What Is Merchant Navy

The opportunity to travel around the world and the lure of adventure on the high seas, besides the possibility of high remunerations attracts many youngsters to make a career in the Merchant Navy. Merchant Navy is different from the navy in the sense that it offers commercial services, as opposed to the navy, which is largely involved in the defence of a nation. 

Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade, carrying cargo all over the world. The merchant ships employ a huge number of workers to carry and deliver goods from one country to another. Without the merchant navy, much of the import-export business would come to a grinding halt!

A career in the merchant navy is considered a glamorous job, especially by the people who have been bitten by the travel bug. It offers an opportunity to visit new and exotic places all around the globe. Merchant Navy career is not only monetarily rewarding but also satisfying and a quite challenging.

The Merchant Navy is the common term for the commercial shipping industry. Roles within the Merchant Navy vary depending on a number of factors, including size and type of vessel. The range of vessels includes passenger ferries, container ships, tankers, small tugs, and cruise ship. Some vessels have a large number of officers and ratings, whilst others have a very small number of officers and ratings. This affects the breadth of responsibilities and seniority of those on board. Furthermore, there are fewer statutory certification requirements for officers working on small vessels and on vessels working in the near coastal area

How to join Merchant Navy

Educational qualification: The minimum eligibility for courses in Nautical science and Marine engineering is 10+2 or an equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and mathematics. He should also pass a medical fitness test for sea service under standard norms and with eyesight 6/6 with no colour blindness.

Candidates wishing to enter the navigational and engineering fields of Merchant Navy need to complete a Bachelors degree in Nautical Science or Marine engineering, before they can gain admission to the field.

Selection: Candidates are selected for the B.Sc. Nautical Science degree of TS Chanakya, Mumbai; and the four-year Marine Engineering degree course at Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), in Calcutta and Mumbai, known as DMET, through the Joint Entrance Examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), which assesses the candidate’s knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics. The examination is followed by personal interviews/counseling, where the interviewers assess the degree of alertness, and awareness of the external environment, in the candidates and their suitability for a career in the Merchant Navy.

The entry level for a fresh Marine Engineer (ME) is at the rank of fifth engineer or junior engineer and a Nautical Science graduate is as a Deck Cadet. Promotions depend on further examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the quality of experience and personal merit. On successfully completing these examinations the candidate receives the 'Certificates of Competency' needed for promotion to the respective classes. This examination is conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Mumbai, for determining the promotion prospects for the officers.

Direct entry to Merchant Navy is also possible - students who have completed their 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) are eligible to join as Deck Cadets and a student holding a bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Technology Engineering could also join the Merchant navy as a Engine Cadet/ Fifth Engineer/ Junior Engineer. Direct entry Deck Cadets are required to undergo basic pre-sea training arranged by the recruiting company itself and the direct entry Engineering cadets are preferred to do a Pre-sea course of 9 months duration in Marine Engineering conducted by the MERI.

Personal attributes: A career in the merchant navy requires people with strong inner self and tough physical form, along with a sporting, adaptive and adjustable attitude. Willing to take on responsibility, love for adventure and challenges; have the urge to strive for higher positions; be able to work as well as study for examinations in between. Candidates need to be intelligent, intuitive, willing to work as a team, flexible, patient; have a liking for solitude, willing to live apart from loves ones for long stretches of time. Those opting for a career should not be sea sick.

Engineers need to be resourceful and practical; skilled at Maths and Physics; have in-depth knowledge about the workings of the different machines. Manual dexterity is a must; one should be willing to learn new ways and work with modern technology; and able to work in the deck department as well if need arises.

Courses To Become A Deck Cadet Onboard

The Merchant Navy is a lucrative career that demands  a lot of hard work right from the day you step into a maritime academy, whether it is nautical science or marine engineering.As is with choosing any stream of education, selecting a career in Merchant Navy also requires a considerable amount of time devoted towards research so that a prospective individual is able to choose a course that best suits his needs. Some might aspire to become deck officers whereas others might be interested in engineering knowledge.With a plethora of maritime institutes offering a variety of courses, it is natural for a candidate to get confused, and in the process, make a wrong decision.There are myriad of maritime institutes all over the world and it is natural to be spoiled for choice. However, it is necessary to understand that not all of them offer the path to becoming a Deck Officer on ship in the way that it is imagined.The role of a Deck Officer in merchant navy is indispensable on board and it is important for a prospective Cadet to know what a deck officer does on board ships.A Deck Officer works in the execution of a variety of tasks- namely navigation and maneuvering of the vessel, handling of all safety equipment on board, and handing cargo, communications, and safety.All of this seemingly daunting work is designated, divided, and handled among the Trainee Cadet, 3rd Officer, 2nd Officer, Chief Officer, under the supreme supervision of the Captain of the vessel.The prerequisites to join a maritime course pertaining to the Merchant Navy are generally kept low, except the physical fitness and criteria. However, it is advised that an interested individual inquire with the respective institute offering the course in order to get the exact criterion.The following deck officer training courses outlined are those that will help an individual a great deal in determining what’s best for a chosen path to becoming one.

1. B.S. Nautical Technology

This is a 3+1 years course that is available only in India. The degree in question here is offered by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and is offered in two of the institutes in India. The first 3 years of the merchant navy course is spent in the institute where a variety of subjects are taught extensively. The final year is devoted to an internship on board a vessel as a deck cadet for a minimum period of 12 months.The internship period is extremely crucial as the degree is only conferred when an individual finishes his sea time.The 2nd Mate license is obtained after finishing the mandatory sea time, upon clearing the MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) examinations. There are a total of 48 subjects covered in the study period of 3 years, a detailed list of which can obtained from the website/brochure of the institutes concerned. Following are the institutes in India that offer this merchant navy program to become a deck officer.

2. B.Sc. Nautical Science

This is a 3 years deck officer training course that is available in India. In the UK, this is a 4 years course. However, the method incorporated in the completion of this course varies between India and the UK.In India, a deck cadet spends his entire 3 years in a Maritime Institute and gets a degree after the course ends. Following that, he seeks employment and gets on board a ship as a Trainee Merchant Navy Deck Officer. In the UK, work and learning are incorporated together within the course (a part of the deck officer recruitment process), with the core modules and work based learning divided aptly within the four years of study. There are a host of Institutes offering this merchant navy program, the notable ones being:Academy Of Maritime and Education Training (AMET), CHENNAI

3. HND Nautical Science

HND stands for the Higher National Diploma. This is a 2 years course that is conducted between an Indian Institute and one in the UK in liaison with each other. The first 39-40 weeks of the course is spent studying at an Institute in India whereas the next 39-40 weeks is spent at an Institute in the UK.Deck cadets must sail for a minimum period of 15 months after the completion of the course for the the deck officer cadetship. Thereafter  a 3 months 2nd Mate Preparatory course must be undertaken at the deck cadets’ respective Institute. Upon clearing the examination conducted by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), the Cadet is awarded the 2nd Mate UK license to become a certified deck officer. The notable HND courses of merchant navy are conducted by:AMET university in collaboration with South Tynside College, U.K

4. Diploma in Nautical Science

This is a 1 year course under the Indian Maritime University.Prospective deck cadets undergo a year long period of study followed by a sailing period of a minimum of 18 months. There are many merchant navy institutes offering this course. It is advisable to check the Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Maritime University websites for institute approvals and course details.In the United States, the Merchant Marine is a civilian auxiliary of the US Navy. The system followed in the US is a very intensive one. Candidates should refer to one of the Academy websites for a methodical procedure with regard to the US Merchant Marine.Check the list of best maritime colleges of the United States for more informationThe most important aspect of choosing the right merchant navy Institute and course to become a deck officer is to ensure that the course is approved by the respective Government Authority of the country. It is also advisable to know the nation issuing the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) to prevent any confusion later on.In addition to the above mentioned courses, several shipping companies also conduct sponsorship programs for deck officers.Choosing the right path to becoming a Deck Officer in merchant navy can play a vital role in having a solid kick-start to the career. Apart from good memories and an unforgettable college life a proper institute, catered to your requirements, can help an individual develop the right attitude towards this line of work. It is to note that deck officer job description or deck officer salary mainly depends on the shipping company.

Physical fitness and Medical Requirements To join Merchant Navy

Having the right grades and the passion to have a life at the sea will not get you a career in the merchant navy. In order to join a merchant navy course, you must have the physical fitness and medical requirements that are necessary to have a career on ships.
The candidate must be in good mental and physical health and free from any kind of bodily defect to interfere with the efficient performance required at the sea. Read on to find out if you are physically fit to join the merchant navy.

1. Constitution

There should be no evidence of weak constitution by way of imperfect development of muscles or serious malformation. Weight below 42 kg and height below 150 cm will be rejected. The chest should be well developed with a minimum range of expansion of 5 cm.For female applicants, the height and weight may be reduced by 5 cm (2”) and 3 kg respectively. Weight to be proportionate to height and age.

2.Skeletal System

There should be no disease or impairment of functions of bones or joints, contracture or of deformity of chest or any joint, abnormal curvature of spine, deformity of feet like bow legs, knock knees, flat feet, deformity of upper limbs, malformation of the head, deformity from fractures or depression of the skull, deformity or uneven bending of the spinal column, fractures (healed) with a pin inside will be a disqualification.

3. Ear, nose and throat

There should be no impaired hearing, discharge or disease in either ear, unhealed perforation of the tympanic membrane or signs of acute or chronic suppurative otitis media or evidence of radical mastoid operation, evidence of disease of the bones and cartilage of the nose, nasal polypus or disease of nasopharynx or accessory sinuses. Loss or decay of teeth to such an extent as to interfere with efficient mastication. No disease of the throat, palate, tonsils or gums or any disease or injury affecting the normal function of either temporomandibular joint. Individuals with severe pyorrhoea are to be rejected.The unaided average threshold at least 30db in the better ear and an average of 40db in the other within the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz and a whisper from a distance of not less than 5 meters can be heard.

4. Speech

There should be no impediment of speech (e.g. stammering)

5. Lymphatic System

There should be no enlarged glands, tubercular or due to other diseases in the neck or other parts of the body. Thyroid gland should be normal.

6. Cardiovascular System

There should be no sign of functional or valvular or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. An electrocardiogram should be within normal limits. Systolic blood pressure should not exceed 150mm of Hg nor Diastolic above 90 mm of Hg.

7. Respiratory System

There should be no evidence of chronic or respiratory tract disease, pulmonary tuberculosis or previous history of this disease or any chronic disease of the lungs. X-ray of the chest should be normal.

The resting respiratory rate should be below 20 per minute and the holding time should not be less than 30 seconds.

8. Digestive System

There should be no evidence of any disease of the digestive system and that liver and spleen should not be palpable and there should be no abdominal tenderness on palpation.

9. Genitourinary System

There should be no palpable and enlarged kidneys. There should not be any disease of kidneys. Cases showing albuminuria, glycosuria or blood (RBC) in urine will be rejected. There should be no hernia or tendency thereto. Those who have been operated for a hernia may be declared fit provided:

(a)  One year has elapsed after the operation. Documentary proof to be produced by the candidate.

(b) General tone of abdominal muscles should be good and

(c) There has been no recurrence of a hernia or complications with the operation. There should be no hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele or any other defect of genital organs, no fistula and/or anal fissure or evidence of haemorrhoids (Piles), rectal polyps. There should be no active latent or congenital venereal diseases, undescended intraabdominal testicle on one side unassociated with a hernia, provided the other testicle is normal and that there is no physical or psychological effect due to undescended testicle will be accepted. An undescended testicle is retained in the inguinal canal or at the extra abdominal ring will be rejected.

10. Skin

There should be no skin disease unless temporary or trivial. Scars which by their extent or position are likely to cause disability or marked disfigurement are a cause for rejection.

11. Nervous System

There should be no history or evidence of mental disease of the candidate or in his family. Candidates having a history of fits incontinence or urine or enuresis will not be accepted. Mental or nervous irritability, abnormality of gait, defective functions of cranial nerves, incoordination, motor or sensory defaults will be rejected.

12. Eye Sight

There should not be any degree of squint or any morbid condition of eyes or of the eyelids that is liable to aggravate or recur, the pressure of trachoma and iris complication sequela. Candidates must possess good binocular vision (fusion faculty and a full field of vision in both eyes). Movement of the eyeballs must be full in all directions and thepupils should react normally to light and accommodation.

Below mentioned vision standards must be met by the applicant:

Deck Department:  Vision should be 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in the other eye;

Engine and Electrical Department: Vision should be 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in the other eye;

The vision should be 6/6 (normal) in each eye separately. Defective colour vision tested by Ishihara Colour Blindness Test is a disqualification.

13. Oral Health

The acceptance or rejection on account of loss or decay of teeth depends upon the relative position of the sound teeth; a sufficient number of teeth must be present for efficient mastication.

14. Musculoskeletal System

There should be no defect of the musculoskeletal system that could interfere with the discharge of their duties (muscular power, balance, mobility, and coordination should be unimpaired). Limb prosthesis would not be acceptable.

CAREER CHART :- MERCHANT NAVY

COPY CODE SNIPPET

As of January, 2015 – A fleet of 50,000 merchant vessels are trading in international waters. This includes:

• Bulk Carriers (the largest of the chunk)
• General Cargo Ships
• Crude oil tankers / Chemical Tankers
• Container ships
• Passenger / Ro-Ro Ships
• LNG / LPG ship
• Excluding the passenger ships, each ship has a crew of 25-35(mostly) to attend to vessel’s affairs. Each crew member on board a ship has a specialized role to play in the safe and efficient operation of the ship and he/she will find himself to be working in one of the following departments -

1. Deck / Navigation Department
2. Engine Department
3. Catering Department
4. Any person willing to work on board a merchant ship has to choose a relevant pre-sea course according to his interest in the purview of eligibility for the course.In both the Deck and Engine Department, there is a further sub division – Officer and Rating. Catering department, however, has all ratings.

A brief on the job of an officer and a rating is as follows –
Officer – He / She has in depth theoretical knowledge of the subject matter of his department’s affairs with good operational, maintenance and troubleshooting skills. He also plays supervisory cum on-hands role in planning, execution of a job and its proper documentation.
Rating – He / She has strong hands-on skills and is generally very good with housekeeping and jugaad maintenance. He/she works under the supervision of an Officer and assists him in the job as required.
Roles in the merchant navy:-
One starts off his career at sea from the bottom of the food chain (as listed above). One must choose the ‘officer’ step or ‘rating’ step to climb up the ladder in either Deck or Engine Department.
Officers and Ratings both have to successfully complete their share of pre sea courses and additional certification/exams to join a merchant ship. Ratings can cross over to the officer ladder after gaining stipulated sea experience, relevant pre sea courses and competency exams. Electrical Officers need to undergo pre-sea course (5-6 months) to join a merchant ship. The galley crew (Catering Department) also requires relevant pre-sea course and competency certificate to join a merchant ship.
How to join Merchant Navy – FAQ
What is the eligibility criteria for joining a pre-sea course?
Deck or Engine, both have their respective array of pre-sea courses.
IMU CET is the umbrella exam for admission to any of the pre sea courses at DG shipping approved institutes. Minimum academic qualification requirement for IMU CET is to have Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English as subjects in the curriculum at (10+2) level or equivalent examination.
There is a minimum percentage criteria too for the above stated subjects and there is a route for Diploma holders (Mechanical / Marine / Electrical / Electronics) to gain admission in pre-sea courses.Here is a link to the list of specific requirements for Deck or engine entry The link will open a page, where on the left you will find a tab with number of options to choose from. Choose –‘Pre-Sea Maritime Courses with its Eligibility Criteria and Institutes for Entry in Merchant Navy’. A pdf file will open giving all needed details.If for some reason, the link doesn’t work- browse for. On the website under the “Maritime Training” tab in the top row, choose ” Pre-Sea Maritime Courses with its Eligibility Criteria and Institutes for Entry in Merchant Navy” link to get the pdf file.
There is age limit to enrol into one of these courses. The link above gives details on it.
Medical fitness is mandatory for entry into any of these programmes. A complete medical screening will be carried out before you admitted to any of the pre-sea courses.
How to decide which institute to join?
The link above also provides the list of approved Institutes to enrol for the various courses it tabulates. If an institute under your consideration does not appear on the list, it is best to avoid it.
Do the institutes provide any placement assistance?
Once you have successfully completed the pre sea course of your choosing, the institutes do assist for placements in shipping companies. However, don’t just take their word for it. Visit the campus, interact with existing students to find out the existing scenario. The shipping trade is affected by the condition of world economy and its effect ripples down to the bottom level i.e. Institute placements. However, good institutes are mostly able to help students to find a job.
You can also apply for placement externally, however they are hard to come by owing to the recent growth in the number of enrolments in pre sea courses.
Is there any additional fee charged for placement?
There is a nominal placement fee (which is generally part of course fee itself) charged by the institute as per AICTE rules and regulations. It only accounts for administrative work. Nobody will ask you for money for ‘setting’ or ‘procuring’ a job for you. It is illegal. Shipping industry has seen a recent growth of such touts. Beware!
Are there any additional courses, documentation?
Yes. Towards the end of your pre sea course or after its completion, and before join a ship, you will need to have STCW certifications. There are 4 basic courses to complete. Each of them lasts only a couple of days and the training institute will help you through it. A CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) can also be applied for thereafter. A CDC becomes your identity document as a seafarer.
You are issued a training book, which you will need to complete during your time on board ship. It helps you understand and learn the ship board arrangements, equipment and safe working practices on board a ship. And of course, if there is a training, there is an exam for it. Exams which will help you climb up the food chain.
Then here is – Indian National Database Of Seafarers (INDOS) registration, Complete medical check up, vaccinations – yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis- A,B.
Don’t worry at this point for all of the above. Either your training institute or the shipping company you are placed with will help you through it.
How to decide if a shipping company is good or bad?As wonderful and exciting it may seem to be at sea. It is an equally dangerous scenario. A ship is a safest place to be at sea and the shipping company which entails a safety culture for ship upkeep and ship operation is a good company.A company that asks you for money to put you on board and pushes you to do a job that is hazardous to you, to the environment or illegal is not a good company. Never get on board on such a company’s ship, however difficult your personal situation might be because you might not come back home in one piece or worse may not even return.As ironical as it may sound, money should not be the motive, safety should be. Money will come. Trust this from a seafarer who belongs to a middle class background and has been at sea for 8 years.Having said that, here is a link to the list of companies registered with Government of IndiaSelect the link – ‘RPS Licenses Issued as on date’ from the page to get the full list companies and their contact details.If the link above does not work. Browse for – www.dgshipping.gov.in and click on ‘RPS Agencies’ in the left tab column. You will be directed to the page where you can find the link – ‘RPS Licenses Issued as on date’ .Companies with valid RPSL numbers should be pursued for employment. This is for your own safety.Note: The website – <www.dgshipping.gov.in> is the official website of Government of India and can be trusted for all the information it provides.PS : I will cover more details on what to expect and how to prepare oneself before joining your first ship in the next article. Stay put. Cheers!