How to Join the Merchant Navy

If you’re searching for how to join Merchant Navy, it’s important to first understand the structure of life at sea. The Merchant Navy is divided into three main departments: Deck, Engine, and Catering. Each department plays a crucial role in running the ship smoothly. The Deck Department handles navigation and ship operations, the Engine Department manages all machinery and technical systems, while the Catering Department ensures the crew’s food and hygiene needs are met. Knowing these departments will help you decide the best path when exploring how to join Merchant Navy and build a successful career at sea.

Departments in the Merchant Navy

1.Deck Department

There are many ways through which you can get into the navigation department. You can either go for a Diploma in Nautical Science or pursue a B.Sc in Nautical Science. The starting position would be a Deck Cadet and after promotions, you can become a Captain of a Ship.

2.Engine Department

Just like the Navigation Department there is the engineer that runs the engine of the ship. You can be one of them by pursuing a B.Tech in Marine Engineering, Graduate Marine Engineering, or a Diploma in Marine Engineering. 

3.Rating Department

The Rating Department in the Merchant Navy includes skilled crew members who support the daily operations of the ship and form the backbone of life at sea. It mainly consists of GP Ratings, who are trained to work in both the Deck and Engine Departments, and Saloon Ratings, who handle catering and housekeeping duties. GP Ratings perform tasks like mooring operations, cargo handling, engine maintenance, and cleaning, while Saloon Ratings ensure the crew’s meals and living areas are well-maintained. For those exploring how to join Merchant Navy through entry-level jobs, ratings are a popular and practical choice. Although they do not start as officers, these seafarers play a key role in ship operations and can grow their career at sea through experience and further training.

“Now, let’s take a brief look at all the departments in the Merchant Navy.”

Deck Department:

1. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) – 1 Year
   • Leads to a B.Sc. Nautical Science degree
   • Shorter course duration, quick entry into sea service.
   • Onboard training is compulsory after the course.
2. B.Sc. Nautical Science – 3 Years
   • More detailed academic training before going on board.
   • Also leads to a career as a Deck Officer.

COURSES	Qualifications	Age limit
1 ) Diploma in Nautical Science	In 12th, more than 60% in PCM (70% for AEMA) More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th	17 – 25
2)   B.Sc in Nautical Science	In 12th, more than 60% in PCM More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th	“‘;17 – 25

Engine Department

1. B.Tech Marine Engineering – 4 Years,Full-fledged engineering degree in marine systems.
2. Graduate Marine Engineering-1year Graduate Marine Engineering (GME),6 months onboard training → Engineer Officer
3. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)-Course: 4 months Electro Technical Officer (ETO),8 months onboard training

COURSES	Qualifications	Age limit
1)B.Tech Marine Engineering	In 12th, more than 60% in PCM More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th. or Candidate with 3 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering can take lateral entry in the 2nd year of B.Tech Marine Engineering.  More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th is required.	17 – 25
2)Graduate Marine Engineering	Candidates must have a Degree in Mechanical or Naval Architecture with more than 55%.  Mora than 50% in English in 10th or 12th.	Not more than 28
3)Electro-technical Officer	In 12th, more than 65% in PCM.  More than 50% in English in 10th or 12th.  Candidates must have a 3-year Diploma or 4-year Graduation in Electrical Engineering or Electronics and Communication Engineering	Not more than 35

Rating Department

1.GP Rating-NON-OFFICER CATEGORY (After 10th Pass)- GP Rating is a six months residential course approved by D.G Shipping (Govt of India).  GP Rating syllabus includes the combined study of Deck and Engineering subjects. This course will cover all aspects of the seafaring profession (Deck and Engine), which also include swimming, physical drills, workshop training, rope and mast climbing, lifesaving appliances usage, fire fighting exercises and ship visits etc. After the training, external examinations is conducted by Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES)under D.G Shipping (Govt of India).Students who successfully pass the examination (BES) are issued INDIAN CDC and are eligible for ship jobs around the world. The students can join a ship as trainee OS (Ordinary Seaman) / trainee fitter/trainee oiler/trainee engine room cadet (for Diploma holders).

2.Saloon Rating-6months course ,Candidate joins the ship as an Mess Boy & after  6 months of sea service candidate gets promoted to Asst.Steward , and further gets Promoted to  Steward, Second cook, Cook, Chief cook.

COURSES	Qualifications	Age limit
1 ) GP Rating	In 10th, more than 40% in Science/English/Maths.  In 12th, more than 40% in any stream with 40% in English.  More than 40% Marks in ITI final year & more than 40% in English.	18 – 25
2)Saloon rating	In 10th, more than 40% in Science/English/Maths.	18-25

⚕️ Medical Requirements for Merchant Navy (DG Shipping Approved)

General Requirements:

• Medically fit for sea service
• Medical must be done only by a DG Shipping-approved doctor
  (Check latest list at dgshipping.gov.in)

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👁️ Eyesight Requirements:

Department	Requirement
Deck Department	6/6 vision in both eyes (unaided), No color blindness
Engine Department	6/12 in each eye (correctable to 6/6), slight color vision defects may be acceptable
ETO (Electrical Officer)	Normal vision, No color blindness (critical for electronic work)

🧠 Mental Health:

• No history of mental illness, epilepsy, depression, or psychiatric conditions.

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❤️ Physical Health:

• No chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, tuberculosis, asthma, heart problems)
• No physical disability affecting sea duty
• Normal hearing (sufficient to hear alarms, instructions, etc.)
• BMI (Body Mass Index) should be within healthy range

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🧪 Medical Tests May Include:

• Urine and blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• ECG
• Hearing and eyesight check
• Color vision test (Ishihara chart)
• Blood pressure check
• Dental examination

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📝 Medical Certificate:

• You must receive a “Fit for Sea Service” certificate from a DG-approved medical examiner
• Certificate is valid for 1 year or 2 year (for seafarers)

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🔴 Note: If found unfit, you cannot join any Merchant Navy course or ship.

💡 Pro Tip:

Always choose DG Shipping-approved institutes and try to get sponsorship before joining any course.

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🏁 Final Word:

The Merchant Navy is not just a job — it’s a lifestyle. If you’re passionate about ships, traveling the world, and earning a strong income early in your career, this is the path for you.

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