Merchant Navy: Eligibility Criteria, Entrance Examinations, Courses, Top Colleges and Job Profile

• The minimum qualification eligibility is 10+2 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. There are some courses offered which can also be pursued after 10^th.
• Passing the medical fitness test for sea services as per the standard norms is mandatory.
• Candidate’s eyesight should be 6/6 with no colour blindness.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exams

All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test (AIMNET)

This exam is conducted by AIMNET Examination Board, which is further managed by Offshore Shipping Academy. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs approves this academy, Government of India. The entrance exam is conducted for admission into B.Sc. Nautical Science, B.Tech Naval Architecture, Diploma of Applied Science (deck watch keeper) by AMSA, G.P. Ratings, B.Tech Marine and MBA (Shipping and Logistic Management).

Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMU CET)

The Indian Maritime University conducts IMUCET for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Marine. It takes place in May, while the registration process begins at the end of March. Only unmarried candidates are eligible to appear in the exam.

Merchant Navy Colleges

• Indian Maritime University, Chennai
• Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
• Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), Calcutta and Mumbai
• International Maritime Institute, Greater Noida
• Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Mumbai
• B.P. Marine Academy, Navi Mumbai
• Training Ship Chanakya, Navi Mumbai
• Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai
• Euro Tech Maritime Academy, Pazhanganadu

Job Prospects

Merchant navy fleets consist of container ships, cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, a barge carrying vessels, passenger ships, refrigerators ships, roll on/roll off ships. With so many job opportunities, Merchant Navy can undoubtedly save a thousand of souls from staying jobless.

Some companies which run merchant ships include Wallem Ship Management of Hong Kong, Chevron and Mobil of USA, Denholm of UK, Bibby Ship Management, K-Line, d’Amico, etc. Shipping Corporation of India, Essar, Chowgule Shipping and Great Eastern Shipping are some of the popular Indian shipping companies. You can search for vacancies in these companies.

Job Profile

• Deck officer (navigation officer)
• Electro-technical officer (ETO)
• Engineer
• Ratings - ratings are skilled seafarers who help all the officers with daily tasks
• Catering & hospitality crew (pursers, stewards, chef, housekeeper etc.)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. What is the Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy includes ships which carry goods and people through sea route. Merchant navy fleets carry Fuel, building materials, fruits, vegetables and all other imported items.

Q. What are the advantages of joining the Merchant Navy?

A career in Merchant Navy offers:

• High income (Tax-Free)
• Quick promotions
• Free accommodation and food while on board
• Long vacations
• Travel experience

Q. What is the best time to join, after 12^th or after graduation?

The merchant navy programme itself is a graduation degree. Once a candidate completes his training, he is awarded a B.Sc. degree in Nautical Science by IMU. So, the best option would be to join the course after 12^th class. However, you can also join after graduation.

Q. Can I get financial assistance/loan for the course?

Yes, you can get loans for completing a merchant navy course. Once you get selected, you can enquire the institute you wish to join about the financial assistance options available.

Q. Are there ashore employment opportunities?

Yes, there are. If you plan to give up the career in merchant navy after gaining experience, there are plenty of options for Chief Engineers and Captains in marine-related industries.