Merchant Navy salaries in India are among the most competitive in the job market, making it an attractive career option for many young professionals like you. If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career at sea, then the Merchant Navy offers plenty of opportunities.
In this article, we will give you all the information you need to know about Merchant Navy salaries in India so that you can make an informed career decision.
What is the Merchant Navy?
The merchant navy is a fleet of commercial ships that transport goods and passengers across global waters. It plays a crucial role in the Indian economy and is responsible for more than 90% of India's international trade.
Skills required to be in the Merchant Navy
Working in the Merchant Navy requires a unique set of skills, starting with good communication and interpersonal abilities. Other essential skills include:
- Physical and mental toughness
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work under pressure
- Excellent navigation skills
- Strong technical knowledge
Merchant Navy Salaries: An Overview
Merchant Navy work is divided into three departments - deck, engine and catering. Each department has its unique set of ranks and responsibilities. Here are the ranks in the deck and engine departments:
Deck Department:
- Captain/Master Mariner
- Chief Officer
- Second Officer
- Third Officer
- Deck Cadet
Engine Department:
- Chief Engineer
- Second Engineer
- Third Engineer
- Fourth Engineer
- Engine Cadet
The pay structure depends on various factors such as experience, seniority, rank, and company policies.
- The starting salary for an entry-level position in the Merchant Navy ranges between ₹25,000 and ₹40,000 per month. However, this can vary depending on the company and job role. For instance, deck cadets usually earn between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 per month during their training period.
- Once they complete their training and become junior officers or third officers on board the ship, their salaries can range from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per month.
- As Merchant Navy professionals gain experience and get promoted to higher ranks like Chief Officer or Captain (Master Mariner), their salaries increase significantly. A Chief Officer's salary can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakhs per month, while a Master Mariner can earn up to ₹3 lakhs per month.
Apart from ranks and experience levels, the type of vessel also plays a significant role in determining salaries. For instance, offshore vessels pay more than container ships as they operate in more challenging environments like the Arctic or Antarctic regions.
Perks and benefits
In addition to competitive base salaries for each rank or position, Merchant Navy jobs in India come with various benefits and perks, such as free accommodation onboard ships, medical insurance cover, paid vacations and travel allowances, and bonuses based upon performance reviews conducted twice a year by employers.
Salary Structure for Deck Officers
Deck officers are responsible for navigation and the safe operation of the vessel. They work under the direction of the captain to ensure that all aspects of vessel operations run smoothly.
Deck officers' salaries range from around ₹3 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per annum, depending on their rank and years of experience.
The table below details the typical salary structure for deck officers at different ranks:
Salary Structure for Marine Engineers
Marine engineers are responsible for the technical aspects of running a ship. They are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of all machinery on board. As with deck officers, salaries vary based on rank and years of experience.
The table below details the typical salary structure for marine engineers at different ranks:
Salary Structure for Senior Positions
Senior positions such as Chief Engineer and Captain command higher salaries due to their experience and rank. These merchant navy officer salaries can earn between ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh per month. Older employees are valued over newer ones due to their experience and loyalty.
Some of the top companies that pay high salaries to Merchant Navy professionals in India include Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Fleet Management Limited, V.Ships, and MTM Ship Management.
Education, Certifications, and Upskilling
Eligibility criteria for joining the Merchant Navy include passing Class XII with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) or a Bachelor's degree in nautical science or marine engineering. Candidates must also meet age and medical requirements.
Diploma courses are also available for these subjects, which are readily accepted by various companies. Certification options such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) courses are available, which help enhance the technical knowledge and skills required onboard ships.
Upskilling is critical in the Merchant Navy industry to stay updated with the latest technological advancements and regulations. Some of the courses available for upskilling include Advanced STCW courses, Ship Handling and Manoeuvring courses, and Marine Pollution Prevention courses.
Career Prospects in the Merchant Navy
Upon completion of a course or certification programme relevant to the Merchant Navy, one can work as a deck officer or marine engineer onboard ships, with opportunities to progress to higher ranks such as captain or chief engineer based on experience and skills.
Kickstart Your Career in the Merchant Navy
The future of the Merchant Navy looks bright, with new technological advancements and an increasing demand for skilled professionals.
At WIZR, we understand that funding educational programmes can be a challenge for young professionals. That's why we offer financial assistance to help you achieve your career goals. Whether it's pursuing a degree or certification programme or upskilling to advance in your current role, we're here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs
1. Are there opportunities for Indian seafarers outside India?
Yes! Indian seafarers have excellent career opportunities beyond India's borders in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia. These countries offer better pay scales and working conditions to seafarers with certifications from reputed institutes.
2. Apart from deck officers and marine engineers, what other Merchant Navy jobs can I apply for after certification?
After completing a course or certification programme in the Merchant Navy, you can work as a naval architect or a port manager.
3. What are the challenges of being in merchant navy jobs?
Working on ships for extended periods can be challenging due to limited social interaction, long working hours, the physical demands of the job, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
4. Are merchant navy salaries different from Indian navy salaries?
A: Yes, merchant navy salaries are typically higher than those offered by the Indian Navy due to commercial shipping companies' competitive nature.
5. Is a job in the merchant navy permanent?
The duration of contracts varies depending on the type of employment. Some positions may last a few months, while others could last up to a year or more.
