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Who is a Merchant Navy?
A ship in port is safe, but that’s not ships are built for ~ Grace Hopper
As a merchant navy officer, one is required to work on different types of merchant vessels: cargo ships, oil tankers, and passenger ships. The individual is responsible for the safe and smooth running of the ship.
There are several roles in this profession: deck officer, marine engineer, or rating, depending on the person’s training and qualifications. Merchant Navy Officers are employed by shipping companies to transport goods across the seas. As a merchant navy officer, one gets a chance to work with people from different cultures, countries and play an important role in international commerce.
Merchant Navy in a Nutshell
Merchant Navy offers opportunities to work in roles such as deck officers, marine engineers, ratings, and hospitality staff on commercial ships. Students should also undergo professional training at recognised maritime schools and earn the necessary certifications to work at sea. Salaries in the merchant navy are good with growth opportunities, and individuals get a chance to travel to various countries.
It is an ideal career for those individuals who enjoy adventure and love to travel. However, remember that they should be prepared to stay for long periods away from their homes.
Quick Facts for Merchant Navy
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
Individuals of any gender can pursue a career as a Merchant Navy Officer. Traditionally, this field was dominated by men; however, over the past few years, that has changed, and gradually, females are also joining this profession. The profession is becoming inclusive and offering opportunities to anyone who has the skill, discipline and interest to build a career in this field.
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Any special needs
No
Life at sea is extremely demanding, and a merchant navy officer needs to be physically fit and mentally strong to handle the challenges. The job also requires perfect eyesight and overall physical health to perform daily duties safely and effectively. Due to strict medical standards, candidates must meet specific fitness criteria, and individuals with physical disabilities are not allowed.
Table of Contents for Merchant Navy
What is the role of Merchant Navy?
A merchant navy officer is responsible for everyone's onboard compliance with rigorous health and safety guidelines, as well as monitoring and maintaining life-saving equipment such as firefighting equipment and life-saving boats. He or she maintains all legal and operational records of the ship, checks the weather, navigates reports, and takes appropriate actions.
The role of the Merchant Navy Officer is to oversee the entire machinery of the ship.
The job description of the Merchant Navy is coordination, which helps reduce disputes, rivalries, losses, delays, and other issues in an organisation.
He or she is responsible to check weather and navigation reports and take appropriate action.
Merchant Navy officers also manage the care and safety of passengers
Merchant Navy Officers supervise the operation and maintain the deck machinery such as winches and cranes.
As a Merchant Navy officer, one is also required to operate and maintain the mechanical and electrical equipment on board.
Types of a Merchant Navy
There are several types of merchant navy officers. They may vary depending on the roles and responsibilities fulfilled by them and the experience and specialisation a candidate holds. We have provided below two major types of merchant navy jobs after the 12th with varying titles and responsibilities.
Deck Officer: A deck officer is also known as a navigation officer. He or she is responsible for making decisions on steering and manoeuvring the ship, controlling navigation and communications. Operating in an executive body liable for ship navigation, strategizing and safe handling, communications, cargo handling, and delivery and the maintenance of all potentially life-saving equipment, a deck officer's position is crucial onboard a cargo ship.
Engineering Officer: An engineering officer is responsible to maintain the machinery of the entire ship or cruise. He or she oversees the operation of propulsion, fuel, and waste systems. Since the ship is made of steel and plies on saltwater, therefore it requires maintenance and time-to-time inspection.
What is the workplace/work environment of Merchant Navy like?
Working conditions in the merchant navy are tough and challenging. Seas can be rough, yet officers are required to continue working to ensure that the cargo and the ship are safe, and there is a danger of piracy. Long and continuous exposure to the elements can also affect physical health; hence, good endurance and fitness are important for anyone who plans to join this field.
Does Merchant Navy require travelling?
Likely
There is a great deal of travelling involved across seas in the Merchant Navy. Merchant Navy officers often spend several weeks or even months sailing from one country to another while delivering cargo. Even though ships regularly stop at ports, officers may not always get the chance to go ashore as they may be required to remain on board for certain duties and tasks.
Time Pressure
Likely
Working in the Merchant Navy is a high-pressure job. Officers remain on the ship for several months at a stretch, where they have to follow a strict schedule to ensure the timely delivery of cargo. After completing the contract, they are also given long periods of leave as compensation because of the extended time spent at sea.
How to become a Merchant Navy?
Steps to become a Merchant Navy
Merchant Navy can be an exciting option to consider if the individual wants a life full of adventure and loves to travel. Merchant Navy offers a chance to work on ships, travel to different countries, and be a part of global trade. If you are interested in becoming a Merchant Navy officer in India, we have mentioned the steps in detail to help you set your career path.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Merchant Navy?
How to join the merchant navy after the 12th? In the next section, we will discuss all the possible paths to how to become a merchant navy. We have mentioned below the required skills needed in merchant navy jobs after the 12th.
Leadership: Individuals who opt for a career as a merchant navy should possess good leadership skills, as one day, the officer will become the captain of the ship, and everyone will look up to him or her for taking important decisions and otherwise also. A good leader must be honest, delegate, confident, and should possess a positive outlook towards every problem.
Communication skills: Individuals who opt for a career as a merchant navy work with multiple teams off-shore. It is important to get the right message across so that there are no discrepancies in the future that might result in something unwanted. To make sure that everyone is on the same page effective communication is essential.
Critical thinking: While off-shore problems can arise without a moment’s notice, to steer out of the problem, it is important for a navy officer to have critical thinking skills. As a merchant navy officer, one must be able to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas.
Decision-making skills: While sailing, there will be times when a person will have to make important decisions. Not delaying and taking the correct decision is important. One must be able to select between two or more alternatives to reach the best outcome in the shortest time. The willingness to make an informed decision and stick to that was the pillar of leadership qualities and knowledge.
Teamwork: In a career as a merchant navy, individuals not only work with their own team but also other teams to ensure the safe delivery of the cargo, hence, it is important for a merchant navy officer to be a good team player. As a merchant navy officer, one must be able to combine his or her skills and ideas with co-workers in pursuit of a goal.
Self Control: The life of a merchant navy officer can be rough, especially while sailing. The pressure is immense, hence, it is important for a merchant navy officer to have great self-control. One needs to be emotionally strong and have a sense of duty towards others as well to ensure their safety.
Physical strength: While at sea, a merchant navy officer will be exposed to the natural elements for a prolonged period. The body will take a lot of beating, and in order to sustain that, a merchant navy officer has to be physically fit. Just having the right grades and the passion to have a life at sea will not get one career in the Merchant navy.
Mental Strength: In a career as a merchant navy, individuals are sailing for a prolonged period of time, enduring the natural elements and the pressure of the job. This can continue for months at a stretch, also without seeing land. This can have an adverse effect on those who are mentally not strong enough.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Merchant Navy?
Internship Availability
Career Path Progression for Merchant Navy
What is the job outlook for Merchant Navy?
Merchant Navy offers great career opportunities, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals across the world. Employment in this field has grown remarkably in the past couple of years. The number of Indians working in the merchant navy has increased tremendously, highlighting the country’s reputation for trained professionals.
To support this demand, India has built a large network of maritime institutions that provide practical training and help students to prepare for a career at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions for Merchant Navy
Que. Is swimming compulsory for the Merchant Navy?
Ans.It is not compulsory that swimming must be to join the merchant navy. You must have completed your graduation in B.Sc (Nautical Science) or Marine Engineering from a recognized university.
Que. If family is allowed in the merchant navy?
Ans.Individuals who opt for a career as a merchant navy can take their family on board ship only if allowed by the company or when all the norms of the company are complied with. Here “family” for a married person means only the wife and kids and not parents.
Que. Is a merchant navy related to defence services?
Ans.No, the merchant navy is not related to defence services. A merchant navy officer works in the commercial sector of the maritime industry. They perform the shipping of cargo. The people across sea routes aboard cargo ships, tankers and cruise liners.
Que. Are Tattoos allowed in the Merchant Navy?
Ans.Merchant navy has no restrictions on tattoos and piercings. In fact, sailors are the pioneers of nautical tattoo culture. However, since the maritime academies implement high disciplinary standards and expect officers like qualities, they will be less than friendly to funky piercings and offensive tattoos.
Que. What are the top merchant navy colleges in India?
Ans.Top Merchant Navy Colleges areTolani Maritime Institute, PuneAMET, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, SIMS, Lonavala.
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Questions related to Merchant Navy
name the top most companies of merchant ships!!
Hello,
Here is the list of some top companies
• APM - MAERSK
• MSC - Mediterranean Shipping company
• COSCO - China ocean shipping company
• CMA CGM
• HAPAG - LLOYD
• ONE - One network express
• Evergreen line
• Yang ming marine transport
• Hyundau merchant marine
Thanks
Answer laterSelect your reason of reporting
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Did you know?
Fact 1
The first recorded Merchant Navy voyage dates back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE.
Fact 2
In the 19th century, the British Merchant Navy controlled over 40% of global shipping.
Fact 3
India’s Merchant Navy ranks 16th globally, operating over 1,500 vessels.
Fact 4
The Ever Alot is the world’s largest container ship, carrying 24,004 containers.
Fact 5
Over 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea through the Merchant Navy.
