Ocean shipping has always been the most efficient mode of transporting goods. This fact has not changed over the centuries even though technology has made enormous strides. In fact, the maritime industry has effectively harnessed technology to become increasingly more efficient and thereby sustain its comparative advantage over other forms of transport
Merchant Navy is the backbone of India’s international trade, carrying cargoes to and fro from all over the world. Merchant ships employ a large number of workers to carry and deliver goods from one country to another. The opportunity to travel around the world and the lure of adventure on the high seas, besides the possibility of high remunerations attracts many youngsters to make a career in the Merchant Navy.
A career in the merchant navy is considered a glamorous job, especially by the people who have been bitten by the travel bug. It offers an opportunity to visit new and exotic places all around the globe. Merchant Navy career is not only monetarily rewarding but also satisfying and quite challenging.
Marine engineering is a multi-disciplinary, “non-conventional” branch of engineering, so called because a marine engineer working aboard a ship has to perform varied functions in the areas of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and environment engineering. A marine engineer needs to perform these functions in the self-contained environment of a ship at sea and must also demonstrate additional skills such as firefighting and damage control.
List of Merchant Navy Fleet
- Cargo ships
- Container ships
- Barge carrying ships
- Tankers and bulk carriers
- Refrigerator ships
- Passenger ships, etc.
However, the possibility of finding employment in cargo ships is more as compared to the others. Companies that run merchant ships require trained personnel who can operate and maintain the ships for them.
Three Main Departments of the Merchant Ship
- Deck
- Engine
- Service department
Eligibility Criteria to Become the Merchant Navy Officer
- +2: Have to graduate in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry , Maths)
- Admission through entrance examination
- Unmarried candidates, of either sex are eligible to apply. For female candidates there is a relaxation of the age limit up to 2 years.
- Candidates must meet the minimum physical fitness and medical standards as laid out in the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2009 as amended from time to time.
- It is important to note that any deficiency in this respect would disqualify a candidate from a career at sea.
- Qualifying in IMUCETis mandatory for admission Eyesight: Distance vision unaided 0.5 (6/12) in each eye or 0.67 (6/9) in better eye and 0.33 (6/18) in other eye.
- Normal colour vision shall be tested by Ishihara test chart.
- Having Passport is mandatory at the time of admission
A Marine Chief Engineer’s rank is equivalent to that of a Captain. The other designations in this field are –
- Sales engineers
- Engineering managers
- Submarine designer
- Third assistant engineer
- Trainee Marine Engineer
- Junior Marine Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Onshore Marine coordinator
- Dry Dock Engineer
- Fourth Assistant Engineers
- Marine Equipment Designers
- Maintenance Engineers for Hotels, Hospitals & Malls etc.
Disclaimer: This is to bring to notice that all information of people and their practicing careers and details has been taken from public forums. Career Prabhu claims no copyrights on this information.
Career Prabhu recommends that you perform your own individual research or verify the information before making any career decision
