HOW TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY

HOW TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY

WHAT IS MERCHANT NAVY

A merchant navy or merchant marine of any country is the fleet of merchant ships that are registered in that country. On merchant ships, Seafarers of various ranks are required to be trained and certified following the rules laid by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW).

WHY IS IT CALLED MERCHANT NAVY?

Merchant Marine ships of UK took part in the First world war and supported their Naval fleet and King George V bestowed the title of the “Merchant Navy” on the British merchant shipping fleets following their service in the First World War; since then a number of other nations have also adopted use of that title or the similar “Merchant Marine.”

MERCHANT NAVY IN INDIA

The first Indian owned vessel S.S. “Loyalty” sailed out of Bombay Harbour on 5th April 1919 for London. The vessel was owned by M/s. Scindia Steam Navigation Co. The Master and the other officers were British. Subsequently a resolution was moved by Sir P. S. Sivaswamy Iyer in the Indian legislative assembly. British ship R.I.M.S Dufferin was acquired by the Department of Commerce and converted into a training ship. On December 1927, the first batch of 50 nautical cadets joined the I.M.M.T.S. DUFFERIN.In 1935, training of engineering cadets was also commenced on the Dufferin. The number of cadets admitted each year was 25 nautical and 25 engineering cadets.

Today, India ranks 15th in the world in terms of total DWT (Dead Weight Tonnage). India currently supplies around 12.8% of officers and around 14.5% of ratings to the world seafaring community. This is one of the highest of any country. (Source: Wikipedia)

HOW TO BECOME MERCHANT NAVY EMPLOYEE IN INDIA?

The training of all the Indian Merchant Navy personnel is the responsibility of the Government of India, who work through the Ministry of Surface Transport. Directorate general of shipping India, is the governing body that regulates the complete maritime affairs in India. Directorate general of shipping (DG or DGS) shall be responsible for promotion of maritime education and training in co-ordination with the International Maritime Organisation.

Any type of merchant mariner education and training is currently regulated by DG shipping, hence, any candidate willing to take up career in maritime industry shall always ensure the Institute is an approved one by Directorate general of shipping.

WHAT ARE THE STREAMS AVAILABLE TO JOIN MERCHANT NAVY?

Shipboard jobs are mainly divided into 3 main departments. They are Deck Department, Engineering Department, Housekeeping & Hotel operations department.  Housekeeping & Hotel operations department is distinctively used in passenger ship; in most of the cargo ships this department is very small consisting of 2-3 employees as, modern days’ ships operate with a total crew of 15-30.

In every department with respect to Educational & Training qualification one can either choose to join in an Officer rank or a Rating rank. Officers are the ones with higher educational qualification and training as mandated by DGS and shall hold a valid license that is issued by the DGS India after successful completion of training and exams. Ratings (Supporting crew) positions also need DGS approved training which are of lesser duration and comparatively of simple nature when compared to an officer level training and education.

DECK DEPARTMENT

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LICENSED DECK OFFICERS?

Main responsibilities of deck officers:

• Navigate the ship through the oceans
• Voyage planning
• Safe Loading & Unloading of cargo
• Implementation of safety & security procedures
• Communications between ship & shore

The role of a Deck Officer is vital on board a merchant vessel. As the highest ranking Deck Officer, the Chief Officer – also known as the First Officer – will have the ultimate responsibility for the handling of cargo and the efficient running of the ship. With the assistance of lower ranking Deck Officers, all of whom have to be certified by DGS on completion of the required sea time, this team keeps the ship and its crew safe, secure and in business. Ship captain /Master (who rises from the lower rank in the Deck department) acts as the head of the deck department.

I THINK I FALL INTO THE CATEGORY OF DECK OFFICER HOW DO I JOIN AS A DECK OFFICER?

To be a licensed deck officer, one has to start as a Deck cadet and can rise up to the highest level as Ship Captain / Master.

DECK RATINGS (DECK DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTS)

Deck ratings do not require any license to work on board, however, any crew to work on specific roles on ship shall complete courses mandated by DGS and possess all required certificates & paper work which varies depending on the position served.

To join as a Deck rating one may require minimum qualification of 10^th standard pass with DG approved deck rating courses and safety courses.

Merchant Navy can be described as commercial fleet of non-combatant ships which deals with transportation of passengers, cargo and lots of other things by sea that may not be possible to dispatch either by road, rail or air, between countries. Merchant Navy fleet may include Passenger ships, Tanker ships, cargo ships, bulk carriers, refrigerator ships, container ships, barge carrying ships including roll on/roll off ships. India, being a fast developing country with growing economy, has one of the largest merchant shipping fleet and potential job opportunities.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LICENSED DECK OFFICER & A DECK RATING?

Well, as the name implies one, as a licensed deck officer will serve on the ship in officer position and rise up to the level as a captain of the ship. Officers responsibility on the ship will include but not limited to, Navigating the ship, Cargo operations, Berthing/Un-berthing the ship, Safety equipment etc.

Ratings will join the ship as assisting crew reporting to the officers and assisting them in the above said responsibilities. Their daily jobs include Chipping, Painting, Housekeeping of the deck areas, maintenance of deck machinery, assistance in cargo operation etc. One may join as deck rating and rise up to the level as deck officer and subsequently as the ship master / Captain.

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

WHAT IS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT?

Right from the beginning until 18^th century (when the first steam boat was invented) ships were propelled using various traditional power like winds force, waves, paddles etc. After the invention of steam powered boats, the ship propulsion technology evolved continuously which required the ship to be manned by the engineers.

Modern days ships are propelled by engines of various types and require various auxiliary machines to support the propulsion machinery. Engineering department in ship takes care of complete technical operation of the ship.

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENGINEERING OFFICERS?

Main responsibilities of engineering officers:

• Running and maintenance of propulsion engines & Auxiliary machines
• Running and maintenance of Diesel generators for power production
• Electrical power distribution & maintenance
• Various hotel equipment such as water production & distribution, Potable water (Hot & cold), Air conditioning, Sewage plants, galley equipment etc.
• Cargo handling equipment
• Communication equipment

Engineering department is commanded by The Chief engineer who is assisted by assistant engineers and Engine ratings. The role of an engineering officer is vital on board a merchant vessel. As the highest ranking Engineering Officer, the Chief Engineer will have the ultimate responsibility for the handling of complete technical aspects of the ship and the efficient running of the ship. With the assistance of lower ranking engineers, all of whom have to be certified by DGS (on completion of the required sea time), this team keeps the ship and its crew safe, secure and in business. Ship Chief Engineer who rises from the level as an engine cadet, is the head of the Engineering department.

I THINK I FALL INTO THE CATEGORY OF AN ENGINEERING OFFICER HOW DO I JOIN AS AN ENGINEERING OFFICER?

To be a licensed Engineering Officer, one has to start as an Engine cadet and can rise up to the level as Chief Engineer.

ENGINE RATINGS (ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ASSISTANTS)

Engine ratings do not require any license to work on board, however, any crew to work on specific roles in a ship shall complete courses mandated by DGS and possess all required certificates & paper work which varies depending on the position served.

To join as an Engine rating one may require minimum qualification of 10^th standard pass with DG approved engine rating courses and safety courses.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LICENSED ENGINE OFFICER & AN ENGINE RATING?

Well, as the name implies one, as a licensed engineering officer will serve on the ship in officer position and rise up to the level as a chief engineer of the ship. Officers responsibility on the ship will include but not limited to, Running and maintenance of ships machinery, Cargo equipment maintenance, Communications system, Power production & Distribution etc. Ratings will join the ship as assisting crew reporting to the officers and assisting them in the above said responsibilities. Their daily jobs include Watch keeping, Housekeeping of the engine room, Painting, maintenance of machinery etc. One may join as engine rating and rise up to the level as engineering officer and subsequently as the ship Chief engineer.

MASTER ELIGIBILITY CHECK

10^TH STANDARD PASS

REQUIREMENT 1 – Your age is between 17.5 to 25 Yrs

REQUIREMENT 2- You Scored less than 40% aggregate in 10^th.

You do not meet minimum qualification set by DGS to join any merchant navy courses. You can check with your 12^th standard marks.

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1 – Your age is between 17.5 to 25 Yrs years on the date of joining

REQUIREMENT 2- Pass with aggregate marks of 40% in 10^th Standard from a recognized Board with Science and Mathematics as subjects and with a minimum score of 40% in English language.

You are eligible to join the following courses

1. 6 months’ pre-sea course for General Purpose Rating.

Course offered in the following colleges. (Please note: Below information is obtained from DG shipping website on 14-APR-16, the status of institutions may change any time hence we request you to confirm the same from DG shipping website. www.dgshipping.gov.in)

2 – YEAR ITI COURSE

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Pass in 2-Year I.T.I. course from Govt. Approved Institute with aggregate marks of 50% in final year .

REQUIREMENT 2: Minimum score of 40% in English at 10th or 12th or diploma / degree exam.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is between 17.5 – 25 years on the date of joining

You are eligible to join the following courses

1. 6 Month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose Rating for Fitters/Petty Officers

12^TH STANDARD PASS

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Pass in 12^TH Standard from any stream, from a recognised Board with English as a subject.

REQUIREMENT 2: At least 40% marks in English either in the 10th or 12th standard.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is between 17.5 – 25 years on the date of joining

You are eligible to join the following courses

1. 6 months Certificate Course in Maritime Catering

POSSIBLE OPTION :2

REQUIREMENT 1: Passed 10+2 from recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as separate subjects with a PCM average of not less than 60%

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th standard exam.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements, you are eligible to join the following courses

1. One year Pre-Sea Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc Nautical Science affiliated to Indian Maritime University.

POSSIBLE OPTION :3

REQUIREMENT 1: Passed 10+2 OR Equivalent from recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as separate subjects with a PCM average of not less than 60%

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored a minimum 50% marks in English language at 10th or 12th standard exam.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements, you are eligible to join the following 2 courses

1. 3-Year B.Sc. Degree in Nautical Science

2. 4 Years B.S. [Nautical Technology]

POSSIBLE OPTION :4

REQUIREMENT 1: Passed 10+2 OR Equivalent from recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English as separate subjects with a PCM average of not less than 60%

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored a minimum of 50% marks in English language at 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into 4-Years marine engineering degree course.

POSSIBLE OPTION :5

REQUIREMENT 1: Passed (10+2) or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English as separate subjects with a PCM average of not less than 60%

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th, 12th std.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join 2 ^1/2 Years course for Marine Engineering under Alternate Training Scheme

DEGREE/DIPLOMA PASS IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Passed out & holding Degree/Diploma in Hotel management from recognized and reputed board or the universities

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored a minimum of 40 % in English language in 10th / 12^th standard examination.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is between 17.5 – 25 years on the date of joining

You are eligible to join the following courses

1. Orientation Course for catering personnel

B.SC. IN PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY OR ELECTRONICS

REQUIREMENT 1: B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics with Physics as individual subject in one of the year

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored an average of not less than 55% in the final year.

REQUIREMENT 3: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements, you are eligible to join the following courses

One year Pre-Sea Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc Nautical Science affiliated to Indian Maritime University.

B.E./B. TECH. DEGREE

REQUIREMENT 1: B.E./B. Tech. Degree from I.I.T. or from a college recognized by AICTE.

REQUIREMENT 2: Scored an average of not less than 50% in the final year.

REQUIREMENT 3: Obtained 50% marks in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree course.

REQUIREMENT 4: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

On satisfying the above requirements, you are eligible to join the following courses

One year Pre-Sea Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc Nautical Science affiliated to Indian Maritime University.

ATS SCHEME 1^ST YEAR PASSED

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 1^st year of Alternative training scheme.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

1^ST YEAR PASSED FROM MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

 POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 1^st year of Mechanical / Electrical engineering from an AICTE approved institution with a minimum aggregate of 60%.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

COMPLETED 3 YEARS DIPLOMA COURSE

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 3-year diploma course in the following majors from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum of 55% in the last year of diploma.

1. 3 years Diploma Course in Mechanical
2. 3 years Diploma Course in Marine
3. 3 years Diploma Course in Electrical
4. 3 years Diploma Course in Electrical & Electronics

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

COMPLETED 4 YEARS DIPLOMA IN SHIP BUILDING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 4-year diploma course in ship building from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum aggregate of 55% in the last year of diploma.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join into second year of 4-Years marine engineering degree.

COMPLETED 4 YEARS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING/NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 4-year degree course in Mechanical Engineering / Naval Architecture from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum aggregate of 55% in the last year of degree.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 25 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join 1-Year Marine Engineering Course for Graduates[GME]

COMPLETED 4 YEARS MECHANICAL & AUTOMATION ENGINEERING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Completed 4-year degree course in Mechanical & Automation Engineering from any AICTE OR State board of technical education with a minimum aggregate of 55% in the last year of degree.

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 28 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th or 12th Std or in the Degree / Diploma course conducted by recognized Board or University.

à On satisfying the above requirements you may join 1-Year Marine Engineering Course for Graduates[GME]

COMPLETED DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL /MARINE/ NAVAL ARCHITECTURE / ELECTRICAL / ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Pass Diploma in Mechanical /Marine/ Naval Architecture / Electrical / Electrical and Electronics Engineering with minimum marks of 50% in final year

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 28 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th, 12th std or Diploma exam.

On satisfying the above requirements you may join 2-Years Marine Engineering course for Diploma holders

COMPLETED DIPLOMA IN SHIPBUILDING ENGINEERING

POSSIBLE OPTION :1

REQUIREMENT 1: Passed Diploma in Shipbuilding Engineering with minimum marks of 50% in final year (4 year course)

REQUIREMENT 2: Your age is not more than 28 years on the day of joining the course.

REQUIREMENT 3: Scored a minimum of 50% in English language in the 10th, 12th std or Diploma exam

On satisfying the above requirements you may join 2-Years Marine Engineering course for Diploma holders