Q1. What is Merchant Navy?

Ans: Merchant Navy is the form of Navy which deals in Merchant shipping. It is purely private business
comprising of transportation of various goods through ships. 95% economy of any country depends upon
shipping industry and it’s the gateway for that. It has nothing to do with Navy (Defence) of any country.

As a Merchant Navy officer, you'll be employed on various types of ships including

• Cruise ships
• Cargo,Container, Bulk Carrier and Car carrier ships
• Oil, Gas and Chemical tankers Specialized Supply, Support and Rescue vessels -
including support for the offshore Oil & Gas industry.
2. How will be the life style in Merchant Navy ?
Life in Merchant Navy is prestigious, rewarding and Adventurous. It has the opportunity to
explore all over the world. It has very high living standard with quality food and high repatriation
facilities through flights. Here whatever one earn is 100% saving as fooding, lodging and
travelling is free from the company. One learns how to adapt to different situations, adverse
weather conditions and living with different Nationalities. It’s a very high paid job as its risky and
staying is away from family, Also Income is tax-free and one get NRE status (working abroad for
at least 183 days of the year). Job tenure is of contract type in which you are available 24 hrs in case
of emergency however normal working time is of 8 hours either in shift or days work.

Working in the merchant navy enables individuals to function better as a unit. Merchant mariners possess
good communication skills and extreme resourcefulness, along with following and maintaining high
discipline. These qualities are further honed when a person spends considerable amount of time
functioning as a part of a novel team in the high seas.

3.Can woman join in Merchant Navy?

A.YES, WOMEN ALSO CAN JOIN IN MERCHANT NAVY.

4. What are the Eligibility , Age limit ,Physical Requirement to join in Merchant
Navy?
A. ELIGIBILITY:- For the officer grade, it is mandatory to have at least 50% marks in English and an
aggregate of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. As far as the ratings are concerned, the
requirements are different with the requirement set at 50% marks in English in Xth and XIIth and a 50%
aggregate in Xth or XIIth with English, Mathematics and Sciences in Xth and any stream for the XIIth board.
The same applies to those wishing to join the catering department on ship. Having said that, the criteria
for the eligibility might differ with the different institutes and it is advisable to check the website of the
desired institute to check the specific requirement set for the admission into the desired course

AGE: The minimum age is 17 years and the maximum is 25 years to be eligible for examinations
pertaining to the merchant navy. As per the Government rules, the maximum age relaxation for Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes is 5 years more.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Physical fitness is very important for a career at sea. A certificate of fitness
from a registered dg shipping medical practitioner is mandatory for admission into a course. Candidates
with disability aren’t eligible for admission into courses with regard to the merchant navy. This hasn’t
much to do with discrimination as such as it is supremely important to be fully able in carrying out the
duties onboard a merchant ship.

5. Is there any Common Entrance Test (CET) For entering Into Merchant Navy ?

A. IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)

Indian Maritime University (IMU) conducts Common Entrance Test (CET) for providing
admission to its Under Graduate and Post Graduate programmes.
IMU was set up to promote maritime studies, training, research and extension with focus on
emerging areas like oceanography, maritime history, maritime laws, maritime security, search and
rescue, transportation of dangerous cargo, environmental studies and other related fields, and to
achieve excellence in these areas.
AIMNET (All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test)
All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test is conducted for admission in All India Merchant Navy
Entrance Test for admission in (i) B.Sc Nautical Science ii) B.Tech Naval Architecture iii) G.P.
Ratings iv) Diploma of Applied Science (deck watch keeper) by AMSA v) B.Tech Marine vi)
MBA (Shipping and logistics Management).
6.How to prepare for CET Exam ? Is there any guidance or coaching centre available ?
A. CET test is based on 12 th class syllabus like [ MATHS, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY , ENGLISH ],
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, & APTITUDE.
COACHING CENTER AVAILABE :- AIMS MARITIME COACHING CLASSES

7.What is the Qualification to join in Merchant Navy ?

A. The minimum qualification for courses in Nautical science and Marine engineering is 10+2 or an
equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and mathematics. For the officer grade, it is mandatory to
have at least 50% marks in English and an aggregate of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
As far as the ratings are concerned, the requirements are different with the requirement set at 40% marks
in English in Xth and XIIth and a 40% aggregate in Xth or XIIth with English, Mathematics and Sciences in
Xth and any stream for the XIIth board. The same applies to those wishing to join the catering department
on ship
 8.How many departments in Merchant Navy ?

A. THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF DEPARTMENTS IN MERCHANT NAVY

DECK DEPT:- FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN DECK DEPARTMENT THEY CAN TAKE
ADMISSION IN MARITIME INSTITUES AFTER 12 TH .

ENGINE DEPARTMENT :- FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN ENGINE DEPT THEY CAN TAKE
ADMISSION IN MARITIME INSTITUES AFTER 12 TH & ALSO THE CAN DO B.TECH IN MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING AFTER COMPLETING THAT THEY HAVE TO DO GRADUATE MARINE ENGINEERING
COURSE OF 1 YEAR.

SALOON DEPARTMENT:- FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN GP RATING COURSE THEY CAN TAKE
ADMISION IN DG APPROVED INSTITUES AFTER 10 TH CLASS.

9.Which department I should choose in Merchant Navy ?

A. PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE THE DEPARTMENT ACCORDING TO THEIR INTERESTS

DECK DEPT :-
If the high tides thrills you and you are enthusiastic to command and steer the ship you can join the
Deck department of the ship. Deck department is responsible for the safe navigation, cargo operation and
administration of shipboard organization. The department consists of Officers assisting the Master ,who is
the overall incharge of the ship, in sucessfully applying the companiy policies and regulations for the safe
operation of the ship. The Subordinates of Captain/Master are the Chief Officer, 2nd Officer and the 3rd
Officer

ENGINE DEPT:-
If you are a stubborn engineer and pledges to run the ship in any condition and you are
technically sophisticated and wish to make the ship run, it’s you. The sense of responsibility,
discipline and hardwork is must as being techno savvy and keeping deep interest in machinery ,
automation and Electricals. Here one can become the Chief Engineer, Overall incharge of Engine
Department and all technical and mechanical machinery in Engine Room and On Deck. One deal
with massive propulsion and power plant , are responsible for the smooth and safe operation of all
machines and their maintenance. one control the main engine and other Aux Machinery like
Generators, Boilers and various Pumps. One are responsible for safe refueling of the Ship. The
ships's refrigeration plant and sewage system is also controlled by Engineers onboard, one make
cooperation with the deck department in the maneuvering times and on general day to day jobs
onboard. The engine department is responsible for deck machinery and cranes. Working
environment in Engine room is hot and noisy. , While the most of Advanced Ships are Unmanned
Machinery Spaces and thus rely most on automation. This make the Engineers work more
interesting and challenging.

SALOON DEPT:-
People who are interested in cooking they can choose saloon departmet
Saloon dept focuses on maritime catering activities. It is a certification course that will help you
get familiar with maritime catering processes.
10. Which is the better way to join Merchant Navy 1. Sponsored 2.Non
Sponsored ?
A. Sponsorship here means that you have been earmarked by a company that upon
completion of your pre-sea course you will be trained onboard their ship where you are also
entitled to receive stipend during your training period.
In India if you are undergoing MERCHANT NAVY course , then it Is mandatory to complete X
months of training onboard ship to be eligible for courses and to appear for C.O.C examinations
conducted M.M.D , D.GShipping, Govt. of India. So, for that X months of training you need to
find a company and for MERCHANT NAVY course it has to be done before the course starts.
Non sponsorship):- completing MERCHANT NAVY course in india is little expensive. after
completion of MERCHANT NAVY course also you unable to find job easily. Because few
companies running their own institutes to onboard their cadets.and few companies tiedup with
some colleges as well as with agents also. And some companies conduct open test. in today’s
shipping industry, only few shipping companies, who also manage a ship management firm, can be
relied upon. A private or even a government institute claiming 100% placement actually means
that they will provide . “100% placement assistance” on successful completion of the course. A lot
can be figured out on the basis of the acute dearth of job opportunities in the shipping sector.
Please don’t be fooled by “100% placement” advertisements, act wise and do your research before
joining such institutes.
Most of the institutes are struggling to provide good placements due to less demand of maritime
professionals, especially at the starting level.but they can’t provide 100%.
11. How can I get Sponsor Ship ?
A. The process of getting sponsored generally includes the following steps :
First of all, you have to choose a company. There are many good companies and institutes like
Great Eastern, Anglo Eastern, International Maritime Institute (IMI), Fleet, Tolani Institute,etc.
Then go to their respective websites and apply there. You will get an email later saying that you
will have to appear for their entrance exam and later (on passing) for their interview. So you will
have to appear for their exam and phychometric test and if you successfully pass that, you will be
called for the interview. If you have successfully cleared the interview round, you will be sent for
the medical test/check-up. Once you've passed that, you will then receive their sponsorship letter
stating that you are now (under certain terms and conditions) eligible to join their own institute or
the institutes that they suggest.
Note:
 • You have to clear the IMU CET to get finally accepted into their institute. If you have got
the sponsorship letter but don't pass the CET, the sponsorship letter will be disregarded...
• Company like Fleet, require you to pass TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language)
along with the other rounds.
12. Which course is better in Deck Department B.Sc or DNS to join in
Merchant Navy?

A. DNS is one year course. Withthis diploma certificate u can survive in merchant navy only. This
certificate is not valid for any other jobs. After completing D.N.S pre Sea course you have to get 18 Months
onboard training as a Deck Cadet. So considering this after your +2 you did one year study and would be
earning a good amount of money 18 months. . And you have a good practical experience of 18 months
onboard. And let me tell your Life onboard is not easy especially as a Cadet. After your 18 months training
you will doing 4 months Function classes & Other courses required for your exams which will cover up
another 2–3 months. Than you have to give your written exams for 6 subjects (70% passing marks) & if
you successfully cleared that than you will have to give your Oral exams. And if you clear everything
successfully you will have your Certificate of Competency (COC) as 2nd Mate of F.G. Vessel & Also a B,Sc
Degree.

Lets come to B.SC Which is a 3 year long course, and costs a good amount of money nearly 8
lacks. And by chance you would like to change your field and go for some Gov. Job or other
exams you have a Graduate Degree in Your Hand. After 3 yrs of Study you will have to get 12
Months onboard training as Cadet. And after finishing your sea time you have to do ONLY
COURSES, No function CLASSES. And you DONT HAVE TO WRITE ANY WRITTEN
EXAMS, you can directly go for your Orals exams and clear them successfully and become an
Officer in Merchant Navy.
13.Can we apply for Education loans for undergoing Merchant Navy Courses
?

A. YES, any one can apply for education loan by submitting the required documents In the bank
.

14. Will there be any salary during the training period?

A. There are two sides of training in merchant navy, one is Pre-sea Training and second is Post-
sea Training. Pre-sea Training is not only training but a certification course also. There are various
ways through which you can join merchant navy by pursuing respective certification courses. Pre-
sea Training is academic training and for this you will not get any salary.
After completion of Pre-sea Training, you have to do Post-sea Training (Onboard Training).
Initially, you will be ranked as Trainee Marine Engineer/Officer or Cadet or Assistant. During
Onboard Training you will get decent salary. Amount of salary will be variable according to
companies.
15.How much time does it take for a deck cadet/engine cadet to become a
master/chief engineer ?
A.To become a Master / Chief Engineer, it depends on many aspects. Most important is the
market scenario - more trade means more ships, and faster promotion. Next comes getting your
Certificate of Competency - how fast can you pass those hardles. And, how good your appraisals
were.

16.What is the retirement age in Merchant Navy ?

A. There is no retirement age in Merchant navy . As long as you are physically fit and hold valid
documents as per your rank, you can sail in sea.
Some companies however do not employ ratings over 60+ years old. But not all companies. Its
depending up on the company policies.
17.What is pre – sea training ?
A. PRE SEA Training is the specialized courses ( Nautical Science , Marine engineering & GP
rating ) which should be done in the institute before going to the ship. In that period you will learn
how to be at sea.
A trainee during pre sea course will be theoretically taught in the institute according to their
course.

18.What is GP rating ?

A. The course duration is 6 months long. It is a pre sea training course. GP Rating course focuses on
training cadets in two main roles of shipping sector- Deck crew and engine crew. Deck and Engine Rating
programs are available as Individual courses. But GP Rating combines them both and trains candidate
Deck as well as Engine Rating aspects. As part of the course, cadets will b given knowledge and skills
related to topics like- ship machinery, swimming, fire prevention and safety technology, first AID, basics of
sea, ship familiarization faring etc.

19.Can I become an officer by doing GP rating ?

A.YES,you can become officer/engineer by doing GP rating course.to become an officer/engineer you have to
complete the sailing according to M.M.D , DG shipping requirement. And you should clear the exams( ORALS &
FUNCTIONS).
 20.Who Have eye sight & colour blindness . That person can join in Merchant
Navy ?

A. Candidates joining DNS, degree(Nautical Science) & degree (Maritime Science) degree course colour
vision shall (unaided 1.0 (6/6) in better eye and 0.67 (6/9) in other eye. In case of candidates joining
B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) degree course, distance vision (unaided 0.5 (6/12) in each eye or 0.67 (6/9)
in better eye and 0.33 (6/18) in other eye.

Colour blindness candidates are not eligible in merchant navy.