Deck Department Vs. Engine Department

For those that are initially joining the merchant navy, there is always a great deal of confusion with regard to the various departments on the ship and which one to choose. Although each and every person contributes to the overall smooth functioning of the vessel, the two departments are demarcated as per the responsibilities that go with them. While there is no specific answer as to which one is ‘better’, it is important to know which department suits one better in terms of career progression as well as career prospects outside of the merchant navy (if that is the long term goal for the individual).While in the process of choosing which course to pursue at an institute and deciding between engine and deck departments, we ask students to keep these five things in mind before joining merchant navy. In relation to understanding both the aspects better it is also necessary for prospective students to understand the difference between Nautical Science and Marine Engineering. At the very base level, students who choose to pursue ‘Nautical Science’ end up choosing the path of a deck officer while those that choose ‘Marine Engineering’ end up choosing the path of an engineer onboard.

While the smooth operation of a ship is intricately entwined in a team effort, each department comes with the essential skill set that is applied once the candidate joins a ship as engineer cadet or a deck cadet.  Knowing about various subjects one has to learn in each of these streams helps to get rid of most of the doubts involved with deciding between the two departments.

To make this write-up more comprehensive, the career progression for a deck officer is as follows (in ascending order):

Deck Cadet – Third Officer – Second Officer – Chief Officer – Master/Captain.

That for the engineer officer is as follows:

Engineer Cadet – Fourth Engineer – Third Engineer – Second Engineer – Chief Engineer.

While this is the general career progression, different companies have different designations; for example, many companies nowadays have an additional/junior third officer as a rank that is an interim rank towards becoming a third officer.

A career in merchant navy is unlike any other career and every person planning a career in the same would know about it. In case you don’t, read them here –Reasons as to why a career in merchant navy is unlike any other.

People confused between engine and deck sides, often have queries regarding the following aspects:

1. Salary structure (difference between salaries of both the departments)
2. Job profile
3. Future prospects
4. Placement and job availability
5. Availability of shore jobs – Some people even think about the prospect and availability of shore jobs once they have worked for certain years on ships and wish to pursue other interests

Let’s look at each aspect individually.

Salary Structure

The salary structure of both engine and deck departments is almost the same. While there were some differences earlier with regard to salaries, both departments have commensurate salaries in relation to their rank on board.  This means that officers at corresponding rank in both the departments earn almost equally, that is to say, that the Chief Engineer and the Master have almost similar salaries (sometimes the Master has a higher pay but nothing too significant in terms of the difference). The article on the average range of salaries of officers on ships would help to resolve the doubt.

Job Profile

Though the job profile and nature of duties of officers in both the department are different, at the end it an individual’s choice as to what side to choose. It is duly important to note that the Master is eventually the ultimate authority on the ship and all work onboard has to be under his purview.

It is not possible to thoroughly compare both job profiles as deck officers are navigating officers with a different skillset while the engineering officers have a different skill set. As mentioned before, the smooth operation of the ship is entirely dependant on the harmony between the two departments wherein the every person does the work assigned to him without being too nosy about another’s assigned task!

The Chief engineer has officers under him to maintain all the workings in the engine room and other associated work whereas the Chief Officer (under the complete purview of the Master) ensures the safe navigation and cargo operation of the vessel. Both departments are ultimately answerable to the Master as the Master has the final word.

Work profile in both engine and deck departments is challenging and rewarding. It’s the person’s prerogative to decide between engine side and navigation side.

Future Prospects

A ship cannot run without engine officers and/or deck officers. The engineers are experts with the engine and the navigating officers handle their area of expertise with regards to safe navigation and cargo operation. Thus the need for both the type of officers will always be there (unless they come up with totally unmanned ships; even, in this case, there will always be a human element involved that can never be totally negated). Both the sides have bright and respectable futures.

Placement and Job market

This is one aspect which bothers the most especially to those who are just entering the field. Though there are several reasons because of which deck cadets and junior marine engineers are not getting jobs, the situation can be expected to improve soon. Shipping is very well known to be a cyclical industry with boom and bust cycles depending upon the existing status of the economy and industrialisation in the world. With the boom comes more trade, more ships and more jobs and corresponding to the bust is a downturn in the shipping industry with lesser jobs, pay cuts etc.

However, it is to note that employment problems are prominent in every field at the starting level and it’s the same with merchant navy as well.

Officers of higher ranks from both engine and deck departments are always in demand in accordance with the expertise they come with.

Onshore Opportunities

For those who also consider on shore job, prospects must note that there are several opportunities on shore for merchant navy officers.

Experienced marine engineers and deck officers can get jobs in the management department of shipping companies which includes operations manager, ship broker, chartering department, Manning department etc

Marine engineers can take up shore based jobs as teachers at institutes, Design/Seismic/Maintenance Engineers. They can also take up the job of trainee surveyors. By default of the precise level of work carried out by them on ship which includes handling mega engines, boilers etc. their demand on shore is also very good (for example, luxury hotels hire many engineers from the merchant navy to handle their machinery with attractive pay commensurate to pay on shore)

Nautical officers, as well as marine engineers, are also required in Chartering / Ship Brokerage firms. Masters are in great demand for teaching jobs at institutes.

However, it is advisable to sail for certain years and have a good amount of experience before shifting to shore jobs.

Those who are interested in future studies can do an MBA in Shipping and improve their job options on shore. It is widely known that MBA candidates with a merchant navy background automatically have a profile that stands out; this is not a very common job and there is always an ‘added interest’ or ‘intrigue’ component from the admissions committee when they realise the extent of responsibility that comes with being an officer onboard (handling a multi million dollar ship with a billion dollar worth cargo isn’t everyone’s cup of tea!). Owing to the sheer level of work carried out onboard, shippies are often accepted into some of the best MBA schools around the world, sometimes even with a low GMAT score which is compensated for by their work experience.

Thus, a career in both engine and deck department is a rewarding and challenging one. At the end, it is up to the individual to decide what he or she is more passionate and interested about. While both contribute equally to the safe operation of a vessel, each has their own specialised area of study and the same applies on the job. It is a matter of personal preference as to which holds a greater degree of attraction for the candidate.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Merchant Navy Zone(MN-Z ).

Equator Crossing Ceremony: The Real Test Of Seafarers

I remember going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work. As is with all cadets, sleep is the all-engulfing element that overpowers the necessity to change one’s boiler suit and go in for a shower! Obviously enough, my urge to sleep took the better of me and I dozed off for I would have to go and assist the Chief Mate in is watch in a few hours. Little did I know what was to happen!

It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. It is therefore no wonder that the shore folk are appalled and excited at the same time when the ceremony is told to them in detail. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailor’s first time crossing of the equator. It is a memory that is etched into each and every seafarer, for it is an event that ushers in a sense of belonging to one’s profession. The excitement and enthusiasm that prevails among fellow shipmates at the time of conducting the line-crossing ceremony that beams of a happy past experience of the same and that of passing on the baton of the art of sailing to newbies.

behind the pomp and grandeur of the event is a lot of history. The seamen who have already crossed the equator are referred to as Shellbacks  (or, Sons Of Neptune) and those who haven’t are called Pollywogs. The Pollywogs are put through some physical tests to be initiated into the “ancient mysteries of the deep”! Mind you, no harm or hurt is involved, however the minor embarrassments must be taken in the right spirit. As with most healthy traditions, the small indignities are a symbolism for inclusion and frolic.King Neptune is said to be the ruler of the seas and this entire shindig is orchestrated to appease the King by showing Him respect, to keep a sailor away from the perils of the sea and to bring good luck. One of the men onboard are made to dress up as King Neptune, with the Trident scepter in hand and a crown for the glorious head! Beside him is seated his wife, Queen Amphitrite and they’re both surrounded by a few more (including a Davy Jones impersonator) to replicate a royal proceeding.The Pollywogs (also referred to as landlubbers) must be dipped in water for the initiation and passing into the realm of the seas. This part is the beginning of the ritual wherein they are stripped down to their underwear (or nothing!) and normally, dipped in the water gathered in the save-all tray! Following the dip, raw eggs are broken onto the heads of the first timers and then they are made to drink a deadly concoction of beer, chilly sauce, raw eggs etc. The reason behind this is to give the beginners a truth serum in order that they speak the absolute truth when they swear their allegiance to King Neptune and the sea! Then the heads are shaved in the most uneven manner possible (no historical reasoning for it, but personally judging, it is most likely to do with a purging process) and paint is applied at random all over the body (privates aside!).Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. However, the essence of it will remain the same. King Neptune goes to make an earnest speech and accepts the ushering of the sailor into the sea under the auspice of Her Majesty! The scepter is laid forth to mark this moment of truth. Following this aspect of the grand event, the sailors are tied together and marched forward to the anchor with the sound of a drum to coordinate movement.

Once at the anchor, the newly initiated are made to crack open a can of beer on the anchor itself at the first go. Cracking it open at once pertains to long luck and safe seas. This having completed, an entire round of the shop is taken to commemorate the event altogether. At the end of it, the Captain, Chief Engineer and the rest, as a mark of welcoming and respect, congratulate the initiates. This said, the party doesn’t end here! A feast is prepared at night for dinner with thorough fanfare. Normally, it is at dinner that the highly esteemed “Equator Crossing Certificate” is handed out to seal the ritual’s authenticity forever.

For the coming days, it is very easy to spot the sailors that have recently been through the ordeal, for their hair is either absolutely absent or styled as if rats had a feeding frenzy on them!

As appalling as it may seem to shore folk, it is a tradition that makes a man out a fresh cadet or trainee seaman. It is these little gems that bind us seafarers together in work and spirit and give us the inner strength to carry forward inspire rough seas and long periods away from home. The glimmer in the eyes of those that have already experienced it, telling you to live every moment of it, for it is never to happen again, is priceless. Much like a wedding, one experiences the joy of it just once, thus becoming a spectator for the all the others to come!

Disclaimer: The views mentioned above are of the author only. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Merchant Navy Zone (MN-Z) do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Merchant Navy Zone (MN-Z )

Over to you..

Have you been through this ceremony?

Let’s know your experience in the comments below or mail us at merchantnavyinfo9@gmail.com

What Others Say About Merchant Navy

Life in the merchant navy isn’t easy. Several months away from home, often in rough weather, battling the forces of nature can take its toll on any professional. Which is why many marine engineers and merchant navy officers choose to leave the field and look for shore jobs are relatively more grounded.Now think about how many female professionals you’ve seen in this field. Probably none. It’s a male-dominated industry that most girls would stay away from. That’s what makes Jannat’s story special. Not just because she had to do what everyone else around her had to (including the physically demanding tasks), but also deal with the additional burden of having to prove to her less-than-sympathetic bosses and colleagues that she was in no way less than any other crew member on the ship.But that didn’t take away any of her creativity and enthusiasm, as we realised while working together on her MBA applications.
Tough life as the only female marine engineer on the ship
I was a marine engineer in the merchant navy and had been sailing for a little more than three years. My job onboard ships mainly involved taking care of any and all sorts of machinery onboard. I along with other engineers would handle the routine maintenance and carry out the breakdown maintenance when needed.Shipping is essentially a male-dominated field and most of the times I would be the only female onboard. All through the four years I spent in a marine engineering college and then the three years out at sea, I had been in an environment where the gender ratio was 100:1.Such circumstances forced me to learn how to fight for myself and accept the hard truth that I would have to always prove myself and probably work harder than my male counterparts if I was to have their respect.On my very first ship I worked as a trainee under a senior engineer who was not very accepting of women out at sea and more so in the engine room. He would deliberately assign me jobs that would test my physical strength, one of which was test the tightness of engine foundation bolts.This job is difficult because there are approximately 100 such bolts and each has to opened using a hydraulic jack because they are big in size and have been tightened to very high pressure. What makes the job even more challenging is that the bolts are situated at the lowermost part of the engine, so the place is really cramped and its extremely hot (since the engine was running).We were crossing the Red Sea and it was summer time, and I remember wondering how I was going to finish the task. But that was all I thought, ‘how I would finish it’ not ‘whether I would finish it’. Once I finished it, the senior engineer was pleasantly surprised.On each ship since then, it takes the crew a little time to accept me as a part of their team but I try and take it the positive sense. It just makes me work harder and better, and eventually it all always works out just fine.

Things To Kept In Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy

 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy/Planning to join merchant navy

Merchant Navy is a unique career choice, but then there are certain things that you should consider before making it your career. The list of why merchant marine is a very good career option (or not so good one),  is very long but with the help of these top eight points, knowing why to opt for marine careers and what to look out for before joining merchant navy will become genuinely easy.

1. Right Qualification:As with most professions, the right qualifications are necessary for this job
too. Owing to the specialized nature of the work on board ship, it is mandatory to have the right skillset for this line of work as well. Respective streams for respective work on board require a very focused skill set to be applied practically. Therefore, the right institute is also to be taken into consideration as there are many to choose from. Different countries have their own merchant navy rules and academies so it becomes necessary to enroll in the appropriate Institute as required by the nation’s merchant marine laws to get the required qualifications.

2. Choose the Right Job: As mentioned above, the right stream must be chosen by an individual commensurate with his interest in that specific area of study followed by work. Merchant marine offers a lot of job options – from technical to non-technical professionals. Radio officers, captains,able-bodied seaman, chefs,first mate and second mate are the kind of jobs that are available to the interested people. You are the best judge of your capabilities, so choose your stream accordingly. Some positions come with high responsibilities and you should be ready to deliver your best.
3. Health and Fitness:The sea tests human endurance, both physically and mentally. It is important to be fit physically as well as to have the right mental constitution to be prepared for any situation onboard. You wouldn’t be selected if you are not fit. Since the merchant navy men have to be on the water for a major portion of the year, their health and fitness become a major concern. Fitness is an aspect that not only pertains to an individual but also the others on board ship; seeing as all work on board is team work and one job affects another. Therefore, lax performance in one area can put the other areas to risk. Safety being of paramount importance, it is not prudent to have unfit people on board. Do note that health and physical fitness tests are carried out at regular intervals of time. They are conducted every time before boarding the ship and if any complication arises, the candidate will not be allowed to join the ship. Passing the test during the time for admission in the course does not ensure you are fit for sea life. There are some tests which are carried in between the course (hearing compatibility test etc.) which if failed will lead to termination of the course.
4. Almost Negligible Social Life :The fourth aspect involved is about the amount of time spent offshore. If you are a social animal who likes to mingle with friends on every opportunity you can find, then better stay away from Merchant navy. The life at sea is a lonely one and takes a toll on your social life; some prefer it and some don’t- whoever tells you otherwise is lying outright. With the extent of work and lack of free time to pursue social interests, ship life can get quite hard for a person.Modern ships have internet and satellite phones which virtually reduce the distance from friends and family; however, it is no replacement for the usual social life on shore and more than that, the work leaves little to no room to engage in long conversations over the phone! It is also prudent to remember that this aspect is more than negated by the all the new places that one gets to discover (subject to time available). If the person is adventurous, then the time period could go to the person’s advantage but if the person has a shy personality and needs emotional anchorage from friends and family then marine careers could be disadvantageous as it could lead to homesickness and unnecessary problems due to the person’s inability to adjust to the job.
5. Personality and Attitude :Seeing the same lot of people over months can automatically harbor resentment within an individual; if not resentment, then plain boredom! Men of strong mental constitution tend to keep it together throughout their contract by having a positive personality with the right attitude towards the work at hand as well the people he’s working with. Being a part of the merchant navy will allow a person to not only meet new people but learn lots of new things about different cultures.If you feel you are not the kind of person, who can compartmentalize his or her mind, then better give this career a miss. This is why it becomes important before joining merchant navy to know what type of a person one is and whether merchant navy will suit the person or not. Have some time to yourself and then decide.
6. Job surety and high income:Opportunities on shore have increased many times over for merchant navy professionals who are willing to put in the time. While the power/command and the pay on board cannot be met fully on shore while starting out, putting in the years on shore or starting the right business can garner equal or sometimes, even more income than at sea.  As far as seafaring jobs go, with the cyclical nature of the shipping industry, we are in the bust cycle at this stage.
7. Tax-Free Income:Most of the amateur seafarers remain confused about the taxation system for the income earned, which leads to non-filing of tax returns. The income earned on a foreign going vessel, seafarer may not always be tax-free (a general assumption). You need to complete the required sea time in a financial year to claim a tax-free income else you will be considered under the tax slab for paying the income tax as stated by the government of the country. For example, for Indian citizens, the tax earned on income earned from a foreign country is not taxable is the individual remains outside of the country for more than 183 days. the moment which has caused a slowdown in jobs and recruitment; there is job crunch in the seafaring industry especially at the entry level (junior officers).Candidates who cleared the required courses are finding it difficult to get a ship for completing their sea-time and training so that they can appear for competency exam to become officers. A qualified seafarer past his training phase on board gets paid rather well but the initial stages are hard (for deck/engine cadets and trainee ratings). The entry level candidates earn as much as any land job person, and hence it is only when you pass the exam and have a COC, then you get a good salary flowing into your account.
8. Family onboard :It is natural to want to have family on board. A merchant navy officer can take his/her 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. Parents are not allowed to go along with the seafarers. An entry level officer will have a lesser chance to carry his immediate family than a management level officer, which again depends on the number of supernumeraries (family members) already present on a ship and the life boat capacity. Sometimes, the trading route also determines if family carriage will be allowed. For example, in HRA areas such as when passing the Gulf Of Aden, the family carriage is not advisable.Apart from all these points, it is also necessary that an applicant who wants to join marine careers does not have any past criminal record. If a person does have any such record, then he or she will not be eligible to join merchant marine.

News Of Merchant Navy

India's First Female Merchant Navy Captain Wins International Bravery Award

Captain Radhika Menon received her medal and certificate of commendation at an awards ceremony at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters here last evening."I am honoured and humbled with this great honour for me and my team. It is a seafarer's duty to help souls in distress and I did my duty. Seafaring is a noble profession which contributes massively to world trade and economy as well as cultural integration. It does not always get the recognition it deserves," said Captain Menon in her acceptance speech.Ms Menon, who was nominated by the Indian government, became the first woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, an annual award established by IMO to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery.

Merchant Navy Officer Goes Missing Mysteriously From Ship Near Somalia. 

Bhopal: The accumulated stress of the past few days have been just too much for 55-year-old Sarla Yadav to handle. Her youngest son, Sandeep, who is a trainee officer in the merchant navy, has been missing since March 2.

Sandeep Yadav sailed with other crew members on MT Jag Pushpa, the vessel which was transporting oil and chemicals from Vadinar in Gujarat to Maputo in Mozambique, on February 22. With mystery surrounding his disappearance, Mr Yadav's family in Bhopal now suspects foul play. Amit Kumar, his brother-in-law, said, "The captain of the ship, Sandeep's room partner and other crew members seems to have been briefed as to what they have to say about the incident. Even the company officials are saying the exact same thing. Even a FIR (police case) has not been registered. Company officials are avoiding our calls."NDTV tried contacting Mr Yadav's employers, The Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited in Mumbai, but they did not respond to queries. Mr Yadav's family claims the company officials told them he was last seen sleeping in his cabin on March 2. The next morning they say he disappeared when the ship was near Somalia.

30 people rescued from sinking ship near Mumbai

Mumbai: Helicopters and special ships were rushed to help 30 people who worked on a commercial ship that began sinking near Mumbai this morning.  
The Navy rushed to help after a merchant vessel Rak Carrier said it was being flooded. 

Fifteen crew members of the ship that's registered in Panama had jumped overboard in a panic.  Special rescue ships and helicopters traced all crew members and brought them to Mumbai. The crew consisted of Jordanians, Romanians and Indonesians.
The MV Rak Carrier was loaded with several thousand tons of coal. It was on its way from Indonesia to Port Dahej in Gujarat.
Experts say the cargo remains sealed and that no oil has spilled into the sea. The ship  was reported sunk  this afternoon; a navigational warning has been issued to other ships in the area.

Maritime Pilot and His Duties

While captains are in-charge of ships, the role of a maritime pilot is equally important. Te duties of maritime pilots are quite different from that of the ship’s captain. As the name suggests, Marine pilots help in manoeuvring ships while arriving or departing a port.

The duties and importance of marine pilot can be explained below

• While the ship’s captain handles the job of navigating the ship in the water, when the situation gets risky or there is any situation which demands greater skill in the manoeuvring of the ship, the ship pilot acts as the person who advises the captain what route to take and what changes need to be made during ship’s routine manoeuvring while entering or leaving a port.

• The role of the pilot increases even further when the size of the ship is taken into account. Ships that carry cargo or are used as oil tankers need the expertise of pilots as they are quite heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. The bulk of the ship makes it important that there is a pilot who can navigate the ship safely without any loss. Marine jobs like that of a marine pilot also help in protecting the marine life and habitat.

• If the entry to a particular port is quite narrow, then the pilot has to be used because it’s the pilot who knows the way and ensure that the boat or ship passes through the narrow gateway without any incident

The maritime pilot, keeping in mind all the above factors is therefore hired locally. The factor of the pilot being local ensures that he is familiar with the water area and thereby is able to guide the ship appropriately.

Maritime Pilot and His Duties

While captains are in-charge of ships, the role of a maritime pilot is equally important. Te duties of maritime pilots are quite different from that of the ship’s captain. As the name suggests, Marine pilots help in manoeuvring ships while arriving or departing a port.

The duties and importance of marine pilot can be explained below

• While the ship’s captain handles the job of navigating the ship in the water, when the situation gets risky or there is any situation which demands greater skill in the manoeuvring of the ship, the ship pilot acts as the person who advises the captain what route to take and what changes need to be made during ship’s routine manoeuvring while entering or leaving a port.

• The role of the pilot increases even further when the size of the ship is taken into account. Ships that carry cargo or are used as oil tankers need the expertise of pilots as they are quite heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. The bulk of the ship makes it important that there is a pilot who can navigate the ship safely without any loss. Marine jobs like that of a marine pilot also help in protecting the marine life and habitat.

• If the entry to a particular port is quite narrow, then the pilot has to be used because it’s the pilot who knows the way and ensure that the boat or ship passes through the narrow gateway without any incident

The maritime pilot, keeping in mind all the above factors is therefore hired locally. The factor of the pilot being local ensures that he is familiar with the water area and thereby is able to guide the ship appropriately.

Marine pilot has to work alongside the ship’s captain and this is why there has to be a good communication between these two professionals. If there is any miscommunication, it could lead to large scale problems for the ship and the shipping company.

In order to become a maritime pilot, a person interested in becoming a pilot needs to get a pilot license. Only if the person has the license, is he allowed to manoeuvre a ship. The license issued to a maritime pilot is specific to the area where the pilot usually works.

The marine pilot however is not a direct employee of the ship. He is like an outside expert hired to oversee ships navigating in the waters. This being the case, it can be said that the marine pilot is not actually a part of the ship’s crew and therefore does not travel along with the crew. He has a special charter craft (pilot boarding vessel) from which he enters the ship that he has to control. This charter craft could either be a helicopter or another boat (Generally the later one is used). He then enters the ship and makes sure that the manoeuvring of the ship is done as required.

There are some ships that do not require the assistance of a marine pilot. Such ships have a certificate known as the ‘pilot exemption certificate.’ The reason that these ships have such a certificate is because they visit limited number of ports and harbours which is why the captain of the ship is more than adequate to handle the ship.

Sometimes not knowing about a profession does not mean that the profession is not important. Marine jobs like that of a marine or harbour pilot is one such profession. It can be said that being a marine pilot offers uniqueness to a person’s choice of career as even though the profession of a marine pilot is relatively unknown, it happens to be one of the oldest professions.

Top 10 Reasons Why Merchant Navy Is Best

1. Top 10 reasons why merchant navy is a great Career option

After completing 10+2 in India, majority of students are not very certain about the career path they need to take. One career option they must consider is Merchant Navy, it has the potential which can supersede other run of the mill career choices. In this article we are sharing the top-10 reasons why merchant navy in India is an awesome career option.
Great Salary package

First thing first, salary is the prime advantage why most of the students take up the career option of Merchant navy. Starting salaries and subsequently fat salary packages as compared to the peers in traditional jobs makes it a very attractive preposition.
Salary remains tax free

Since you don’t station yourself in land for long duration, it gives you a tangential advantage in terms of saving tax. In highest bracket, tax deduction is 30% in general. Merchant Navy is a career option which allows you to save it.
Be a Global traveler

In merchant Navy you travel the whole world at somebody else’s expense. It can’t get better than this. You get time on port where ship is docked to visit the places.
NRI status

As you are a traveler and spend majority of time outside India, it is equivalent to a status of an NRI .
Demand teaches you Professionalism

This is a profession in which sincere importance is given to Professionalism and time. Work ethics has these qualities embedded in it.
Good learning to tackle emergencies

Merchant navy profession teaches you to tackle emergencies, education and experience enables the mind set which helps in developing a mindset which takes quick and wise decision.
Adventure is a synonym

Career in merchant navy has regular adventures to face. This career profession is ideal for candidates who loves adventure and fun in life. If you are of this mindset, it can be the right career path for you which will give you the feeling of work cum pleasure.
Limited qualifications will do

With limited studies as well you can proposer in career. As mentioned in the first point, salaries drawn in Merchant Navy is pretty good and this can be achieved by achieving less demanding qualifications.
Regulated lifestyle

You get a chance to have a great life in sea and in land. You get long vacations every year and that too remains a paid one which allows you to maintain a great life style when you visit you home. You can catch up all the work which is pending also have ample time which can be spent with the family members.
Extended vacation on your own choice

For mariners it is said that it’s a continuous vacation.

To get registered with Top Merchant Navy College in India and placements in merchant navy get in touch with merchantnavy-zone.blogspot.com

Tanker or Container Ship: Which is Better For Seafarers?

Most of the times a seafarer can choose the type of vessel he or she wants to work on. Each type of vessel has its own pros and cons when it comes to working on board.Usually, seafarers are torn between two choices when deciding the type of ship to work on – tanker or dry ship (container, bulk carrier etc.)

For a seafarer, the choice to sail on container or oil tanker ship mainly depends on the following factors:Initial experience on type of ships

• Number of years worked on dry ship or oil tanker
• Availability of certified course required for tankers
• Personal preferences
• Money

We asked some seafarers, who have worked on both tanker (Oil tanker, chemical, gas etc) and dry ships (Container, RO-RO, bulker etc.) regarding factors which they consider for selecting a particular type of ship while joining. We received several interesting answers.

Moreover, we also observed very few people sailing on tankers going back to container ships. Blame is on the better money seafarers on tankers get; but the bottom line is that there are several factors that go through a seafarer’s mind while selecting the type of ship.

On the basis of our brief survey, we have jotted down a few advantages and disadvantages of tanker and container ships from working on board perspective.

DRY SHIPS

It’s a well known fact that dry ships give more port appearances than oil tankers. Those who are fond of going out at ports while the ship visits different countries, a dry ship is the right choice for them. Some container ships touches port every 2-3 days with port stay of at least one day. Same is the case with bulk carriers which has long stay at port. Some bulk carrier stay at port for as long as a month

– Less sailing time at sea, hence less chances of sea sickness for those who are more drawn towards land

– Less riskier than tanker ships (With the type of hazardous cargo tanker ships carry, container ships are considered less risky)

Better communication options on dry ships as ports are frequent. You can buy a local sim card and enjoy talking to your loved ones more often

– Marine engineers have the advantage of not getting involved in cargo operations in ports unlike in tankers

– No ship to ship operation at mid sea. It won’t be prudent to compare the amount of stress seafarers have to go through on both types of ships, but surely a ship-t0-ship operation is an add on responsibility on tanker crew

– Many seafarers feel that (And it’s an accepted rule in the industry) promotions on dry ships are must faster as compared to tanker ships. Many sailing on tankers go back to dry vessels to get promotion and then later on come back to tankers

TANKER SHIPS

Many people choose tanker ships, because there’s much better remuneration as compared to those offered in dry ships. A top level officer on tanker ship roughly earns more than 1.5 times that a dry ship officer at the same level earns. For many seafarers, eventually, it’s all about the money

– Longer sailing as compared to dry ships, hence those who are more comfortable at sea, tankers are the best option for them. As amount of work is more at ports, many seafarers prefer long sailing voyage with less number of ports

–  As highest safety standards are followed on tankers than on dry ships, seafarers feel they are more safe on tankers

– Less cargo operations and maneuvering as compared to dry ships, for the later frequently visit ports

– Slower rate of  promotion

– It has been proved that there are several health hazards related to continuous sailing on tanker ships

– Working on tanker means more savings. When you compare the seafarer contract of a tanker ship to a container ship, the crew working on a container ship will have more access to ports and hence there would be more spending of money

Over to you..

What do you think is better to work on? Tanker ships or Containers?

Let us know in the comments.

The Urgent Need of Proper Vocational Guidance for Maritime Careers

Corporate-style management of maritime institutions and e-governance of flag state offices are not alien concepts. With new trends emerging in Maritime training, a lot needs to be done with the youngsters in India, at the induction level itself, to make them aware, about the true requirements of maritime careers and life aboard merchant navy vessels. A proper vocational guidance would help students to confirm, whether they have the right aptitude and attitude for a particular maritime job, so as to have successful shipping careers.

There is a common complaint from shipping companies, that the new maritime entrants are just not the right material for shipping. This is also borne out by the high attrition rate – the number of fresh entrants getting disillusioned about maritime careers, and eventually quitting shipping. The reason we are not able to retain people in the shipping industry is not the fault of the job itself, but more in the faulty method and manner of selection of students for various maritime careers. A properly planned vocational guidance can help a lot to resolve this issue.

Prospective students, who seek to make their careers in the Merchant Navy, must have the necessary skill sets, in order to survive in the market place, over the long term. Today, the Maritime industry is going through a sea change, just as the rest of the industries worldwide. There is a new economic order, defined by new technology and globalization.  Properly managed vocational guidance centers  at least in the Metro cities, are vital, to face this challenge.

Joining the merchant navy is not a question of coining attention-catching slogans, such as ‘Join the Merchant Navy and see the World’ or ‘Join Merchant and become a Millionaire”. These are, in fact, quite misleading. They give the impression, that a person joining is merely interested in travelling worldwide like a tourist, instead of doing a technical and highly qualified job or following a respectable maritime career. Such advertisements project entirely the wrong picture and attract the wrong set of people. Young students must know about the right things about the Merchant Navy before joining the field.

What is needed is a proper set-up to pick the right people from the sea of prospective candidates. Students seeking maritime careers must be capable of finding out whether they have the required aptitude or not. We need a center manned by competent staff, which will not only guide new entrants with vocational guidance, but will also assess their skills, capabilities and actual suitability, for the various maritime careers on board ship.

Merely having people, knowing all the rules and regulations and the details of the maritime training courses offered, to convey the information to the students, whenever needed, is not at all the idea. This type, the so-called “counselling centers”, already exists.

Existing Counselling centers have proved to be absolutely ineffective, since these places don’t have the means to monitor and assess students, for aptitude as well as attitude, during practical work required for maritime careers.

Just passing IIT style Entrance examinations, where students have to answer several questions in certain time frame, is the most useless and unsuitable sort of system, especially for a practical profession like the Merchant Navy. Such method is only suitable for creating bureaucrats, who have no place among the highly qualified staff, required on modern merchant vessels.

Lately, there has also been a flood of ‘DG approved’ private maritime training institutions, created in the wake of the so-called liberalization  many of which are not even efficiently monitored, let alone properly controlled. Besides being labelled as ‘money-making’ institutions, they have succeeded in giving a bad name to the well-run maritime institutes, in particular, and the entire shipping industry, in general.

A focused and committed body, staffed by dedicated mariners, drawn from the shipping industry itself, could do a much better job at vocational guidance and monitoring maritime institutes, than the present overlapping of various Government agencies, which have proved inadequate in the task of watching over these private institutes. Possibly due to shortage of manpower and inadequate facilities, there is precious little of organised monitoring, leading to an obvious end result – a complete mess of the whole issue. Why this was not thought of, right in the beginning, is difficult to say. Probably, there may have been a fear, that corporatism of this would lead to a conflict of interests.

Misleading Ads to attract students should be banned

We must understand one thing that even any senior mariner, heading this office, is not going to be able to solve all the problems at once, like waving a magic wand. This would simply be a more focused attempt, to tackle the problem in a far more logical fashion, than what is presently being done, which is obviously not good enough.

A proper plan to impart vocational guidance to new students seeking maritime careers is definitely an urgent need of the shipping industry.

Note: This viewpoint could be considered as a fresh effort, to properly guide new entrants, seeking to make their maritime careers, in the Merchant Navy. This will also ensure that our existing Maritime institutes could get a more suitable quality of personnel to train

Family Of A Mariner

Home is where the family is!!!

This indeed is true for all of us, however, only an 'irony' for seafarers!

Each day feels like a week, and a week as a month..

You already feel homesick, when you think the most of it, and isolation keeps you feel nostalgic like a biggest punishment ever.

But there is always a flip-side. What isolation doesn't do, the craving can do better! Craving to go home and to meet family and craving to spend some good time along...

Life at ship is a township floating at the sea disconnected from the other part of the world. This career is full of evaluation, assessment and competitiveness, where a single mistake can become larger than life.

Every individual knows what pressure and limits his career offers. Its certainly not an easy piece of cake at the sea - it can be heaven or it could be hell- its the perspective that changes the way of life.

The maiden journey is a little difficult to deal with, but soon it becomes a routine in the mariner's life.

Usually, it depends on the ship that a mariner travels, how much leaves he gets. It can be a quarter year or even less at times on board and equal 
 off board. Only Second Officer and the posts beyond like Chief Engineer, the Chief Officer and the Captain are allowed to take their families on the ship. Of course you miss your family when on the ship but the advantages are really big to crave enough for 90 days or even lesser sometimes. Ships really pay you big, probably three to four times better than anyone on the land of your cadre. Healthy remuneration is one thing that makes craving a small thing than earning big. Besides, ships takes you to different places all the time it sails. Peaceful long voyages unlike the daily run around job on the land. Freshest air and picturesque sights is what one lives with on the ship.

This lucrative things keep you at peace on the ship.

As mentioned, depending on the vessel or tanker that you are sailing with, decides your paid vacation time. When at home one can be ''really'' at home with the family; unlike the ones at the land. There is absolutely no timelines. Day and nights are ruled by you. They start when you get up and night sets when you decide. All at a paid vacation, like no other job offers.

The Life of 'The' Mariner, indeed, maintains its balance in everything.

When at work, gives one a full reason to justify the work without much exasperation of timelines and when at home just get pleased with the luxury.

7 Problems Seafarers Can Face While Traveling to Foreign Land

If you are a maritime professional or planning to become one, then sooner or later you will have to get used to traveling – an integral part of the shipping profession. Frequent traveling from one country to another to reach destination ports and ships makes lives of maritime professionals physically and mentally stressing. Moreover visiting new countries having different rules, customs, and traditions means dealing with a new set of laws every time.

We all have heard about horrifying stories of seafarers while they were traveling to new countries to join ships. One of the main reasons for such accidents is lack of common sense and inability to take some basic precautions.

The fact is most of these problems can be solved by being a bit aware of the situation you can get into while traveling in foreign lands. Learn about seven common problems seafarers can face while traveling to foreign lands.

Note: Before commencing your journey, ensure that you have checked your shipping contract , appointment letter  and ” OK to Board” letter properly. The contact number of local officer personnel,  foreign agents, and other important people will be issued by the company few days before joining the ship. Make sure that you note them down properly and keep them with you all the time. 

1. Loss of important documents

Losing important documents in a foreign land can be extremely scary. When you are moving outside your native country, official documents are your only identity. It is therefore important to take all necessary precautions to not only avoid loosing them but also to act without panic by keeping a backup with a set of photocopies in case you do lose them. While making sets of photocopies of documents, always keep one pair with your luggage bag and another back at your home. If you are a tech-savvy person (and we wish you are) then you can also scan the documents and put them in your smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic gadgets. You can also keep them in a “cloud system” or “google drive” so that they are available from anywhere. There are several apps (both android and iphone) available, which you can take help of, to manage and save your important documents.

In case you lose your documents in foreign land, inform your agent immediately and also file a complain with the local police department. You might also be required to contact your country’s embassy in certain situations.

2. Missing of flights

In order to reach their respective ships or while returning to their home land, seafarers are required to take several connecting flights. Though a good transit time is always provided between the two flights, there have been several cases wherein seafarers have missed their flights because of certain reasons.

In case you miss your flight, immediately approach the airport administration and ask until what time you can stay at the airport. This is because some airports require transit visas after staying for a certain period of time at the airport. Contact your local office personnel of your country to explain them the situation and informing about the transit visas, if required. Most of the time, the officer personnel will be able to arrange an alternative flight or a return flight in case ongoing flights are not available.

3. Luggage stolen or lost

Cases of luggage getting stolen or lost is a common occurrence that can happen with anyone. In case your luggage is stolen/lost, file a complain with the airline and provide details of your foreign agent and shipping office. In case your luggage is found it will be delivered to the agent, who will then hand it over to you. Also, don’t forget to claim “stolen luggage” allowance once you are back on ship. For such unforeseen incidents, always keep a set of clothes in your handbag. You will be needing a fresh pair them until your luggage arrives.

4. Security check problem

Problems during security check at airports are increasing every year. There have been cases registered wherein seafarers were detained and and even jailed for not following the local laws. Visiting new countries means dealing with new laws and cultures. If is very common for seafarer to be not aware of the local laws while visiting or transiting new countries. This often land them in trouble.

As a matter of precaution, ensure that you check the laws of the country you are visiting in order to avoid any kind of trouble (Ask your company/agent). For e.g. Hong Kong does not allow to carry taser or stun guns, even in check-in luggage. Similarly, dubai does not allow carriage of poppy seeds. There have been cases when people have been jailed for long term when found with its possession.

Note: If your transit time is less and the security check is crowded, request the security personnel for a quicker access as you may miss to join your ship. However, never show aggression or anger and always cooperate with the security officers even when you are in hurry. (As being restless and aggressive can lead to further delay because of interrogation, thorough checking etc.

5. No agent to pick you up at airport

There will be times when you reach your destination on time but there is no agent to pick you up or are required to wait for him. In such cases, just wait for the agent before taking any steps. Don’t panic and take a taxi for your destination. 99% of the time the agent will come to pick you up. However, if no one comes to pick you up, call the agent using the contacts you have been provided by the company. Still if you don’t receive no response, call your local office personnel and explain them about the situation. They will arrange a replacement for your agent to pick you up.

Note: Don’t leave the airport premises at any cost. It is always the most secured place in a new country.

6. Immigration problem

The most common problems that are faced during immigration checks are errors in joining, appointment, and “ok to board” letters. Don’t forget to check these documents thoroughly once you are assigned with them. Always keep your seafarer’s documents and passport in good condition as some immigration authorities can create problem if the passport is torn or is stapled or pasted with company sticker.

Note: Always ask you company not to staple or paste any kind of document with your passport.

7. Accidents or injury

These are rare cases but they do occur. Injury or accidents in foreign land can lead to unfortunate situations wherein the authority is not able to identify the victim. Always keep an identity card or a photocopy of the same in your pocket while traveling. Also, note down all the important contact numbers on a piece of paper or diary, along with your name and company details so that the country’s authorities are able to identify you and your purpose of visiting the country in case you are unconscious and not in a condition to talk.

Getting into a problem in a foreign land is extremely dangerous and seafarers must take extra precautions in order to avoid such situations. The above mentioned problems are some of the most common ones that seafarers face while traveling. Do you know any other problem that seafarers can face while traveling to foreign lands? Let us know in the comments below.