Merchant Navy Salaries 2024: Pay Scales, Benefits, More

img

Kamaldeep

13 July, 2024

Merchant Navy Salaries 2024: Pay Scales, Benefits, More

Are you interested in working in the Merchant Navy? It is one of the best career options if you want to work in seas. Merchant Navy is a specialised profession that deals with commercial activities related to shipping passengers and cargo by sea. As you know, in India, a large part of transportation and shipping is done via sea routes via maritime transportation. This is an exciting sector that offers great financial rewards and opportunities for professional advancement. Read the blog further to learn more about the merchant navy’s salaries, pay scales, benefits, career growth, and exams for the merchant navy.

Overview of Merchant Navy

Students usually get confused about the best career options after the 12th . To clear your doubts, you can always consult career experts. The merchant navy maintains a hierarchy of ranks among the deck, engine, and catering departments. The first step towards launching a career in the merchant navy is becoming a Deck Cadet (for the deck department) or an Engineering Cadet (for the engine department). These positions can be achieved once you pass the IMU-CET exam. The highest-ranking and highest-paid officers on a merchant navy ship are the Captain and Chief Engineer, responsible for all maintenance and operations.

Exam of Merchant Navy

You must pass exams such as IMU CET and JEE Main to join the merchant navy.

Exam IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
Overview IMU CET is a primary entrance exam conducted for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the field of maritime studies.
Authority  Indian Maritime University
Eligibility – Candidates should be between 17 and 25 years old.
– Educational Qualification: For undergraduate courses, candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with at least 60% aggregate marks. 
Exam Pattern – Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
– Duration: 3 hours
– Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Aptitude
– Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced
Overview For admission to their marine engineering programmes, several maritime universities, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, accept JEE Advanced marks.
Eligibility –  Age: As per JEE Advanced eligibility criteria
– Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
– Other Requirements: Must qualify for JEE Main and be among the top candidates to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
Exam Pattern – Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
– Duration: 3 hours per paper (two papers)
– Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
– Type: MCQs, Numerical Answer Type Questions

Average Salaries in Merchant Navy

The average salary range in the Merchant Navy after completing relevant degrees is INR 3 LPA – 18.7 LPA*. Suppose you have passed your 12th board examinations and choose to work directly as a Deck Officer or a catering department employee. In that case, you will have average salaries of INR 2.20 LPA and 3 LPA, respectively. On the other hand, if you have educational credentials and a significant amount of experience of more than 15 years, you can also make up INR 1-2 crores. The average salaries of Merchant Navy professionals are listed in the table below.

Job Role Average Salary in INR*
Captain 1 Crore – 2 Crores
Chief Officer 70 LPA – 80 LPA
Deck Cadet 15 LPA – 20 LPA
Trainee Cadet 10 LPA – 15 LPA
Engineer 15 LPA – 20 LPA
Catering and Hospitality Crew 20 LPA- 15 LPA

Source: Glassdoor

*Note: The salaries listed may vary according to the terms and conditions of the organisation.

Salaries in Merchant Navy Per Month

The Starting salaries of merchant navy officers typically fall between INR 4 and 7 LPA, or INR 30,000 and 60,000 per month. If you become an officer in the Merchant Navy with over ten years of significant experience, you can earn up to INR 2.5 lakh per month. With 20 years of significant expertise, the Merchant Navy Salary might range from INR 8 lakh to INR 20 lakh monthly.

Merchant Navy Salary After 12th

If you aspire to join the merchant Navy, you require a bachelor’s degree in marine science or similar fields after completing class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as needed subjects from an accredited board to join the merchant navy after graduation.

Designation Average Annual Salary (INR)
Captain 60 LPA – 70 LPA
Chief Officer/First Mate 30 LPA- 40  LPA
Second Officer/Second Mate 10 LPA – 15  LPA
Third Officer/Third Mate 8 LPA – 13 LPA
Deck Cadet 8 LPA – 13 LPA
Chief Engineer 30 LPA – 40 LPA
Second Engineer 15 LPA – 20 LPA
Third Engineer 10 LPA – 16 LPA
Electrical Officer/ETO 20 LPA – 27 LPA
Chief Cook 4 LPA – 6 LPA
Trainee Cook 3 LPA – 4 LPA
Steward 2 LPA – 3 LPA

Source:Glassdoor

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th

The eligibility to enrol in the merchant navy after the 10th is to pass the class 10 board exam with a minimum of 45% overall. You should also complete an enrollment form and attend tests to take mental and physical exams. This six-month pre-sea training programme for general-purpose rating prepares cadets mainly for two roles: deck and engine rating.

The training course has a minimum age requirement of 17 years old and a maximum age limit of 25 years old. After finishing the GP Rating course, you can begin working as a deck or engine crew. You may take the 2nd Mate Examination to become an officer after serving for 36 months on the board. Salaries in the merchant navy for those who have completed 10th will range from INR 30,000 to INR 350,000 per annum, and the pay scale is subject to change based on exam performance and other factors.

2nd Officer Salary in Merchant Navy

The second officer is one of the most important positions you can obtain with an onboard promotion. The second officer, who is also the ship’s medical officer and makes an attractive salary while on board, is in charge of the ship’s navigation and route planning. In addition to serving as the ship’s navigator and, occasionally, medical officer, a second officer watches the bridge and acts as an official communication officer.

In India, a Second Officer in the Merchant Navy makes, on average, INR 13.8 lakhs a year. However, this amount may differ depending on several variables, such as the kind of vessel, the shipping firm, prior experience, and additional qualifications.

Years of Experience  Average Annual Salary in INR
0-4 Years 15 – 20 LPA
5-10 Years 30 – 40 LPA

3rd Officer Salary in Merchant Navy

After you pass your 2nd exam for Deck Cadet, you will be awarded the first rank, the third officer. Your salary position rises sharply in proportion to the level of responsibility. The third officer is also known as the ship’s safety officer. He is in command of the lifesaving and firefighting equipment and keeps watch over the bridge.

In India, a Third Officer in the Merchant Navy makes, on average, INR 13 – 15 LPA. This amount, however, may differ depending on several variables, such as the kind of vessel, the shipping firm, prior experience, and additional qualifications.

Years of Experience  Average Annual Salary in INR
0-4 Years 13 – 17 LPA
5-10 Years 35 – 40 LPA
10 + Years 45 – 50 LPA

Experience Wise Salaries in Merchant Navy

The salaries in the merchant navy are heavily influenced by experience. Compared to their colleagues, a candidate’s chances of receiving a high salary increase with experience. Entry-level merchant navy salaries typically fall between INR 5 LPA and 6 LPA. Meanwhile, those with significant experience, roughly 7 to 10 years, are paid an average of INR 30 LPA to 85 LPA, or even more in some circumstances.

Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
0 – 5 years 8 LPA – 11 LPA
6 – 10 years 15 LPA – 20 LPA
11 – 15 years 20 LPA – 30 LPA
16 – 20 years 30 LPA – 45 LPA
20 years & above 50 LPA & above

Salary of Captain in Merchant Navy

The person in charge of a ship’s general operations and final authority over it is called a Captain or master. Following many years of relevant experience, the typical monthly salary for a Merchant Navy Captain is between INR 30 L and 40 L. However, after over 20 years of employment, the typical Merchant Navy Captain’s salary might be INR 2 to 3 crores, with a monthly income of INR 30 – 35 LPA.

Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
0 – 5 years 30 – 35 LPA
6 – 10 years 35 LPA – 50 LPA
11 – 15 years 50 LPA – 60 LPA
16 – 20 years 60 LPA – 80 LPA
20 years and above 1 Crore & above

Salary of Chief Officer in Merchant Navy

The Chief Officer manages the deck crew, environmental protection, safety and firefighting operations, and cargo operations. A Chief Officer also acts as the vessel’s security officer. After the Captain, the Chief Officer has the second-highest rank within the ship. The maintenance and well-being of the crew members on the ship are under the purview of the Chief Officer. Since he has more experience than the Captain, he also serves as a duty officer for the newly recruited Deck Cadets. The salary range of a Chief Officer in the Merchant Navy is between 4,00,000 and 6,00,000 per month.

Benefits of Working in the Merchant Navy

There are various advantages of working with the Merchant Navy. Some of the significant benefits are listed below.

1. Work while you travel the world:

  • Travel lovers find this point very attractive.

  • You can travel around the world for free as part of the job.

  • Explore new areas when the ship arrives at the port.

2. Get lucrative pay packages:

  • High entry-level salaries, starting from $1500 to $3000 per month.

  • Higher positions like Captain earn even more.

  • Salaries vary by company and increase with experience.

3. Get amazing tax benefits:

  • Tax exemptions for sailors meeting specific residency requirements.

  • In India, if you are not present for 182 days, you don’t pay tax.

4. Get To Know Various Cultures:

  • You can interact with people from different cultures and nations.

  • There are various customs and traditions, you can learn about them.

  • Flexibility and adaptability to live in different cultures

  • Frequent contact with international colleagues.

5. No requirements for fancy degrees:

  • Start a career without higher qualifications.

  • You can also start a career after the 10th and 12th standard.

  • Begin onboard training right after pre-sea training.

6. Enhances professionalism:

  • Develop teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

  • Grow both professionally and personally.

  • High responsibility and discipline are integral.

7. Long and pure vacations:

  • Extended work periods are compensated with long holidays.

  • 4-5 months of complete vacation after 6-8 months of contract.

  • Enjoy undisturbed time with family.

8. Builds discipline:

  • Develop punctuality and focus due to the unpredictable nature of the job.

  • Live a disciplined lifestyle according to marine norms.

  • Wearing navy uniforms throughout the contract period.

9. Temporary seniors and colleagues

  • Different seniors in each contract.

  • Temporary leadership minimises prolonged exposure to poor bosses.

Career Progression in the Merchant Navy

Career progression in the merchant navy is vast. For example, in the deck department, a person may be promoted from Third Officer to Second Officer, Chief Officer, and finally Captain. Fourth Engineers are followed by Third Engineers, Second Engineers, and thenChief Engineers in the engine department. Check out the job roles and their descriptions in the table below.

Position Detailed Responsibilities
Deck Cadet – Maintain the ship.
– Ensure essential safety equipment is available.
– Assist in operating the ship.
Chief Officer – Oversee cargo loading and unloading. 
– Conduct navigation watch duties. 
– Manage various cargo operations onboard.
Captain – Command the entire ship. 
– Manage all maritime operations. 
– Address legal issues during voyages.
Maritime Engineers – Supervise ship maintenance. 
– Ensure operational efficiency of maritime equipment and systems.
Catering and Hospitality Crew – Manage the catering department. 
– Attend to guest needs. 
– Ensure quality food and beverage services onboard.

Conclusion

A career in the Merchant Navy provides a promising career that includes financial gain, professional development, and adventure. It’s clear why so many people chose this exciting sector, given the clear career growth options, significant benefits, and appeal of the vast ocean. The Merchant Navy offers a rewarding and productive career path, regardless of your experience level or maritime career goals.

FAQs

Q1. What is the highest paying job in the Merchant Navy?

A Captain or Chief Engineer is the highest-paying position in the Merchant Navy. Chief Engineers manage the engineering operations of the ship, whereas Captains are in charge of overall command and safety. Their annual compensation may exceed 35 lakhs Indian rupees, contingent upon the firm, vessel type, and experience level.

Q2. What is the salary of the Merchant Navy after 7 years?

Professionals in the Merchant Navy usually experience considerable compensation increases after seven years of service. With six to ten years of experience, a second officer or engineer can make about 45 lakhs of rupees yearly. With more experience and in higher positions, salaries keep increasing.

Q3. Will Merchant Navy salaries increase?

Yes, there will likely be an increase in merchant navy salary for several reasons. First, as global trade expands, so does the need for shipping, creating a greater need for qualified marine workers. People tend to get paid more as they advance in their careers because it represents their improved knowledge and abilities. Since pay changes are meant to reflect the growing cost of living, inflation also plays a part.

Q4.. Why is the Merchant Navy salary high?

There are various reasons why the Merchant Navy pays so much. First, there is a big risk factor associated with employment; it comes with many obligations and dangers, such as working in demanding situations and being away from home for extended periods of time. Second, the high skill level requires certain training and credentials.


Get Free Career Guidance

enquiry




chatBoat
logo
The intend of Learning Routes is to provide unbiased, precise information & comparative guidance on Universities and its Programmes of Study to the Admission Aspirants. The contents of the Learning Routes Site, such as Texts, Graphics, Images, Blogs, Videos University Logos, and other materials (collectively, 'Content') are for information purpose only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for in any form on offerings of its academia partners. Infringing on intellectual property or associated rights is not intended or deliberately acted upon. The information provided by Learning Routes on www.learningroutes.in is for general information purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith with accuracy and to the best of our knowledge, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of any information on the Site. Learning Routes & its fraternity will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damages, or losses resultant, if any, from the usage of fit information.
Contact Us:
Get Free Counselling
+91-9228122474