Merchant Navy (or Merchant Marine) refers to the merchant fleet of a country, which varies in capacity. Seafarers on merchant vessels, who hold various military-like ranks and responsibilities and are sometimes members of various maritime trade unions, are required by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers to carry Merchant Mariner's Documents. A nation's merchant fleet is a non-combatant commercial fleet comprising the ships that are used to transport cargo and during times of peace and war and, occasionally, passengers. A country's merchant marine or Merchant Navy is the combination of the fleet with the people who man it. There are a number of terms applied to the people who operate the ships, from merchant sailor to merchant mariner, simply sailor or mariner. Its fleet is therefore composed of passenger vessels, cargo ships, tankers, container carriers, as well as other special types of vessels.
Job / Employment Opportunities
The Merchant Navy offers a career like no other. Not only does it offer excellent remuneration and promotional opportunities, but also tremendous scope for adventure and travel. The option of traveling to far-flung places of interest and an adventurous journey on a ship makes a career in Merchant Navy lucrative notwithstanding the pain of staying away from one's family for long and the stress of the job. Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade, carrying cargo all over the world. Without the Merchant Navy, much of the import-export business would come to a grinding halt! Placement may be found on various types of ships such as tankers, cargo and passenger ships. Companies that run merchant ships require trained people who can operate and maintain the ships. Trained people are required for the three main departments of the ship: the deck, the engine and the service department. They are usually employed by shipping companies on a contractual basis, which is generally of six to nine months' duration. Earlier a career in this field was considered purely for men. Women were not generally known to take up jobs in merchant navy but the past few years have seen a positive change with many women taking up jobs at sea. Therefore, there is enough scope for employment in Indian as well as foreign ships. And since the Merchant Navy offers excellent remuneration and good career prospects, many young people are being attracted to the profession.
Why merchant navy?
What is so special about merchant navy?
Eternal Global Shortage of Seafarers!
Globally, the number of engineers graduating each year runs into millions. However, amongst the millions the number of marine engineering graduates is meager. Ever wondered how products produced world over find their way on the shelves of your neighborhood store. Fuel propels our vehicles, our homes(Crude oil & coal continue to remain the major source for production of electricity) & hence our economy. These products & fuel is brought to our shores by ships .The above is a small example which indicates how are lives are dependent on merchant navy. Merchant navy makes global trade possible & without it economies will crumble. Maritime trade has been in existence for over centuries & despite its importance careers at sea are still unknown to people. Its one of the few industries which offer an opportunity to visit new and exotic places all over the world, not spending a single penny from one’s own pocket. Fun mixed with work unlike any other industry.
Lucarative wages
A fresh engineer graduate earns anywhere between INR25,000-INR50,000/monthry level The next level after trainee is “Certified officer”. A Junior level certified officer earns anywhere between INR1.50-INR3.00 Lacs/month. The salary increases with rank/seniority. The Senior most ranks are Master & Chief engineer and they command a salary between INR6.00-10.00 Lacs/ month. Since the job involves staying abroad for extended periods.
Oppurtunity to see the world at very young age
Its one of the few industries which offer an opportunity to visit new and exotic places all over the world, not spending a single penny from one’s own pocket. Fun mixed with work unlike any other industry.
