What is Merchant Navy?
Merchant shipping is a common term often used to describe the merchant shipping industry. Its basic meaning is a fleet of ships used for commercial purposes. Merchant Navy is an industry that specializes in commercial activities, including the transportation of goods and passengers through sea routes.
Merchant Navy is also known as the “merchant fleet” or “merchant navy”. The company consists of multiple passenger ships, cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, car carriers, container ships, and other special types of ships.
The industry involves the transportation of goods and passengers around the world through sea routes. Merchant ships may also be involved in exploration operations or ferrying passengers through ports.
It is an important part of the global shipping industry and the cornerstone of international trade, cargo transportation, and all commercial maritime transportation. Since most of the world’s trade is carried out through sea routes, the merchant shipping industry is particularly important. Without the merchant fleet, most of the import and export trade would cease. Merchant Navy ships and their crews are part of the country’s merchant shipping sector. The professionals who work on these ships are called sailors and navigators.
Types of Merchant Ships
The merchant navy uses 8 different types of ships:
Container Ships: Container ships are cargo ships that transport goods in large containers, a technology called “containerization”. It is often used for the exchange of goods between two countries.
Cargo Ships: Cargo ships are a type of transport ship that transports goods, commodities, and materials from one place to another. These ships are built for a specific purpose and are equipped with cranes and other equipment to load and unload products.
Bulk Carriers: Bulk carriers are used to transport bulk cargoes such as coal, cement, grains, and ores. These containers are mainly used for enhanced safety.
Ro-Ro Ships: Ro-Ro (RoRo) ships are used to transport mobile cargoes such as trucks, vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, cars, etc. Ro-Ro ships come in various shapes and sizes, including cruise ferries, barges, and cargo ships.
Tankers: are cargo ships used to transport and deliver bulk liquids and gases. The most common types of tankers are gas tankers, oil tankers, and chemical tankers.
Service Tugs: Service tugs are designed for emergency situations. They are standby vessels for maintenance and repairs.
Fishing Boats: This type of boat or ship is used to take fish from the ocean, lakes, and rivers. These vessels are used to meet the supply and demand requirements of the fishing industry.
Passenger Ships: The main function of a passenger ship is to carry passengers across the sea and to transport cargo, passengers, vehicles from one place to another.
Merchant Ship Departments on Board
As a member of the Merchant Navy, you can work in three different departments on board the ship.
Deck Department: The deck department is responsible for the navigation of the ship, cargo operations on deck, and mooring equipment, etc. The deck officers are responsible for the navigation of the ship and all non-technical procedures and services. The captain is the supreme leader of the entire unit and the supreme head of all other departments.
Engine Department: The engineers in the engine department are mainly responsible for the management and maintenance of the ship’s machinery in the engine room. The Chief Engineer is the Commanding Officer and reports to the Captain.
Salon Department: The Catering/Salon Department is responsible for preparing food for the crew and passengers and general cleaning. The Chef also reports to the Captain and is responsible for managing the Salon Department.
How to join the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy refers to the commercial shipping industry that transports goods and passengers across the world. Roles include deck officers (navigation), engineering officers (ship machinery), ratings (support staff), and more. Decide which career path interests you—deck, engine, or hospitality (e.g., catering on cruise ships).
To join the Merchant Navy, you must possess the minimum qualifications required for a particular position on board. You must also be in good physical condition and meet minimum medical standards. The requirements to join the Merchant Navy vary from country to country.
For example, in Pakistan, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are the main subjects required to become a deck or engine room officer. English proficiency is also required, such as an overall score of 5.5 in the UK Home Office IELTS Academic test with no less than 5.
However, it is possible to join the Merchant Navy after completing Grade 10 (high school graduation).
2. Check Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Typically, you need to be between 17 and 25 years old for entry-level programs, though this varies by country and role.
- Educational Qualifications:
- For officer roles (e.g., deck or engine officer): A high school diploma with strong grades in physics, mathematics, and English is often required. Some countries require a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or nautical science.
- For ratings (e.g., seaman, cook): A high school diploma or equivalent may suffice, though specific certifications are needed.
- Physical Fitness: You must pass a medical examination (eyesight, hearing, general health) as per international standards like the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping).
3. Complete Required Education
- Pre-Sea Training: Enroll in a maritime training institute approved by your country’s maritime authority (e.g., DG Shipping in India, MCA in the UK, or USCG in the USA). Courses include:
- Diploma in Nautical Science (for deck officers).
- Marine Engineering (for engine officers).
- Short-term courses for ratings.
- Duration varies: 6 months to 3 years, depending on the program.
4. Obtain Necessary Certifications
After pre-sea training, you’ll need:
- STCW Basic Safety Training: Covers firefighting, first aid, personal survival, and security awareness.
- Passport and Seaman’s Book: Essential for international travel and identification as a seafarer.
- Other certifications depend on your role (e.g., radar operation, GMDSS for deck officers).
5. Gain Sea Time (Training)
- Most programs require onboard training (6-12 months) as a cadet or apprentice. You’ll work under experienced officers to gain practical experience.
- Some institutes or shipping companies sponsor this training, while others require you to find a placement.
6. Apply to Shipping Companies
- Research companies like Maersk, MSC, Evergreen, or local firms in your country.
- Submit your resume, certificates, and medical fitness report.
- Entry-level positions include cadet (officer trainee) or ordinary seaman (rating).
7. Pass Licensing Exams
- After completing sea time, you’ll take competency exams (e.g., Officer of the Watch, 2nd Mate) administered by your country’s maritime authority.
- Success grants you a Certificate of Competency (CoC), allowing you to work as an officer.
8. Start Your Career
- Once certified, you can join a ship as a junior officer, rating, or crew member. Career progression depends on experience, additional certifications, and exams.
Country-Specific Tips
- India: Register with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and join an approved institute like IMU or TS Chanakya.
- UK: Look into the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and MCA-approved courses.
- USA: Consider the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or get a TWIC card and MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential).
Additional Advice
- Networking: Connect with current seafarers or join online forums for guidance.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is critical, as it’s the international maritime language.
- Costs: Training can be expensive unless sponsored. Look for scholarships or company sponsorships.
If you want to apply to the merchant navy, then go to our maritime career section and apply for the jobs you are eligible for. And get your Merchant Navy career get started.
Advantages of Joining the Merchant Navy
1. Travel around the world while working
Travel enthusiasts find this feature very attractive. When people think about joining the merchant navy, the first thing that comes to mind is business travel. Of course, since this job is related to the navy, you can travel around the world for free.
Working in the merchant navy is an adventurous experience, and you can travel to almost any place in the world without paying out of your own pocket. Once the ship arrives at the port, you can go out and explore the area. Exploration and related activities depend on how long the ship stays in the port.
2. Get a good salary
There are many jobs in the world that can offer junior officers the same good salary as the merchant navy. The most attractive thing about this career is its salary and benefits. The starting salary is usually $1,500 per month and can go up to $3,000 per month, and the salary for higher positions such as captains is even higher.
High-paying jobs: It is worth noting that the training period is about one year, during which a salary between $300 and $500 is provided. Seafarers’ salaries are based on standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). While salary levels are constant around the world, they vary from company to company and, most importantly, increase with experience.
3. Understanding Multiculturalism
Merchant marine professionals have the opportunity to meet and interact with individuals from different cultures and countries. This allows them to understand teamwork and improve their performance while learning the ins and outs of different cultures and customs. This enhances their adaptability and increases their understanding of what works and what doesn’t in a foreign country.
Merchant mariners are adaptable and can easily mingle with people from all over the world due to frequent contact with international colleagues. Even if a ship’s crew is from the same nationality, interaction with port officials from other countries enhances a seafarer’s understanding of culture and customs. If you like diversity, you will love this functional system!
4. No requirement to have a prestigious university degree.
This is also a great advantage if you want to join the merchant navy. To start your seafaring career, you don’t need a higher qualification. Even if you have completed grade 10 or 12, you can enroll in a short course, such as GP level or Diploma in Nautical Science, and start your pre-sea training.
As a 12th grade student, you can also apply for a certification course that will allow you to take up an officer position at an early age. After completing your pre-sea training, you can start your shipboard training at any shipping company of your choice. A career in the merchant navy is a perfect choice for those who do not want or cannot obtain an advanced college degree for various reasons.
5. Improves Professionalism
Working in the merchant navy teaches one how to work effectively as a team. Merchant seafarers must possess excellent communication skills, strong adaptability, and the ability to follow strict discipline. These skills are further developed when one spends a long time on the high seas as part of a new team.
During a career in the merchant navy, one not only develops professionally but also personally. This level of professionalism requires great responsibility for the ship and the crew; certain activities may seem routine to the average person after years of intensive training in the industry, but it takes years of hard work to achieve this level of skill.
6. Provides Early Financial Independence
As mentioned earlier, the advantage of a merchant navy employee is that the salary is generous. Young sailors receive a generous salary in US dollars, which is higher than their counterparts in other industries.
Most shipping companies offer unique packages, incentives and benefits that are equal or better than any other industry in the world right from the start of their business. In addition to the high salaries in the merchant navy, shipping companies also cover the costs of induction, travel and flights upon joining and leaving. Therefore, sailors can achieve financial independence as early as possible if planned properly.
7. Long and comprehensive vacations
Since the nature of the merchant seafarer profession requires long-term work, the vacations provided to merchant seafarers are also equally compensatory. This allows these professionals to experience the best of both worlds on land and sea. After completing a 6 to 8 month sea contract, seafarers are entitled to a complete vacation of 4 to 5 months.
A seafarer’s vacation is the ultimate vacation – a time at home without any work burden and to enjoy the time with his family. This makes up for the long hours he has spent.
8. Promote Discipline
Punctuality and discipline are two essential skills that a merchant mariner must develop. Due to the unpredictable nature of the waters, a sailor must approach any situation with extreme caution, focus and vigilance, thereby greatly reducing the consequences. These two qualities are instilled in seafaring professionals through pre-marriage training.
Professionals are expected to maintain a highly disciplined lifestyle, abide by naval regulations and wear naval uniforms throughout their working period. In real life, discipline contributes greatly to very positive changes.
9. Temporary Senior Staff and Co-workers
During your career as a contractor, such as the merchant navy, you work with many senior professionals for each contract. The captain does not serve as the permanent head of the ship’s crew. Similarly, the chief engineer of the engine room crew changes every decade or even mid-flight.
In the merchant navy, you only have to put up with one bad boss every decade, and you may not even have to work with the same colleague again. On the other hand, if you sail with a good chief engineer or captain, he will also change after a few months.
