A career in the merchant navy is a fascinating job, especially for the people who love to explore the adventure of beautiful seas and travel to exotic places around the world. A career in maritime science is not only challenging but also financially satisfying for the aspirants.
Merchant navy is the foundation of international trade and carrying shipment all around the world. A profile of the merchant navy is entirely different from the navy, as it is involved in defense of a country. There are various courses available today to make a career in the Merchant Navy. There are some private institutions which offer training to students for Merchant Navy as well and these best maritime institute in India prepare aspirants to make a career in nautical science.
As soon as you complete higher secondary education from a certified board with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, you’ll be eligible for enrolling in merchant navy courses. Other criteria are age limit which should be between 17-25 years. Admission to the merchant navy can be made through an entrance exam followed by the screening test and main exam. Candidates can apply for the various profile in the merchant navy by clearing aptitude programs organized by the Government of India. As of job prospects, then merchant navy is the hive of enormous job opportunities and candidates who have completed basic courses can get jobs easily. Opt for the best maritime institute in India to start your career in the merchant navy.
Different courses are available to join merchant navy in India:
B.tech in Marine Engineering: This is a four-year undergraduate program that you can enroll after completing 12th with science stream and 60% aggregate marks are required. On successful completion of the course, candidates are awarded by class 4 Marine Engineer Officer certificate of competency.
GME Course: GME is a full one-year program for Graduates. One can join this course after class 10th with a minimum percentage of 40%.
B.Sc in Nautical Science: This is a three-year undergraduate programme for science stream. Many institutes in India offer this course. Candidates must be between the age group of 17 and 25 years to qualify for the course after clearing the 12th standard with an average of 60% marks in PCM. After completing the course successfully, students are awarded by the Second Mates Foreign Going certificate of competency.
Diploma in Nautical Science: Diploma in Nautical Science is an 18-month programme, it is another course available for enrolling in the merchant navy. One can join this course after 10+2 from a recognized board.
GP rating Course: General purpose rating or GP course is a six- month duration course which trains students to become deck or engine crew member in merchant navy ships. Candidates should have passed class 10th from a certified board with an average of 40% marks.
STCW Course: This is a safety course which stands for Standards of Training, Certification of Watchkeeping for Seafarers and consists of four modules such as Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Technique, Social Responsibility, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety. The duration of the course is fifteen days to one month, which varies from the different training centre.
NCV Course: It stands for Near coastal Voyage, which is a six-month-long academic training program, along with an offshore training that will be conducted for 24 months. Passing the 10th standard is the minimum educational criteria required.
ETO (Electro Technical Officer Course): By completing this course, candidates will be eligible to become electrical officers in merchant navy ships. Electrical officers can operate and supervise all the electronic devices present at the ship.
Apart, from the above-listed courses in maritime science, there are plenty of other relevant courses available to join the merchant navy. If you love a job full of adventure, then joining the merchant navy is the right choice for you. Besides, having a six-figure salary package, there is a plethora of gratuity and perks available in this career.
