing vessels.
2. Roll-on/ roll-off ships: are designed to carry vehicles which can be loaded at ports by being driven on and can be unloaded by being driven off. They have built-in ramps that can be used to easily load and unload wheeled cargo like cars, scooters etc.
3. Bulk carriers: are so designed that they can enter shallow waters and narrow channels. They can be loaded and unloaded by special equipment in very short time. These Cargo ships used to transport 'bulk cargo' like coal, grain, oil, ore etc., which are really heavy goods.
4. Container ships: are cargo ships that carry their load in truck-sized containers.
5. Tankers: are cargo ships which carry liquid oil and other petroleum products, gas and chemicals in large tanks built inside the ship and are Very Large Carrying Containers(VLCCs).
6. Refrigerator ships: are those type which have huge cold storage plants built in them. They are used to carry perishable food stuff and items on specific service routes.
7. Passenger ships: are of various kinds and sizes. They can range anywhere between small ferries to Trans-Atlantic vessels. Ferries are ships used to transport passengers, goods and vehicles from one shore to another. Cruise ships are ships that take passengers on voyages for pleasure.
8. Cable layers: are deep-sea vessels used to lay underwater cables for telecommunication etc.
9. Coasters: are Shallow-hulled ships that can manoeuvre through reefs which are used for trade between places along the same coastline.
10. Dredger: are ships used to gather and transport bottom sediments from one place to another, making the dredged area more easily accessible to deep-hull ships.
11. Reefer ships: are cargo ships with temperature-controlled holds that are used to transport easily perishable cargo like fruits, vegetables etc.
12. Tugboat: are powerful little boats used to manoeuvre large vessels in harbours etc.
Besides these, there are also, oilrig and other specialized vessels. These ships are owned, managed, and operated by various private and public shipping companies.
Nature of Work
A career in Merchant Navy can be pursued either as an Officer or Rating in mainly two specialized fields, i.e. Marine Engineering and Nautical (deck). There are three main areas of activity within the Merchant Navy, where the duties of a merchant navy officer are centred - the deck, the engine room and the service department. The Captain, Second Officer, Chief Officer, Third Officer and several other officers constitute the Deck Officers.
Deck Department is an organisational and navigational unit aboard naval and merchant ships. The officers from this branch primarily look after the ships navigation, loading/unloading of cargo and the general maintenance and administration of the ship. An officer serving in the Deck Department is called a Deck Officer. The main function of the Deck Department is proper watch standing and the maintenance of the ship's hull and accommodations as well as the ship's safety appliances. The officer joins in the rank of Third Officer and is subsequently promoted to the rank of Second Officer, Chief Officer and finally the Master of the ship.
NAVIGATION
This department is handled by navigating officers. Navigators should have perfect eyesight, They need to pass a medical fitness test for sea service under standard norms and with eyesight 6/6. Marine engineers are allowed to wear spectacles for eyesight up to plus/minus 2.5. Colour blindness is a disqualification for the merchant navy.
Deck or Navigation Officer is in charge of the navigation of the ship. It is essential for the navigation officers to obtain a certificate of competency. The department has the following:
The chief navigator of the ship is the
Captain: He is in command of the ship and decides the course of the voyage and manoeuvres the vessel under adverse weather conditions and emergencies.
He also exercises complete control over the officers, crew and any passengers and cargo on board the ship. Other navigating officers assist him in navigation. He is in charge for assigning organisational duties for ship’s operation, navigation and maintenance. He must ensure the discipline on the ship and safety of passengers, crew, and cargo. He must strictly adhere to the national and international codes of conduct guiding sea transportation. It is essential for the navigation officers to obtain a certificate of competency. He is responsible to the owners of the ship for the safety of the vessels, the crew, and the passengers or cargo. He must maintain crew discipline and keep order. While in port, the captain may act as the ship owner’s agent in dealing with customs officials. The captain may pay and keep records of wages for the ship's other employees.
Chief (Officer)Mate: The Captain is assisted by the also known as first mate who is in charge of the cargo planning and deck work. The Chief Officer is considered the ship’s executive officer and the right-hand man of the Captain. He assumes command of the vessel in the event the Captain is incapacitated. He is in charge of repairs and maintenance in the Deck department. Pollution control and taking care of cargo in transit and cargo on board. Maintenance of good sanitation of the ship, stores of the deck crew and briefing and orientation of the new members. Also, record keeping of the deck members.
Qualifications: Std XII(Science) with Physics + Chemistry +Maths or B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry & Maths. The must also have passed the Second Mate examination.
The Second (Officer ) Mate is sometimes referred to as the Navigational Officer. He is mainly responsible for the navigational charts, maintenance of all the navigational equipment / instruments, mails, voyage planning, navigational watch, and medical matters, in accordance with Captain’s instructions. He also assists the Chief Officer in supervising the work of the deck crew and assists in cargo operations.
Qualifications: Minimum qualification required is Std XII (Science) with Physics, Chemistry & Maths or B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry & Maths. He must also pass the Third Mate examination.
The Third(Officer ) Mate is responsible for maintenance of lifeboats and fire fighting equipment. He acts like a signal officer in charge of all signalling equipment and assists with cargo work. The Third Officer is the ship's documentation and safety officer. He is responsible for all the crew members before leaving the post, the stores and supplies. The other orders given by the Captain and duties of the Second Officer in case he is on leave.
Qualifications: Minimum qualification required is Std XII (Science) with Physics, Chemistry and Maths or B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
Depending on the size and employment of the ship, a boatswain may be employed. If carried, the boatswain, generally a senior, able seaman will act as a foreman of the ship's deck crew and as the chief mate's representative on Deck.
Miscellaneous
In addition, a candidate can join as utility hand or Petty Officers (Fitters) after completing four Basic Courses, i.e. FPFF, EFA, PSSR and PST.
RATINGS
The Deck Department also has other staff with specific duties called 'ratings'. They act as look outs and helmsmen, assist with the securing of the ship as it docks at ports and help clean tanks and holds before the cargo is placed in them. There are three kinds of ratings:
The Deck Rating is responsible for the general maintenance of the ship- cleaning, sweeping, chipping of rust, polishing, etc. They help in loading and unloading of cargo and in port they assist in the mooring/ unmooring of the ship.
Engine Room Rating: assists the engineering officers in maintenance and operation of engines and associated equipment. He is responsible for the day to day cleanliness of the engine room and for routine oiling, greasing, and servicing of machinery. As they gain experience they help officer monitor and ensure the safe running of main plant and ancillary equipment.
Catering Rating : usually clean accommodation areas and public rooms, helps in preparation of foods, clean galleys and cooking utensils, and to maintain fridges, freezers. They also serve meals to officers and crew and help in loading and storing of consumable stores.
MARINE ENGINEERS
The purpose of this department is to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical part of the ship. The engine room comprises engineers and the electrical officers. Marine Engineers or Engineering Officers are entirely responsible for the ship's technical management. They operate and maintain the propulsion and other systems aboard the vessel. They oversee the operation and maintenance of all installations, including electrical and refrigerating machinery, the main engines, auxiliary machinery and safety equipment. They also supervise repairs at sea and overhauls in ports. The ships engineers have complete responsibility of the ships engine room like the main engine, boilers, pumps, hydraulic and fuel systems, cargo pumps and air - conditioning and the ship’s electrical and power generating equipment and distribution system. They also deal with the "hotel" facilities aboard, notably the lighting, air conditioning, sewage and water systems. They deal with bulk fuel transfers, and require training in fire fighting and first aid, as well as in dealing with the ship's boats and other nautical tasks - especially with cargo loading/ discharging gear and safety systems, though the specific cargo discharge function remains the responsibility of deck officers and deck workers. Marine Engineers join as fourth Engineer and step by step, get promoted to Third, Second and Chief Engineer, subject to their passing the competency exams and performance onboard the ship.
Chief Engineer is the Manager of the Engine Department. He assigns engine officers and personnel to undertake repair / maintenance work or supervision and observation duties. His duties and responsibilities include inspection and maintenance of the ship's machinery, equipment and compartments. He must ensure the safe and economic running of all engines, boilers, electrical, refrigerating and sanitary equipment, deck machinery and steam connections aboard the ship. He has to prepare reports and documents of working and repairing of machinery, supervision of engine stores and supplies of fuel and lubricants, auxiliaries, as well as repairing machinery, fuel consumption and requirement is to be logged.
Qualification: B.E or B.Tech. in Mechanical/ Marine Engineering and the clearance of the Second Engineer examination.
Second Engineer: is the Executive Officer in the Engine Department. He takes over the functions of the Chief Engineer in case the latter is ill or incapacitated. He is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of lubricating system, engine room auxiliaries and electric equipments, and control of spare parts and stores. He is also in charge of the engine officers.
Qualification: B.E. or B.Tech. in Mechanical or Marine Engineering and the clearance of the Third Engineer examination.
Third Engineer: supervises engine crew members and performs duties of Chief Engineer or Second Engineer. He takes care of maintenance and repair work and is responsible for fuel and water , supervises tank soundings, and logs the consumption of water and fuel. The boiler room equipment, the feed water system, pumps and condensers are monitored by him.
Fourth Engineer: (or engineers, some ships carry two) is in charge of the numerous generators on the ship as well as certain small pumps. He is responsible for the operation and maintenance of engine room auxiliaries. He also maintains and repairs all electrical circuits and motors. There may also be Fifth Engineer(s) who are also known as Junior Engineers.
Crew
Other members of the Engineering crew include oilers and greasers (unlicensed 'ratings' or duties that require qualifications) and entry-level ratings like wiper, utility men etc. Engine Cadets are trainee engineers who are completing sea time necessary before they can obtain a watch keeping licence.
Besides Officers of the Navigation and Engineering teams, most ships have:
Electrical Officer: is responsible for the functioning and handling of all electrical equipment onboard the vessel. There is another one named seaconny, who ensures that the ship is on course and that the gangway at port is well-guarded.
Radio Officer: is in charge of the radio room and handles the operation of the wireless and transmitting of signals. He also looks after all the electronic communication and the related records. They operate and maintain the wireless equipment for receiving and transmitting messages. In addition, he also looks after electronic navigation aids such as radar, depth measuring devices, long range navigation equipment and global positioning system etc. However, this category of personnel has been almost phased out and their duties passed over to other deck officers. While some ships still carry specialised radio officers, especially passenger vessels, few ships have a standalone radio department with a chief radio officer and subordinate radio officers. Since the introduction of GMDSS (satellite communications) and the subsequent exemptions from carrying radio officers if the vessel is so equipped, this department has fallen away. A candidate aspiring to be a Marine Radio Officer has to acquire his academic degree from any institution providing training in radio communication. He also needs to do a two week GMDSS course. He must also appear and clear the Certificate of Competency Examination conducted under the aegis of Wireless Advisor to the Government of India.
Purser: is an officer who looks after all the administrative work related to pay and perks of personnel onboard. However, this category of personnel has also been almost phased out and their duties passed over to other deck officers.
Service Department
The work undertaken here revolves around the living and catering services for all the crew on board. They maintain living quarters of the crew and the mess halls. The duties of the officers in the Service Department may overlap. The catering crew consists of Steward / Cooks etc.
Chief Steward: heads a large team of stewards, bakers, mess men; maintains inventories of food stuffs, linen, bedding, furniture, etc. He directs, instructs, and assigns personnel performing such functions as preparing and serving meals; cleaning and maintaining officers' quarters and steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and inventorying stores. He plans menus and additional duties may involve baking.
Chief Cook: directs and participates in the preparation and serving of meals; determines timing and sequence of operations required to meet serving times; inspects galley and equipment for cleanliness and proper storage and preparation of food. The cook may plan or assist in planning meals and taking inventory of stores and equipment. The other staff members are the baker and attendants.
Steward's Assistant: is an entry-level crew member in the Steward's department of a ship. They are also known as Utility men and Mess men. Their job consists mainly of cleaning and assisting with the preparation and serving of meals.
Apart from this, the department also has other services such as the services of Divers for underwater examination of the heel of the ship, propellers, pipes etc. Light Keepers, who operate light house signalling equipment to guide incoming and passing ships, and nautical surveyors, who prepare charts of particular regions of the seas, with regard to topography and conditions of the sea.
Professional Courses
To become a seafarer, the following streams of entries (Pre-Sea courses) are available to Indian citizens in the Government as well as in private training institutions (recognized and approved by Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping). The syllabus has been designed so that the cadet is familiar with the fundamental engineering sciences, knowledge of the theoretical and practical marine engineering, humanities and social sciences. They are also required to be on par with the rules for Marine Engineers as established by the Merchant Shipping Act. Apart from the theoretical and practical side of the course, students also need to participate in the extra-curricular activities held at the institute.
Candidates can pursue a career in this field by opting for the Merchant Navy Courses in India.
Officers
* 3 year degree course in Nautical Science for Std XII(Sc) students.
* 4 year degree course in Marine Engineering for Std XII(Sc) students.
* 2 year course for Diploma Holders.
* 1 year course for Graduate Mechanical Engineers.
* 3 month course for Deck Cadets for Std XII(Sc) students.
Some of the Qualifying Examinations are as follows: - All India Senior School Certificate Examination of CBSE - Higher Secondary Examination (from any Central/State Board of Secondary Education) - Indian School Certificate Examination of Council of Indian School of Examination, New Delhi - Intermediate Science/Technical or 2-year pre-university examination - Final Examination of 2-year course of Joint Service Wing of the NDA - 1st year examination of a 5-year integrated course from an IIT- or IIT recognised institution/university - 1st year examination of a 3-year degree course of any recognised Indian University
Rating
In addition to Officers, candidate can join the Merchant Navy as ratings on board ship. The minimum qualification for rating is Std X with Maths and Science. There are :
* 3 month Pre-Sea Course for Deck rating.
* 3 month Pre-Sea Course for Engine rating.
* 4 month Pre-Sea Course for Saloon rating.
There are 3 training establishments in India which offer a 3-month course for future cadets in the engine room and deck departments, namely the T.S. Bhadra (Calcutta), the T.S. Mekhala (Vishakhapatnam) and T.S. Navalakshi. Radio Officers - Anyone wishing to become a marine Radio Officer needs to pass the Certificate of Competency Examination (for second or first class radio officer). This is conducted by the Wireless Advisor to the Government of India, Wireless Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Communications, Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 001 Students who have done their SSC and are in the age group of 17 years and above are eligible to join these institutions.
The age limit should not be more than 24 years six months at the commencement of the course.
After completing the course, the trainees are required to go on ship minimum for 6 months to earn their watch keeping certificate. After obtaining the Watch Keeping Certificate, they can sail on ships as rating for Deck/Engine Room/Saloon/Petty Officers and are paid handsome salary* 4 month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose (GP) rating.
Admission to Merchant Navy Courses in India to these courses is open to unmarried Indian male and female students, and conducted through the Common Entrance Examination of the IIT-JEE. The two areas where training is given to students enrolling in these courses are Marine Engineering and Navigation Science. One common eligibility criteria for Merchant Navy Officers in both the fields is medical fitness.
Entrance Examination
After qualifying the screening test of the IIT, those keen to pursue the career in Merchant Navy, as a Deck Officer, have to fill up an application form which is available at Directorate General of Shipping, Jahaj Bhavan, Ballard Estate, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Mumbai 400001
and at the selected branches of Syndicate Bank all over India. The advertisement for this is published in leading newspapers of the country in the months of July and December every year.
The Entrance Examination, is a combination of the objective and subjective-type of questions, assesses your knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics of Std XII or equivalent standard. After the written test, a merit list is prepared. Although a student may express his/her preference for one course of training or the other, the final distribution of the candidate between the two courses of training is at the discretion of the Director-General of Shipping. The written test is followed by an interview which is basically a test of personality that includes personal interviews/counselling, where the interviewers assess the degree of alertness, and awareness of the external environment, in the candidates and their suitability for a career in the Merchant Navy.
Selection is based on the Joint Entrance Examination(JEE) conducted by the IIT. A merit list is prepared after the written test and interview. The Director General of Shipping has the authority to which of the two training courses the candidate is best suited for after considering the preference of the student.
Seat Allotment 15% of total seats are given reserved for candidates of Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for those from the Scheduled Tribes PROVIDED all other requirements are satisfactorily met PHYSICAL HEALTH Candidates are examined by authorized medical officials for proof of adequate physical fitness
Marine Engineering
Training for Engineering Officers is given for a duration of 4 years, at the end of which the Graduation Certificate is obtained. This degree course is equivalent to the First Degree Engineering, as recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (Education). With this degree, candidates can be appointed to Government-supervised senior services.
* B.E Marine Engineering, Duration: 4 years; Eligibility: Std XII(Sc) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English
* B.Sc Nautical Science, Duration: 3 years, Eligibility: Std XII(Sc) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English
* M.E Marine Engineering, Duration: 2 years, Eligibility: B.E Marine Engineering.
After completing a course in Marine Engineering or the B.Sc. in Nautical Science, a fresher can be recruited as a junior engineer or Deck Cadet respectively.
1. Nautical Training Ship 'Chanakya' T.S. Chanakya Institute, The Training Ship (TS) Chanakya, conducts a three-year training course in the theoretical and practical aspects of nautical science for navigating officers with a capacity of 80 cadets per course.
The Institute offers maritime education and training to aspiring navigating officers. This is a shore based academy, which carries the reputation and tradition of T.S. Dufferin and T.S. Rajendra. The Institute is of international repute and the alumni of the institute are well known worldwide.
Course Details
The admission to this Institute for three year degree course is done through Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) conducted by IIT. Affiliated to the University of Bombay, its syllabus give a broad understanding of marine education, with special focus on the fundamentals of marine subjects and practical aspects and helps the candidates to inculcate qualities necessary for the profession, both mental and physical.
The subjects include English, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Electronics, Computer Science and Marine Management.
Topics such as Ship Operation Technology and other applied subjects (Maritime Commerce, Marine Engineering, Environmental Science, Control Systems etc.) are also focused upon. Practicals are conducted are in the following subjects - Astronomy, Chart Work, Practical Navigation, Magnetic and Gyro Compasses, Electronic Navigational Aids (Radar, Decca, Satellite Navigator etc.). Students are taught maintenance of the ship, given experience in handling Navigational Instruments and subjected to a number of drills on board related to safety of life.
Eligibility:
Candidate should not be more than 20 years of age, on 1st October on the commencement of the course and should have cleared screening test of IIT, to apply for this course. After qualifying the screening test of the IIT, the candidate aspiring to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy, as a Deck Officer, must fill up an application form which is available at Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, and at the selected branches of Syndicate Bank all over India.
The candidates should be less than 20 years of age and should have minimum 60% of marks in P.C.M. at 10+2 level or 55% marks in the B. Sc. and should be below 22 years of age or should have passed BE/B.Tech. from a college recognized by AICTE and is below 24 years of age. The advertisement for this training is published in leading newspapers of India in July and December2 months before the commencement of the course in Employment News and other leading national newspapers every year giving detailed information of the admission procedure.
Fees: The cost of the training in T.S. Chanakya is about Rs. 30,000. per year including tuition fees, hostel and messing. Personal expenses are to be borne by the student. T S. Chanakya also conducts 3 month Pre-Sea Deck Cadets Course.
Internship
After completing a 3-year course at T.S. Chanakya, a student is awarded Degree in Nautical Science by Mumbai University and is required to go on board ship for one year sea training and requisite sea time of 2 to 3 years before appearing for Second Mate competency exam. During their sea attachment, these candidates, usually, are paid nominal pocket allowances by the shipping companies, in addition to free messing and accommodation on the ship. For further details, contact Capt. Superintendent, T.S. Chanakya at the following address : Capt.Superintendent, Training Ship Chanakya, Karave, Navi Mumbai., Tel. 022- 770 3876.
2. Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai. Earlier known as the Directorate of Marine Engineering, offers marine engineering education. Headquartered at Calcutta, it has a branch in Mumbai too. MERI provides exposure to the fundamental engineering sciences together with specialised knowledge of theoretical and practical marine engineering. Cadets are given lessons on overhaul, repair and maintenance of the ship’s main and auxiliary machinery and shipboard systems. Technology classes are held in advanced marine engineering and technology. It offers a 4-year training course in Marine Engineering. It also provides 1 year Pre-Sea Training to graduate Mechanical Engineers to enable them to go on ships as Junior Engineers.
Exams
The lowest level of examination that is given [conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai] is comparable to the Second Class certificate of competency. The exam takes place in two parts and those who have passed out of MERI are exempted from Part A of the exam. Part B involves experiencing sea service first i.e. internship.
After MERI a cadet is posted as a Junior Engineering Officer on a merchant navy ship. With good work and completion of examinations, they can be promoted to the higher levels (Third Engineer, Second Engineer) and finally Chief Engineer.
Eligibility:
Candidates to this course should have a B. E(Mech) or Naval Architecture degree. from anAICTE recognized Institute.
Selection: is made on the basis of merit and the advertisement for this course is published in Employment News and other leading news papers in November every year.
Admission: is open to candidates below 20 years of age. They have to undergo a physical fitness test.
Fees: for this course is around Rs. 1,40,000/- including messing, uniform and accommodation. The address is : Marine Engineering & Research Institute, Hay Bunder Reay Road, Mumbai, Sewri , 400 033, Tel. 022- 3723577, 23725987, 23774261, 23771181 Fax022-23753151 E-mail - meribom@vsnl.com
3. Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai is a premier post-sea Maritime Education and Training Institute. The college was established by the Ministry of Transport, Government of India, in 1948. It offers a comprehensive range of courses for Merchant Navy Officers.
4.. In addition to Government Training Institutes, there are number of private training institutes which are conducting pre-sea courses for Nautical Science as well as Engineering candidates who have passed their Std XII (Sc) or Engineering degree courses. These institutes follow their own selection procedure, which is published regularly in the news papers. They hold their own entrance tests, for which the minimum requirement is 50-60 per cent at the Std XII(Sc) Board Examination with Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
Other Courses: There are other courses in this field like:
Training - There are three establishments for training of ratings, T.S.Bhadra,Calcutta, T.S.Mekhala, Vishakapatnam and T.S.Navalakshi. The training course is of 3 months duration.
Pre Sea training - There are few private institute imparting training and various courses to enable youngster to take up a career in sea with an intake capacity of 120 cadets per course.
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Post Sea Training - Merchant Navy personnel have to clear examination to move on to the next position. This training is imparted at Lal Bahadur Shastri Nautical and engineering college, Hay Bunder Reay Road, Mumbai.
Competency Examination Certificate
On completion of training and required sea time on ships, students have to appear for the Competency Examination. It is necessary for all candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency from the Directorate-General of Shipping, Government of India. The examinations for these certificates are conducted through Mercantile Marine Departments. This exam if cleared, helps them qualify for jobs on board Merchant Ships. The certificates are also recognized and respected by all the countries. The first exam for second Mate (Deck) and MEO IV (Engineering) is to be given by the candidates after successfully completing the Pre-Sea Training in the above institutes and required sea time on ships. After acquiring the Certificate of Competency, the officer is eligible to be appointed as Third Officer / Fifth Engineer on board Merchant Ship and draw a handsome salary.
The Competence Examinations for Navigation Officers and For Marine Engineers are conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport through the Directorate-General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai.
Recruitment& Placement
There is yet a third route to enter the Merchant Navy. Shipping firms/lines, from time to time, recruit deck cadets directly after school and train them for a marine career.
Shipping lines also recruit marine engineers. Those with BE qualifications are eligible to join as Deck Cadets and a student holding a bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Technology Engineering could also join the Merchant navy as a Engine Cadet/ Fifth Engineer/ Junior Engineer.
Engineering cadets are recommended to do a Pre-sea course of 9 months duration in Marine Engineering
Direct entry Deck Cadets are required to undergo basic pre-sea training arranged by the recruiting company itself and the direct entry are taken in directly after they complete an eight-month attachment with a naval dockyard in Mumbai, Cochin, Calcutta or Visakhapatnam.
Unlike the Marine Engineers from MERI, these candidates have to pass an additional competency examination.
After completing the three-year course in Nautical Science and acquiring the Certificate Of Competency of Second Mate (foreign going) cadets can join an Indian or international shipping company as Third Mate or Second Mate on board a merchant ship.
After several years of service and completion of higher examinations, namely, first mate ((FG) and master (FG), they can get the certificate of competency as master (FG) which entitles an officer to become the captain of a merchant ship.
Direct entry to Merchant Navy is also possible - students who have completed their Std XII with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
PROSPECTS& PROMOTIONS
The Merchant Navy forms the backbone of international trade carrying cargo across the globe. Without the merchant navy, much of the import-export business would grind to a halt. Thus, Merchant navy officers can be employed by foreign shipping companies in the posts mentioned afore. And trained personnel is required for various departments of the ship.
A merchant navy entrant must undergo a rigorous course of the on-the-job learning. They have to pass stipulated examinations to get promotions to the various respective classes.
The Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, takes care of the training needs and conducts competency exam through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai for promotions in the Merchant Navy. A Merchant Navy officer is further promoted when he receives a certificate of Competency. He receives this certificate only when he passes an exam organized by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in Mumbai.
Deck Department: A candidate joining as Deck cadet after finishing his bachelors in Nautical Science or through direct entry, is eligible to appear for his Second Officer/ Second Mate FG - Foreign Going Examination after 36 months of sailing.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Nautical College, Mumbai which trains candidates for Second Officers Exam has made college attendance of 6 months compulsory to appear for the exam. Besides physics and Mathematics a student is tested in Ship stability and Construction, Meteorology, Principles and Practical navigation, Chart work; written as well as oral and the cadets knowledge of seamanship.
After completing 18 months of sailing time the third officer can appear for the Master/ Chief Officer/ First Mate Foreign Going Examination. The process of rising from a deck cadet to master of a ship will take a minimum of 12 years.
Here again the candidate is required to attend 6 months classes at Lal Bahadur Shastri Nautical College, Mumbai. A further period of 18 months sailing time is required before a candidate can appear for Masters foreign Going Exam. The process of rising from a deck cadet to the master of a ship will take a minimum of at least 12 years.
Engineering Department: A candidate joining as Engine cadet/ Fifth Engineer officer/ Junior Engineer after finishing Bachelors in Marine Engineering is eligible to appear for class IV examination for promotion to the fourth Engineer or in some cases as Third Engineer. After completing further 18 months of sea time of which minimum 12 months is propelling time the candidate can appear for class II examination for promotion to Third Engineer or Second Engineer. Again on completion of 18 months sailing time candidate can appear for Class I examination for promotion to Chief Engineer Officer.
For subsequent promotion, he has to render further sea service and pass higher examinations and post-sea courses at LBS College (Government of India) or in other private training institutes.
Remuneration& Benefits
Merchant Navy is one of the few careers where the salary is relatively high. The enviable pay package offered by this job is enough to overcome the drudgery of spending never ending days on sea. After completing Merchant Navy Courses in India, you can draw a salary ranging between Rs.12,000 to Rs.8 lakhs a month.
The pay definitely varies from company to company, depending on the city, country, export and import needs, seniority etc. The minimum salary for TS Chanakya or MERI graduates is generally in the range of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month. Foreign companies (especially those from Western Europe, USA and the Gulf) are quite high - around $600 to $6000 per month. Captains are usually paid the maximum of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month. Every officer and crew member are entitled to have 75% of their net earning in foreign exchange, if their vessel is carrying foreign cargo.
They are allowed four -months leave every year. Imported items like imported liquor, cigarettes, canned food, cosmetics etc. are all duty-free on board. All crew and officers are given free meals on board. Some officers are permitted to bring their wives along for the voyages.
Personality
Life at sea is not a comfortable break from the routine of academics. The jobs call for genuine interest that can held the entrant adjust with ease and confidence, the ability to withstand long stretches of hard work in an emergency like situation on board a vessel.
A career in the merchant navy requires people with A strong inner self - a person with a strong mental makeup and tough physical constitution along with a sporting adaptive and adjustable attitude can find at sea one of adventure and fun. They must be able to withstand the physical strain and love adventure and challenges; be willing to take on responsibility; have the urge to strive for higher positions; be able to work as well as study for examinations in between.
Candidates also need to be intelligent, intuitive, willing to work as a team, flexible, patient; have a liking for solitude, willing to live apart from loves ones for long stretches of time. Those opting for a career should be completely immune to sea sickness . Engineers need to be resourceful and practical; skilled at Maths and Physics; have in-depth knowledge about the workings of the different machines. Manual dexterity is a must; one should be willing to learn new ways and work with modern technology; and able to work in the deck department as well if need arises.
