What is the difference between the Merchant Navy and the Defense Navy?
Those who aspire to work in the maritime field often have a question in their mind: Merchant Navy or Navy? Although the careers in both fields are almost similar, there are still some differences that need to be noted before choosing a maritime career.
Both the Merchant Navy and the Navy have their own advantages and disadvantages, but it ultimately comes down to personal interests and inclinations to decide which one to choose.
In this article, we will try to explain the main differences between the Merchant Navy and defense Navy, and what to expect from each career. Let’s start with the basics!
Joining the maritime workforce can be done in two ways: through the maritime service of the country concerned, or through the merchant marine service. But although both fields are seafaring fields, there are many differences between them that need to be clarified in order to determine the appropriate career path.
Differences between Merchant Navy and Defense Navy
1. Main Differences
Merchant Navy, as the name suggests, refers to commercial ship services. These operations involve the transportation of goods and people between different destinations around the world. In other words, it can be said that the activities of the merchant navy are not limited to one country, but are spread all over the world.
However, the merchant navy must abide by specific rules and regulations set by the governing body to ensure the stability of the activities carried out. In short, the merchant navy is a purely commercial form of maritime business, which is operated by private and government shipping companies.
On the other hand, the defense navy refers to the naval military branch of a country. Naval ships are ships used to protect a country’s maritime borders from invasion or unjustified attacks in times of international crisis.
Each country has its own waterway service with its own rules and regulations. Therefore, serving in the defense navy requires serving the country in question by serving on warships.
Both the merchant navy and the defense navy have their own ship trades. The former is purely commercial, while the latter requires decent work and great skills.
2. Qualifications
Both the merchant navy and the navy have their own eligibility criteria for joining the maritime service. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the merchant navy need to possess a basic high school diploma in subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Individuals interested in applying for higher positions need to possess a postgraduate degree in science.
The most important requirement for joining a country’s navy is that the applicant must be a citizen of that country. This factor constitutes the most important difference between the merchant navy and the navy in terms of eligibility criteria.
Most navies in the world have their own entrance and screening exams to select suitable candidates. However, the merchant navy and the defense navy have the same requirements for the physical fitness and health of personnel.
3. Pay scale
This is one of the most frequently asked topics by candidates who plan to join the navy. In the merchant navy, the pay scale is based on the standards set by international bodies such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
Pay scales are determined based on the job grade in the merchant navy and everyone enjoys the same salary. Merchant seafarers are known for their high salaries and luxurious working life on board.
In contrast, in the navy, the pay scale depends on the position and overall work experience of the individual. The pay scale is determined according to the laws of each country and varies from country to country.
It is worth noting that while the salary of merchant navy officers is a hotly debated topic, working in the defense navy can bring the highest respect and pride.
4. Hierarchy (Ranking structure)
Both the merchant navy and the navy have their own hierarchy. Positions in the merchant navy may be in the technical department, on the deck, or in the service area.
Individuals with the right skills and abilities can apply for any of the three professional standards. In addition, the level of professionals sometimes also depends on the company and the type of ship. However, the infrastructure still exists.
On the other hand, the naval commission of the navy starts at the level of lieutenant, which is the lowest level. The ranks of naval personnel in various countries are different and have their own characteristics. As in the merchant navy, each rank in the defense navy carries great responsibility and honor.
Positions in the navy and the merchant navy require a high level of personal commitment and dedication, as both require long-term service.
In the first case, the threat of hackers is high, while in the second case, the need for marketing makes short trips impossible.
Despite the differences, the most common similarity between the two naval forces is that they both provide a high level of satisfaction to the personnel who perform their missions.
