The merchant marine has long been a lucrative job field, owing to the exciting and financially rewarding career opportunities it provides to all who choose to work in it. Unlike the typical 9 to 5 jobs, the profession has many job prospects. The Merchant Navy is brimming with opportunities, and aspiring candidates can opt for deck crew positions, engine crew jobs, maritime law, maritime management etc.
So, is it possible to seek a career in the Merchant Navy after Class 10th? Well, let’s talk about it today.
The merchant navy business in India operates on a Public-Private Partnership model, where both government and the private sector have a say. However, the rules for commercial and government-controlled fleets are the same.
The job of the merchant navy is to move goods and people from one place to another. For ages, people depended on ships for trading across continents and seas.
Roadmap for a Merchant Navy Career in India-
Merchant Navy jobs are ideal for daring people who prefer travelling. After passing the 10th class examinations, candidates can apply for many technical and non-technical positions. Each category has different eligibility criteria and training. Technical applicants must meet some additional eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Merchant Navy after 10th:
Mentioned below is a list of eligibility criteria or basic requirements that a candidate must satisfy before applying to the merchant navy after the 10th:
- To be eligible to apply, an applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The candidate must be unmarried.
- They must have completed 10th grade with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).
- An applicant must have good vision, both with and without spectacles.
- Comfortable working with a diverse group of people from various cultures.
- Must be physically and medically fit.
It is possible to join the Merchant Navy after the tenth standard, though very few courses are available-
- GP Rating course
- Deck Rating course
- Engine Rating course
- Saloon Rating Course
- NCV Rating Course
- Diploma in Marine Engineering
Let’s discuss each course in detail.
GP RATING COURSE
The GP, or General Purpose Rating Course, is a six-month, entry-level course for joining the merchant navy as a Deck or Engine Rating. Students who have completed the 10th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English are eligible to enrol in this course.
The GP Rating course requires a minimum age of 17.5 years and a maximum age of 25. Besides, candidates must be physically and intellectually fit, per the Merchant Shipping Rules. The minimum vision required is 6/6 with no colour blindness. Students enrolling in the GP rating course are taught about ship types, safety at sea, onboard performance and the proper techniques to be used. After the training, they can join the merchant navy as a deck crew or Engine crew.
DECK RATING COURSE
Deck Rating Courses are designed to train deck crew members. Though the GP rating programme covers all aspects of the deck crew, many other additional in-depth courses are available. Students who have finished the tenth grade are eligible to enrol in the Deck Rating course. The age bar is the same as the GP rating programme.
The candidates’ pre-sea training is limited to six months. After six months, they work as service trainee cadets on a ship for the remaining year. Additionally, the candidates must complete three years of training to earn certification as an experienced crew member, including promotion and other incentives.
ENGINE RATING COURSE
After completing the Engine Rating course, candidates may apply for Assistant Engineer or Engine Crew positions in the Merchant Navy. We know the prominent Marine Engineering Institutes in India; however, the Engine Rating Course is a six-month Diploma programme that trains candidates as efficient engine crew. They help the Engineers and are responsible for maintaining the ship’s engine. Detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria are given in the Merchant Navy Shipping Rules. Candidates must meet the basic requirements for the fitness test.
SALOON RATING COURSE
The Saloon Rating is a six-month pre-sea training course to familiarise students with the catering sector of a merchant navy ship. Age restrictions are equivalent to the GP rating, ranging from 17.5 to 25 years. Candidates who complete this course are eligible to join the ship’s catering department.
NCV COURSE
NCV or Near Coastal Voyage is a 6-month curriculum, followed by a 24-month offshore training course or an 18-month distance learning programme. The eligibility conditions are identical to other programs listed above, per the Merchant Navy Shipping Rules.
DIPLOMA IN MARINE ENGINEERING
Those interested in becoming an Engineer or Assistant Engineer in the Merchant Navy can opt for the three-year Marine Engineering diploma after completing class 10th. This is one of the best courses in India to pursue a career as a Marine engineer immediately after completing the 10th grade.
Career Opportunities and Salary in the Merchant Navy
The Merchant Navy provides profitable and steady employment options. It enables people to achieve financial independence at a young age. Pursuing the above courses after completing class 10th might earn a handsome salary of Rs 35,000/- to 50,000/- per month or even more. It also depends on the course, work efficiency and the company.
Foreign corporations are well-known for their generous salaries. If you work for a foreign company and are efficient, you can earn between Rs. 4 lakhs and Rs. 25 lakhs per month. The compensation is adequate, and making it at such a young age is not entirely possible in other jobs.
Things to keep in mind while joining Merchant Navy after Class 10th-
Without a doubt, the Merchant Navy is an excellent career option. However, there are a few points to consider before enrolling in the course.
The list below will assist you in this endeavour:
1. Suitable Qualification – In the Merchant Navy, as in all other professions, the proper qualifications are also required to prosper. Due to the specific nature of the operations performed on a ship, the person should have an appropriate skill set to complete the tasks.
2. Choose the Right Post – A candidate must narrow their options based on more than just their educational background. Merchant Navy positions range from technical to non-technical. Candidates interested in a Merchant Navy career can apply for positions such as captains, radio officers, able-bodied seamen, chefs, first mate, and second mate.
3. Health and Fitness – This is one of the most critical elements to consider before embarking on a career in the Merchant Navy. It is a profession for those seeking an exciting lifestyle; the sea tests human endurance on both a physical and mental level. Thus, it is critical to maintain both mental and physical fitness and be strong enough to deal with any scenario out at sea.
4. Lack of Social Life – As with the Army jobs, the Merchant Navy offers little or no social life. Thus, if you are the type of person who enjoys socialising and cannot stay away from family, reconsider entering the Merchant Navy.
5. Personality and Attitude – Being in the Merchant Navy requires a robust mental fortitude and a courageous attitude. Seeing the same people in the same field of employment at the same deck can be monotonous and harm your mental health. If you are capable of resolving this issue, proceed. At the same time, this profession will also allow you to meet new people and get acquainted with new cultures.
6. Job Surety, Tax-Free & High Income – Increasing candidates in the Maritime job sector have created job shortages and high levels of competition. The maritime industry employs professionals for onshore and offshore positions. However, offshore workers earn a greater wage and enjoy the vessel’s power and command. And where there is income, there is taxation. If you complete the required sea time in a financial year, you can claim a tax-free income; otherwise, you will be taxed according to your wage and the government’s guidelines.
7. Family Onboard – Finally, there is a concern for your family. Everyone desires time with their family. Merchant Navy officers, generally of high rank, may also bring their families on board, but the employer must approve the request. And for a married person, the family consists solely of a wife and children, not parents or anybody else. One cannot bring their girlfriends or boyfriends to the ship, as there is no legal proof of your relationship.
ADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE MERCHANT NAVY:
– Financial independence at an early age
– Enhanced Discipline and Uniformed Professionalism
– High Income and can also be Tax-free
– Offers an adventurous and travelling career
– Long Vacations
– Temporary seniors and Colleagues
DISADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE MERCHANT NAVY:
– No social and family life
– No immediate medical help in case of big medical complications
– Never Ending Exams
– Piracy
While the Merchant Navy is an illustrious career path, it is not for everyone. To stay healthy, you must appreciate every moment of solitude. As with any other profession, this has its advantages and disadvantages. If you want to be a seaman, you have to be strong and healthy. You must operate in extreme climatic and other settings, such as the heat in the Engine Room and the chilled atmosphere in many different locations. Putting all of this aside, it’s an incredible career choice, therefore, if you’re interested.
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