The Merchant Navy is one of the most exciting, adventurous, and rewarding career options for young students in India after completing 12th standard. Unlike the Indian Navy, which serves the defense sector, the Merchant Navy is a commercial fleet that deals with the transportation of cargo and passengers across the globe.
With globalization, international trade has expanded significantly, making the Merchant Navy an essential backbone of the world economy. For students who aspire to travel the world, earn a handsome salary, and build a respected career at sea, joining the Merchant Navy right after 12th is a promising choice.
This guide explains the step-by-step process, eligibility criteria, courses, and career pathway for students who wish to join the Merchant Navy after 12th.
Step 1: Understand the Career Options in Merchant Navy
Before you begin, it’s important to know the different career pathways available in the Merchant Navy. Broadly, careers are divided into three main departments:
- Deck Department
- Roles: Deck Cadet, Second Officer, Chief Officer, Captain (Master)
- Responsibilities: Navigation, cargo handling, ship safety, communication
- Engine Department
- Roles: Engine Cadet, Fourth Engineer, Chief Engineer
- Responsibilities: Engine operation, machinery maintenance, technical supervision
- Catering & Hospitality Department
- Roles: Trainee Cook, Messman, Chief Cook, Steward
- Responsibilities: Food preparation, housekeeping, passenger services (especially on cruise ships)
Knowing your area of interest will help you select the right course after 12th.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria After 12th
To join the Merchant Navy after 12th, students must meet the following requirements (based on DG Shipping, Govt. of India rules):
General Eligibility:
- Educational Qualification:
- For Nautical Science & Marine Engineering: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with minimum 60% marks.
- For GP Rating / Saloon Rating / CCMC: 10th pass with minimum 40% or 12th pass (any stream, 40%).
- Age Limit:
- Between 17 and 25 years (some relaxation for reserved categories).
- Medical Standards:
- Candidate must be physically fit as per Merchant Shipping standards.
- Eyesight: 6/6 vision in both eyes, no color blindness.
- English Proficiency:
- Must have 40% minimum marks in English (10th or 12th).
Step 3: Choose the Right Course After 12th
Depending on your career goal and qualification, you can choose from the following Merchant Navy courses after 12th:
(A) For Deck Department
- B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years)
- Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60%
- Career Path: Deck Cadet → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
- Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) (1 year)
- Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60%
- Career Path: Deck Cadet → Officer of the Watch → Chief Mate → Master
- GP Rating Course (6 months)
- Eligibility: 10th pass with 40% (or 12th with any stream, 40%)
- Career Path: Ordinary Seaman → Able Seaman → Bosun → Officer
(B) For Engine Department
- B.Tech/BE Marine Engineering (4 years)
- Eligibility: 12th PCM with 60% + English 50%
- Career Path: Engine Cadet → Fourth Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
- Marine Fitter Course (2 years ITI + 6 months Pre-Sea Training)
- Eligibility: ITI Fitter + Pre-Sea course
- Career Path: Engine Crew → Motorman → Junior Engineer → Engineer
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course (4 months)
- Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech in Electrical/Electronics/Instrumentation
- Career Path: ETO → Senior ETO → Electrical Superintendent
(C) For Catering & Hospitality
- CCMC (Certificate Course in Maritime Catering) (6 months)
- Eligibility: 10th/12th pass
- Career Path: Messman → Steward → Cook → Chief Cook → Catering Officer
Step 4: Apply for DG Shipping Approved Institutes
It is very important to join only DG Shipping (Government of India) approved institutes. Many fake agents promise quick jobs but misguide students. Always verify institutes from the DG Shipping website (www.dgshipping.gov.in) before applying.
Some top institutes are:
- Tolani Maritime Institute (Pune)
- Indian Maritime University (IMU) campuses
- Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (Karjat)
- Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (Lonavala)
- SIMS (Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Mumbai)
Step 5: Entrance Exams & Selection Process
For some courses (like B.Sc. Nautical Science, B.Tech Marine Engineering, DNS), students need to clear entrance exams:
- IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University – Common Entrance Test):
- Conducted every year for UG courses.
- Tests Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, GK, and aptitude.
- Company-Sponsored Entrance Exams:
- Some shipping companies (like Anglo Eastern, Maersk, Fleet Management) conduct their own exams followed by interviews and medicals.
- Direct Admission (for GP Rating, CCMC):
- Based on marks and medical fitness, no major entrance exam required.
Step 6: Complete Pre-Sea Training
Once selected, candidates undergo pre-sea training at the institute:
- Duration: 6 months to 4 years (depending on course).
- Training includes classroom study, workshops, and practical ship simulations.
- Focus on safety, survival techniques, fire-fighting, ship machinery, navigation, and seamanship.
Step 7: Obtain Mandatory STCW Certificates
Before joining a ship, every seafarer must complete STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) courses:
- Basic Safety Training (BST)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD)
These are mandatory certificates recognized worldwide.
Step 8: Join a Shipping Company
After training, placement is either done through:
- Campus Placement – Top institutes tie up with shipping companies.
- Direct Application – Candidates apply to companies for shipboard training.
- RPSL Companies (Recruitment & Placement Service License): Always ensure the company has valid RPSL license under DG Shipping.
Some reputed companies:
- Anglo Eastern Ship Management
- Great Eastern Shipping
- Fleet Management
- Synergy Marine Group
- MSC Crewing Services
- Maersk Line
Step 9: Start Career at Sea
- Deck Cadet / Engine Cadet: First rank after joining.
- Training period: 12–18 months onboard.
- After completing sea-time, candidates appear for competency exams conducted by DG Shipping to become officers.
Career Growth Path
Deck Side:
Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
Engine Side:
Engine Cadet → 4th Engineer → 3rd Engineer → 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer
Catering Side:
Trainee Cook → Steward → Chief Cook → Catering Officer
Salary & Benefits
- Deck/Engine Cadets: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per month
- Junior Officers: ₹1.2 – ₹2 lakhs per month
- Chief Engineer/Captain: ₹7 – ₹12 lakhs per month
- Catering Staff (on Cruise ships): ₹40,000 – ₹1 lakh per month
Additional Benefits:
- Tax-free income (for >183 days outside India)
- Free food and accommodation onboard
- International travel and adventure
- Job security and respect
Challenges in Merchant Navy
While Merchant Navy offers high salary and global exposure, it also comes with challenges:
- Long working hours and months away from family
- Risk of accidents, piracy, rough seas
- Strict medical fitness requirements
- Competitive selection process
Students must be mentally and physically prepared before choosing this career.
Tips for Students
- Prepare well in PCM subjects and English.
- Stay physically fit, maintain good eyesight.
- Choose only DG Shipping approved institutes.
- Beware of fake agents demanding money for jobs.
- Keep your documents ready (passport, 10th/12th marksheets, medical fitness certificate).
