Career Guide · 2025
How to Join the Merchant Navy in 2025
A practical, step-by-step guide for students, graduates, and working professionals who want to start a career at sea as a Deck Officer, Marine Engineer, GP Rating or Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).
Reading time: 10–12 minutes
Overview: Is the Merchant Navy the Right Career for You?
The Merchant Navy offers **tax-free salary, fast promotions, and world travel**—but it also demands discipline, long working hours, and months away from home. Before you apply, it's important to understand the departments, eligibility, training requirements and recruitment process.
This guide is focused on **Indian and international candidates** looking to sail on merchant ships such as container vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, gas carriers and offshore vessels.
1. Main Career Paths in the Merchant Navy
Most seafaring careers fall into four major streams. Choose a path based on your **educational background**, interest in **navigation, machinery or electrical systems**, and long-term career goals.
Deck Officer (Navigation)
Responsible for navigation, cargo operations, safety and overall management of the vessel.
- • Typical course: B.Sc. Nautical Science / DNS
- • Career ladder: Deck Cadet → 3/O → 2/O → C/O → Captain
Marine Engineer (Engine Department)
Handles ship machinery, main engine, generators, boilers and technical systems.
- • Typical course: B.E./B.Tech Marine Engineering
- • Career ladder: Engine Cadet → 4/E → 3/E → 2/E → Chief Engineer
GP Rating (Deck & Engine Ratings)
Entry-level seafarer who assists both deck and engine departments in day-to-day operations and maintenance.
- • Typical course: 6-month GP Rating course
- • Minimum qualification: 10th/12th (as per DG guidelines)
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Specialises in electrical, electronic and automation systems onboard, including navigation and communication equipment.
- • Typical course: ETO course after Diploma / Degree
- • Background: Electrical / Electronics / Instrumentation
2. Eligibility & Basic Requirements
Exact eligibility depends on the course and institute, but in general you should meet the following conditions:
Age
- • Usually 17–25 years for pre-sea courses (varies by course)
- • Some lateral-entry or sponsored programs may allow higher age
Educational Qualification
- • Deck / Engine Officer: 10+2 with PCM (and minimum % as per DG)
- • Marine Engineering: 10+2 PCM + approved Engineering degree
- • GP Rating: 10th / 12th as per course requirement
Medical Fitness
- • DG Shipping approved medical examination
- • Good eyesight (many courses require 6/6; color blindness not allowed)
Other Requirements
- • Valid passport recommended
- • No serious criminal record
3. Step-by-Step Process to Join the Merchant Navy
- 1
Understand the departments and choose your stream.
Decide whether you are more inclined towards navigation (Deck), machinery (Engine), electrical (ETO) or support roles (GP Rating).
- 2
Shortlist DG Shipping–approved institutes.
Visit official DG Shipping / government websites and verify that the college is **approved** and the course is recognized.
- 3
Check eligibility & entrance tests.
Review required marks, age limits and entrance exams (college tests, IMU-CET, sponsorship tests etc.).
- 4
Apply to institutes and/or sponsored programs.
Fill out application forms, upload documents and appear for written tests, psychometric tests and interviews as required.
- 5
Complete pre-sea training successfully.
Attend classes, practical workshops, simulator sessions and follow hostel/discipline rules carefully. Poor discipline can affect placement.
- 6
Obtain mandatory STCW and other certificates.
After completion, ensure you receive your STCW certificates, INDoS number (for Indian seafarers) and course completion documents.
- 7
Apply for shipboard training / first contract.
Use college placement cell, reputed manning agencies and direct company applications to secure your first sea-going contract.
4. Training, Courses & STCW Certification
All seafarers must complete **STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)** basic safety courses before joining a ship. These are usually part of your pre-sea program.
Typical STCW Basic Courses
- • Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- • Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- • Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- • Security Training for Seafarers
Documents You Will Typically Need
- • 10th & 12th marksheets / degree certificates
- • Passport
- • CDC (after joining as trainee, as applicable)
- • Medical fitness certificate (DG approved doctor)
5. Recruitment Process & Campus Placements
Reputed institutes often have **tie-ups with shipping companies and manning agencies**. Selection may happen:
- Before joining the course (sponsorship programs)
- During the course (campus placements, interviews)
- After course completion (off-campus applications and walk-ins)
Typical recruitment stages include:
- Written / online tests (Maths, Physics, English, Aptitude)
- Technical & HR interviews
- Psychometric / aptitude assessments
- Medical examination by approved doctor
Always verify the **RPSL number of Indian manning agents** and avoid paying any illegal placement charges.
6. Important Tips Before You Decide
- Talk to **serving seafarers** (not just agents) to understand the real lifestyle and challenges.
- Be prepared for **10–12 hour work days, 7 days a week** while onboard.
- Choose **approved institutes** with a genuine placement record, not just glossy brochures.
- Keep a backup plan for shore-based opportunities after gaining sea experience.