What is Eligibility for Merchant navy ?

The training of all the Indian Merchant Navy personnel is the responsibility of the Government of India, who work through the Ministry of Surface Transport. Candidates wishing to enter the navigational and engineering fields of Merchant Navy need to complete their B.Sc. degree in mechanical or marine engineering, before they can gain admission to the field. In some cases, students who have completed their 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) are eligible to join as Deck Cadets. Navigating Officers - Candidates will need to obtain a Certificate of Competency, as per the regulations in India relating to the examinations of Masters and Mates. Conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai, the examinations help determine the promotion prospects for the officers. Training for Navigating Officers

REQUIREMENTS The best training institution for the navigating officers is the T.S. Chanakya. Candidates who qualify from here, that is complete their first certificate of competency of Second Mate, need to go through a three year training in Nautical Science (B.Sc.) and then complete a year's duration of practical training in the deck department of a merchant ship.

PROMOTION On gaining the certificate for Second Mate, the officer is eligible to be posted as 2nd or 3rd officer on board a good merchant ship, with good salary. Further sea service renders the officer capable of giving the First Mate (Foreign Going) and Master (Foreign Going) examinations. Passing of the latter exam gives him the certificate of competency to become the Captain of a merchant ship.

COURSE DETAILS T.S. Chanakya offers maritime education and training to the future navigating officers in India. Affiliated to the University of Bombay, its syllabus gives a broad understanding of marine education, with a special focus on the fundamentals of marine subjects and practical aspects. The subjects include English, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Electronics, Computer Science and Marine Management. Topics such as Ship Operation Technology and other applied subjects (Maritime Commerce, Marine Engineering, Environmental Science, Control Systems etc.) are also focused upon. The training programmes help the candidates to inculcate qualities necessary for the profession, both mental and physical. Practicals that are conducted are in the following subjects - Astronomy, Chart Work, Practical Navigation, Magnetic and Gyro Compasses, Electronic Navigational Aids (Radar, Decca, Satellite Navigator etc.).

Students are taught maintenance of the ship, given experience in handling Navigational Instruments and subjected to a number of drills on board related to safety of life. Requirements for Engineering Officers - The Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), formerly known as the Directorate of Marine Engineering, Calcutta offers marine engineering education. It has its headquarters in Calcutta and a branch at Mumbai. The lowest level of examination that is given [conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai] is comparable to the Second Class certificate of competency. The exam takes place in 2 parts and those who have passed out of MERI are exempted from Part A. Part B involves first experiencing sea serviceAfter MERI a cadet is posted as the Junior Engineering Officer on a merchant navy ship. With good work and completion of examinations, they can be promoted to the higher levels (Third Engineer, Second Engineer) and finally Chief Engineer.

Training for Engineering Officers
REQUIREMENTS Training is given for a duration of 4 years, at the end of which the Graduation Certificate is obtained. This degree course is equivalent to the 1st Degree Engineering, as recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (Education). With this degree, candidates can be appointed to Government-supervised senior services.

COURSE DETAILS The syllabus has been designed so that the cadet is familiar with the fundamental engineering sciences, knowledge of the theoretical and practical marine engineering, humanities and social sciences. They are also required to be on par with the rules for Marine Engineers as established by the Merchant Shipping Act. Apart from the theoretical and practical side of the course, students also need to participate in the extra-curricular activities held at the institute. The following table talks about the admission requirements to get into T.S. Chanakya and MERI: Admission criteria for Chanakya and MERI

ELIGIBILITY/AGE LIMIT Admission is open to both unmarried male and female candidates; age should not be more than 20 years (on 1st September of the entry year): those belonging to the SC/ST have this rule relaxed by about 5 yrs.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS Candidates need to show proof of completing 10+2 system or equivalent, having passed Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics as elective subjects. Some of the Qualifying Examinations are as follows: - All India Senior School Certificate Examination of CBSE - Higher Secondary Examination (from any Central/State Board of Secondary Education) - Indian School Certificate Examination of Council of Indian School of Examination, New Delhi - Intermediate Science/Technical or 2-year pre-university examination - Final Examination of 2-year course of Joint Service Wing of the NDA - 1st year examination of a 5-year integrated course from an IIT- or IIT recognised institution/university - 1st year examination of a 3-year degree course of any recognised Indian University

SEAT ALLOTMENT 15% of total seats are given reserved for candidates of Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for those from the Scheduled Tribes PROVIDED all other requirements are satisfactorily met PHYSICAL HEALTH Candidates are examined by authorized medical officials for proof of adequate physical fitness

SELECTION CRITERIA Selection is based on the Joint Entrance Examination given by the IIT; a merit list is prepared after the written test and interview are completed and the Director General of Shipping has the authority to chose which of the 2 training programmes the candidate is best suited for (students can let their preference be known) Both the T.S. Chanakya and MERI institutions do help (under no Government obligations) in recruiting their graduates in suitable Indian Shipping Companies.

Ratings - There are 3 training establishments in India which offer a 3-month course for future cadets in the engine room and deck departments, namely the T.S. Bhadra (Calcutta), the T.S. Mekhala (Vishakhapatnam) and T.S. Navalakshi. Radio Officers - Anyone wishing to become a marine Radio Officer needs to pass the Certificate of Competency Examination (for second or first class radio officer). This is conducted by the Wireless Advisor to the Government of India, Wireless Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Communications, Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 001 Students who have done their SSC and are in the age group of 17 years and above are eligible to join these institutions.

Training Institutes for Radio Officers All India College of Engineering & Marine Communication, 548-B, Rishi Nagar, Rani Bagh, Near Punjab National Bank, Delhi 110034 Dr. Ramana's Institute of Marine Electronics, 4, Shastri Park, Chandra Nagar, Delhi 110051 (Regular/correspondence course) New Delhi Professional Studies, 16/681, Faiz Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi 110005 Oceanic Institute of Marine Electronics, B-39, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi 110017 Seamen's Institute of Marine Electronics, P.O. Barlowganj, Mussoorie 248122 Hindustan Marine Electronics Institute, 2589, Phase 1, Urban Estate, Dugri Road, Ludhiana 141002 Hindustan Marine Electronics Institute, P.O. Majra, Saharanpur Road, Dehradun 248171 Central Institute of Marine Communications, 166, Vanniar Street, Choolaimedu, Madras 600094 Marcopolo Institute of Marine Electronics, 43, Wheeler Road, Cox Town, Bangalore 560005 Indian Maritime College, 14-A, Masilamani Street, T. Nagar, Madras 600017 Royal Telegraph Institute, 34, Sunkuvar Agraharam Street, Chintadripet, Madras 600002 National Institute of Marine Electronics, No. 48, Second Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Madras 600020 Dr. Ramana's Institute of Marine Electronics, 162, Lattice Bridge Road, Thiruvanmiyur, Madras 600041 Marconi Institute of Marine Electronics, 75, Perumal Street, Royapettah, Madras 600014 National Institute of Marine Electronics, 12, Govt. Library Street, Ayyannar Nagar, Pondicherry 605013 Marconi Institute of Marine Electronics, No. 8, Bagat Singh II Street, Valandipalayam, Coimbatore 641025 Indian Marine College, 3-4-214, Kachiguda Station Road, Hyderabad 500027 Rajendra Institute of Marine Electronics, C-104, Lal Kothi Scheme, Jaipur 15 Seacom Marine College, 11, Kendua Main Road, Garia, Calcutta 700084

What is Eligibility for Merchant navy ?

The training of all the Indian Merchant Navy personnel is the responsibility of the Government of India, who work through the Ministry of Surface Transport. Candidates wishing to enter the navigational and engineering fields of Merchant Navy need to complete their B.Sc. degree in mechanical or marine engineering, before they can gain admission to the field. In some cases, students who have completed their 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) are eligible to join as Deck Cadets. Navigating Officers - Candidates will need to obtain a Certificate of Competency, as per the regulations in India relating to the examinations of Masters and Mates. Conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai, the examinations help determine the promotion prospects for the officers. Training for Navigating Officers

REQUIREMENTS The best training institution for the navigating officers is the T.S. Chanakya. Candidates who qualify from here, that is complete their first certificate of competency of Second Mate, need to go through a three year training in Nautical Science (B.Sc.) and then complete a year's duration of practical training in the deck department of a merchant ship.

PROMOTION On gaining the certificate for Second Mate, the officer is eligible to be posted as 2nd or 3rd officer on board a good merchant ship, with good salary. Further sea service renders the officer capable of giving the First Mate (Foreign Going) and Master (Foreign Going) examinations. Passing of the latter exam gives him the certificate of competency to become the Captain of a merchant ship.

COURSE DETAILS T.S. Chanakya offers maritime education and training to the future navigating officers in India. Affiliated to the University of Bombay, its syllabus gives a broad understanding of marine education, with a special focus on the fundamentals of marine subjects and practical aspects. The subjects include English, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Electronics, Computer Science and Marine Management. Topics such as Ship Operation Technology and other applied subjects (Maritime Commerce, Marine Engineering, Environmental Science, Control Systems etc.) are also focused upon. The training programmes help the candidates to inculcate qualities necessary for the profession, both mental and physical. Practicals that are conducted are in the following subjects - Astronomy, Chart Work, Practical Navigation, Magnetic and Gyro Compasses, Electronic Navigational Aids (Radar, Decca, Satellite Navigator etc.).

Students are taught maintenance of the ship, given experience in handling Navigational Instruments and subjected to a number of drills on board related to safety of life. Requirements for Engineering Officers - The Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), formerly known as the Directorate of Marine Engineering, Calcutta offers marine engineering education. It has its headquarters in Calcutta and a branch at Mumbai. The lowest level of examination that is given [conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai] is comparable to the Second Class certificate of competency. The exam takes place in 2 parts and those who have passed out of MERI are exempted from Part A. Part B involves first experiencing sea serviceAfter MERI a cadet is posted as the Junior Engineering Officer on a merchant navy ship. With good work and completion of examinations, they can be promoted to the higher levels (Third Engineer, Second Engineer) and finally Chief Engineer.

Training for Engineering Officers
REQUIREMENTS Training is given for a duration of 4 years, at the end of which the Graduation Certificate is obtained. This degree course is equivalent to the 1st Degree Engineering, as recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (Education). With this degree, candidates can be appointed to Government-supervised senior services.

COURSE DETAILS The syllabus has been designed so that the cadet is familiar with the fundamental engineering sciences, knowledge of the theoretical and practical marine engineering, humanities and social sciences. They are also required to be on par with the rules for Marine Engineers as established by the Merchant Shipping Act. Apart from the theoretical and practical side of the course, students also need to participate in the extra-curricular activities held at the institute. The following table talks about the admission requirements to get into T.S. Chanakya and MERI: Admission criteria for Chanakya and MERI

ELIGIBILITY/AGE LIMIT Admission is open to both unmarried male and female candidates; age should not be more than 20 years (on 1st September of the entry year): those belonging to the SC/ST have this rule relaxed by about 5 yrs.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS Candidates need to show proof of completing 10+2 system or equivalent, having passed Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics as elective subjects. Some of the Qualifying Examinations are as follows: - All India Senior School Certificate Examination of CBSE - Higher Secondary Examination (from any Central/State Board of Secondary Education) - Indian School Certificate Examination of Council of Indian School of Examination, New Delhi - Intermediate Science/Technical or 2-year pre-university examination - Final Examination of 2-year course of Joint Service Wing of the NDA - 1st year examination of a 5-year integrated course from an IIT- or IIT recognised institution/university - 1st year examination of a 3-year degree course of any recognised Indian University

SEAT ALLOTMENT 15% of total seats are given reserved for candidates of Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for those from the Scheduled Tribes PROVIDED all other requirements are satisfactorily met PHYSICAL HEALTH Candidates are examined by authorized medical officials for proof of adequate physical fitness

SELECTION CRITERIA Selection is based on the Joint Entrance Examination given by the IIT; a merit list is prepared after the written test and interview are completed and the Director General of Shipping has the authority to chose which of the 2 training programmes the candidate is best suited for (students can let their preference be known) Both the T.S. Chanakya and MERI institutions do help (under no Government obligations) in recruiting their graduates in suitable Indian Shipping Companies.

Ratings - There are 3 training establishments in India which offer a 3-month course for future cadets in the engine room and deck departments, namely the T.S. Bhadra (Calcutta), the T.S. Mekhala (Vishakhapatnam) and T.S. Navalakshi. Radio Officers - Anyone wishing to become a marine Radio Officer needs to pass the Certificate of Competency Examination (for second or first class radio officer). This is conducted by the Wireless Advisor to the Government of India, Wireless Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Communications, Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 001 Students who have done their SSC and are in the age group of 17 years and above are eligible to join these institutions.

Training Institutes for Radio Officers All India College of Engineering & Marine Communication, 548-B, Rishi Nagar, Rani Bagh, Near Punjab National Bank, Delhi 110034 Dr. Ramana's Institute of Marine Electronics, 4, Shastri Park, Chandra Nagar, Delhi 110051 (Regular/correspondence course) New Delhi Professional Studies, 16/681, Faiz Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi 110005 Oceanic Institute of Marine Electronics, B-39, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi 110017 Seamen's Institute of Marine Electronics, P.O. Barlowganj, Mussoorie 248122 Hindustan Marine Electronics Institute, 2589, Phase 1, Urban Estate, Dugri Road, Ludhiana 141002 Hindustan Marine Electronics Institute, P.O. Majra, Saharanpur Road, Dehradun 248171 Central Institute of Marine Communications, 166, Vanniar Street, Choolaimedu, Madras 600094 Marcopolo Institute of Marine Electronics, 43, Wheeler Road, Cox Town, Bangalore 560005 Indian Maritime College, 14-A, Masilamani Street, T. Nagar, Madras 600017 Royal Telegraph Institute, 34, Sunkuvar Agraharam Street, Chintadripet, Madras 600002 National Institute of Marine Electronics, No. 48, Second Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Madras 600020 Dr. Ramana's Institute of Marine Electronics, 162, Lattice Bridge Road, Thiruvanmiyur, Madras 600041 Marconi Institute of Marine Electronics, 75, Perumal Street, Royapettah, Madras 600014 National Institute of Marine Electronics, 12, Govt. Library Street, Ayyannar Nagar, Pondicherry 605013 Marconi Institute of Marine Electronics, No. 8, Bagat Singh II Street, Valandipalayam, Coimbatore 641025 Indian Marine College, 3-4-214, Kachiguda Station Road, Hyderabad 500027 Rajendra Institute of Marine Electronics, C-104, Lal Kothi Scheme, Jaipur 15 Seacom Marine College, 11, Kendua Main Road, Garia, Calcutta 700084

Institutions and collages for joining Merchant Navy

T.S. CHANAKYA, NAVI MUMBAI

This is a shore based academy, which carries the reputation and tradition of T.S. Dufferin and T.S. Rajendra. The Institute is of international repute and the alumni of the institute are well known worldwide. The admission to this Institute for three year degree course is done through Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) conducted by IIT. The candidate should not be more than 20 years of age, on 1^st October and should have cleared screening test of IIT, to apply for this course. After qualifying the screening test of the IIT, the boy who is keen to pursue the career in Merchant Navy, as a Deck Officer, has to fill up an application form which is available at Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, and at the selected branches of Syndicate Bank all over India. The advertisement for this, is published in leading news papers of the country in the month of July and December every year, giving procedure for admission. After completing a 3-year course at T.S. Chanakya, a student is awarded Degree in Nautical Science by Mumbai University and is required to go on board ship for one year sea training. The cost of the training in T.S. Chanakya is about Rs. 30,000. per year including tuition fees, hostel and messing. Personal expenses are to be borne by the student. T S. Chanakya also conducts 3 month Pre-Sea Deck Cadets Course. The candidates should be less than 20 years of age on the commencement of the course and should have minimum 60% of marks in P.C.M. at 10+2 level or 55% marks in the B. Sc. and should be below 22 years of age or should have passed BE/B.Tech. from a college recognized by AICTE and is below 24 years of age. The advertisement for this course is published 2 months before the commencement of the course in Employment News and other leading news papers. After completion of the course, the candidate is to obtain requisite sea time of 2 to 3 years before appearing for 2^nd Mate competency exam. During their sea attachment, these candidates, usually, are paid nominal pocket allowances by the shipping companies, in addition to free messing and accommodation on the ship. For further details, contact Capt. Superintendent, T.S. Chanakya at the following address : Capt.Superintendent, Training Ship Chanakya, Karave, Navi Mumbai., Tel. 022- 770 3876.

MARINE ENGINEERING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MERI), KOLKATA.

This Institute was established in 1949 to impart training to marine engineering cadets and is presently situated at Kolkata. The Institute conducts 4 year degree course in Marine Engineering recognized by AICTE and affiliated to University of Jadhavpur. The admission to this course is also done through Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) of IIT and the eligibility for this course is same as of Training Ship Chanakya and the admission to this Institute is also conducted along with the selection to the T.S. Chanakya on the basis of the merit list provided by JEE, IIT. The admission procedure and the fees for this course is also in line of T.S. Chanakya as mentioned above. For any further query, the Director, MERI, Kolkata, may be contacted at the following address : Marine Engineering & Research Institute, P-19, New Taratalla Road, Kolkata – 700 088, Tel. 033- 401 4673

MARINE ENGINEERING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MERI), MUMBAI.

This Institute is situated at Mumbai at Haybundar and provides 1 year Pre-Sea Training to graduate Mechanical Engineers to enable them to go on ships as Junior Engineers. To be eligibile for this course, the candidate should have passed engineering degree in mechanical or in Naval Architecture from the AICTE recognized Institute. The selection is done on the basis of merit and the advertisement for this course is published in Employment News and other leading news papers in the month of November every year. The fees for this course is around Rs. 1,40,000/- including messing, uniform and accommodation. The address is :Marine Engineering & Research Institute, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai – 400 033, Tel. 022- 3723577,E-mail - meribom@vsnl.com

LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI COLLEGE OF ADVANCED MARITIME STUDIES AND RESEARCH, MUMBAI

Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research is a premier post-sea Maritime Education and Training Institute offering a comprehensive range of courses for Merchant Navy Officers. The college was established by the Ministry of Transport, Government of India, in 1948.

In addition to Government Training Institutes, there are number of private training institutes which are conducting pre-sea courses for Nautical as well as Engineering candidates both for 10+2 students and engineering candidates. These institutes follow their own selection procedure, which is published regularly in the news papers. For further details, these institutes may be contacted. The institutes provide training to the students and are recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. But on completion of the training, the students have to appear for the competency examination, which enable them to be employed on board Merchant Ships. It is necessary for all candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency from Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, the certificates are recognized and respected by all the countries. The examinations for these certificates are conducted by the D.G. Shipping through Mercantile Marine Departments. The 1^st exam for 2^nd Mate (Deck) and MEO IV (Engineering) is to be given by the candidates after successfully completing the Pre-Sea Training in the above institutes and required sea time on ships. After acquiring the Certificate of Competency, the officer is eligible to be appointed as 3^rd Officer / 5^th Engineer on board Merchant Ship and draw a handsome salary. For subsequent promotion, he has to render further sea service and pass higher examinations and post-sea courses at LBS College (Govt. of India) or in other private training institutes.

In addition to the above entries for officers, the candidate can join Merchant Navy as rating on board ship. The minimum qualification for rating is 10^th standard with Maths and Science and the age limit is less than 24 ½ years at the commencement of the course. After completing the course, the trainees are required to go on ship minimum for 6 months to earn their watchkeeping certificate. After obtaining the Watch Keeping Certificate, they can sail on ships as rating for Deck/Engine Room/Saloon/Petty Officers and are paid handsome salary.

HOW TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY??

Courses : Career in Merchant Navy can be pursued either as an officer or a rating in mainly two specialized fields, i.e. Marine Engineering and Nautical (deck). To become a seafarer, following streams of entries (Pre-Sea courses) are available to Indian citizens in the Government as well as in private training institutions (recognized and approved by Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping):-

Officers
3 year degree course in Nautical Science for (10+2) students.
4 year degree course in Marine Engineering for (10+2) students.
2 year course for Diploma Holders.
1 year course for Graduate Mechanical Engineers.
3 month course for Deck Cadets for (10+2) students.

Rating (Entry standard Xth)
4 month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose (GP) rating.
3 month Pre-Sea Course for Deck rating.
3 month Pre-Sea Course for Engine rating.
4 month Pre-Sea Course for Saloon rating.
In addition, a candidate can join as utility hand or Petty Officers (Fitters) after completing 4 Basic Courses, i.e. FPFF, EFA, PSSR and PST.


Govt training Institutes : There are four Government Training Institutes providing Pre-Sea and Post-Sea training of international standard :
Training Ship Chanakya, Navi Mumbai.
Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata.
Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), Mumbai.
Lal Bahadur Shastri College of advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai.

Benefits of Merchant Navy Courses IN INDIA:

A Merchant Navy job is an ideal one for those with an adventurous bent of mind and a traveler's spirit. The enviable pay package offered by this job is enough to overcome the drudgery of spending never ending days on sea. After completing Merchant Navy Courses in India, you can draw a salary ranging between Rs.12,000 to Rs.8 lakhs a month. Even a student who has completed 10+2 level with PCM can join maritime industry as Deck cadet after pre-sea training by the recruiter. One with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering can join the Merchant Navy directly after getting trained through a 9 months-Pre-sea course in Marine Engineering offered by Marin Engineering and Research Institute

Scope for a Career in Merchant Navy in India:

Following completion of Merchant Navy Courses in India, you can find employment in Deck Department as navigational officers such as the Captain, the First Mate, Second Mate and Third Mates. In the Engine Room, a student can get a job as a marine engineer. While the ship engineer or chief engineer heads this department, ensuring smooth running of all the equipment in the engine room, the second engineer looks after the day to day functioning of the engine room. You will be entrusted with the job of serving the crew and the passengers on board if employed in the Service Department, which consist of stewards, bakers, messmen, etc.

Scope for a Career in Merchant Navy Abroad:

The Merchant Navy forms the backbone of international trade. Thus, Merchant navy officers can be employed by foreign shipping companies in the posts mentioned above.

Qualifications for Merchant Navy Courses in India:

Admission to Merchant Navy Courses in India is conducted through IIT- JEE. The two areas where training is given to students enrolling in these courses are Marine Engineering and Navigation Science. One common eligibility criteria for merchant navy officers in both the fields is medical fitness.
The courses and their details are as follows -
B.E Marine Engineering, Duration: 4 years; Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English

B.S.C Nautical Science, Duration: 3 years, Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English

M.E Marine Engineering, Duration: 2 years, Eligibility: B.E Marine Engineering.
After completing a course in Marine Engineering or Nautical Science, a fresher can be recruited as a junior engineer or Deck Cadet respectively.

Institutes offering Merchant Navy Courses in India & giving training in Nautical Sciences and Marine Enginnering:
The Training Ship Chanakya (T S Chanakya), Karaus, Navi Mumbai.
Marine Engineering Research Institute, P-19, Taratolla Rd, Kolkata-700088
Marine Engineering & Research Institute, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai - 400 033
Directorate General of Shipping, Jahaj Bhavan, Ballard Estate, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Mumbai 400001

A Merchant Navy officer is further promoted when he receives a certificate of Competency. This certificate is given only when he passes an exam organized by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in Mumbai.

Merchant Navy : Introduction

Merchant Navy (or Merchant Marine) refers to the merchant fleet of a country, which varies in capacity. Seafarers on merchant vessels, who hold various military-like ranks and responsibilities and are sometimes members of various maritime trade unions, are required by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers to carry Merchant Mariner's Documents. The following is a partial list of the merchant navies or merchant marines of various countries.

The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with transporting cargo and occasionally, passengers, by sea. Its fleet is therefore composed of passenger vessels, cargo liners, tankers, carriers, as well as other special types of vehicles. A career in this field is full of adventure and long voyages to exotic places. Above all this, the excellent pay and promising promotional opportunities make the career lucrative and exciting in spite of all the hard work life and long absence from family and home.
The main positions open in the merchant navy are for navigating officers, radio officers and marine engineers. They are usually employed by shipping companies on a contractual basis, which is generally of six to nine months' duration. Earlier a career in this field was considered purely for men. Women were not generally known to take up jobs in Merchant navy but the past few years have seen a positive change with many women taking up jobs as ship doctors and radio officers.

In Merchant Navy, major tasks performed are in three basic areas of a ship. The Deck, the Engine and the Saloon Department. There are thus, many career options that are available for any youngster who has dreams to join the merchant navy. The deck officers include the captain, chief officer, second officer, third officer and other junior officers. The engine department consists of the chief engineer, second engineer, third engineer, fourth engineer, electrical officer and junior engineers. The service department manages the kitchen, laundry and other services.Jobs are available with shipping companies in India and other countries