1. What is Merchant Navy?
Ans: Merchant Navy is the form of Navy that deals in Merchant shipping. It is purely private business comprising of transportation of various goods through ships. 95% economy of any country depends upon shipping industry and it’s the gateway for that. It has nothing to do with Navy (Defence) of any country.
As a Merchant Navy officer, you’ll be employed on various types of ships including
- Cruise ships
- Cargo,Container, Bulk Carrier and Car carrier ships
- Oil, Gas and Chemical tankers Specialized Supply, Support and Rescue vessels – including support for the offshore Oil & Gas industry.
Life in Merchant Navy is prestigious, rewarding and Adventurous. It has the opportunity to explore all over the world. It has very high living standard with quality food and high repatriation facilities through flights. Here whatever one earn is 100% saving as fooding, lodging and travelling is free from the company. One learns how to adapt to different situations, adverse weather conditions and living with different Nationalities. It’s a very high paid job as its risky and staying is away from family, Also Income is tax-free and one get NRE status (working abroad for at least 183 days of the year). Job tenure is of contract type in which you are available 24 hrs in case of emergency however normal working time is of 8 hours either in shift or days work.
Working in the merchant navy enables individuals to function better as a unit. Merchant mariners possess good communication skills and extreme resourcefulness, along with following and maintaining high discipline. These qualities are further honed when a person spends considerable amount of time functioning as a part of a novel team in the high seas.
A.YES, WOMEN ALSO CAN JOIN IN MERCHANT NAVY.
ELIGIBILITY:-
For the officer grade, it is mandatory to have at least 50% marks in English and an aggregate of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. As far as the ratings are concerned, the requirements are different with the requirement set at 50% marks in English in Xth and XIIth and a 50% aggregate in Xth or XIIth with English, Mathematics and Sciences in Xth and any stream for the XIIth board. The same applies to those wishing to join the catering department on ship. Having said that, the criteria for the eligibility might differ with the different institutes and it is advisable to check the website of the desired institute to check the specific requirement set for the admission into the desired course.
AGE:
The minimum age is 17 years and the maximum is 25 years to be eligible for examinations pertaining to the merchant navy. As per the Government rules, the maximum age relaxation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is 5 years more.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:
Physical fitness is very important for a career at sea. A certificate of fitness from a registered dg shipping medical practitioner is mandatory for admission into a course. Candidates with disabilities aren’t eligible for admission into courses with regard to the merchant navy. This hasn’t much to do with discrimination as such as it is supremely important to be fully able in carrying out the duties on board a merchant ship.
A. IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
Indian Maritime University (IMU) conducts the
for providing admission to its Under Graduate and Post Graduate programs.
IMU was set up to promote maritime studies, training, research and extension with focus on emerging areas like oceanography, maritime history, maritime laws, maritime security, search and rescue, transportation of dangerous cargo, environmental studies, and other related fields, and to achieve excellence in these areas.
AIMNET (All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test)
All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test is conducted for admission in All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test for admission in (i) B.Sc Nautical Science ii) B.Tech Naval Architecture iii) G.P. Ratings iv) Diploma of Applied Science (deck watch keeper) by AMSA v) B.Tech Marine vi) MBA (Shipping and logistics Management).
Click Here To Buy IMU CET Guide
6.How to prepare for CET Exam? Is there any guidance or coaching center available?
A. CET test is based on 12 th class syllabus like [ MATHS, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, ENGLISH ], GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, & APTITUDE.
COACHING CENTER AVAILABLE:- AIMS MARITIME COACHING CLASSES
A. The minimum qualification for courses in Nautical science and Marine engineering is 10+2 or an equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, and mathematics. For the officer grade, it is mandatory to have at least 50% marks in English and an aggregate of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. As far as the ratings are concerned, the requirements are different with the requirement set at 40% marks in English in Xth and XIIth and a 40% aggregate in Xth or XIIth with English, Mathematics and Sciences in Xth and any stream for the XIIth board. The same applies to those wishing to join the catering department on ship
A. THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF DEPARTMENTS IN THE MERCHANT NAVY
DECK DEPT:-
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN DECK DEPARTMENT THEY CAN TAKE ADMISSION IN MARITIME INSTITUTES AFTER 12 TH .
ENGINE DEPARTMENT:-
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN ENGINE DEPT THEY CAN TAKE ADMISSION IN MARITIME INSTITUES AFTER 12 TH & ALSO THE CAN DO B.TECH IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AFTER COMPLETING THAT THEY HAVE TO DO GRADUATE MARINE ENGINEERING COURSE OF 1 YEAR.
SALOON DEPARTMENT:-
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN GP RATING COURSE THEY CAN TAKE ADMISSION IN DG APPROVED INSTITUTES AFTER 10 TH CLASS.
A. PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE THE DEPARTMENT ACCORDING TO THEIR INTERESTS
DECK DEPT:-
If the high tides thrill you and you are enthusiastic to command and steer the ship you can join the Deck department of the ship. The deck department is responsible for the safe navigation, cargo operation and administration of the shipboard organization. The department consists of Officers assisting the Master, who is overall in charge of the ship, in successfully applying the company policies and regulations for the safe operation of the ship. The Subordinates of Captain/Master are the Chief Officer, 2nd Officer and the 3rd Officer
ENGINE DEPT:-
If you are a stubborn engineer and pledges to run the ship in any condition and you are technically sophisticated and wish to make the ship run, it’s you. A sense of responsibility, discipline and hard work is must as being techno-savvy and keeping a deep interest in machinery, automation and Electricals.
Here one can become the Chief Engineer, Overall incharge of Engine Department and all technical and mechanical machinery in Engine Room and On Deck.
One deal with massive propulsion and power plant , are responsible for the smooth and safe operation of all machines and their maintenance. one control the main engine and other Aux Machinery like Generators, Boilers and various Pumps. One are responsible for the safe refueling of the Ship. The ships’s refrigeration plant and sewage system is also controlled by Engineers onboard, one makes cooperation with the deck department in the maneuvering times and on a general day to day jobs onboard.
The engine department is responsible for deck machinery and cranes. The working environment in Engine room is hot and noisy. , While most of Advanced Ships are Unmanned Machinery Spaces and thus rely most on automation. This make the Engineer’s work more interesting and challenging.
SALOON DEPT:-
People who are interested in cooking they can choose saloon department
Saloon dept focuses on maritime catering activities. It is a certification course that will help you get familiar with maritime catering processes.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship here means that you have been earmarked by a company that upon completion of your pre-sea course you will be trained on board their ship where you are also entitled to receive a stipend during your training period.
In India, if you are undergoing a MERCHANT NAVY course, then it Is mandatory to complete X months of training on board ship to be eligible for courses and to appear for C.O.C examinations conducted M.M.D, D.GShipping, Govt. of India. So, for that X month of training, you need to find a company and for MERCHANT NAVY course it has to be done before the course starts.
Non-sponsorship:-
completing MERCHANT NAVY course in India is a little expensive. after completion of MERCHANT NAVY course also you unable to find job easily. Because few companies running their own institutes to onboard their cadets and few companies tied up with some colleges as well as with agents also. And some companies conduct open tests. in today’s shipping industry, only a few shipping companies, who also manage a ship management firm, can be relied upon. A private or even a government institute claiming 100% placement actually means that they will provide. “100% placement assistance” on successful completion of the course. A lot can be figured out on the basis of the acute dearth of job opportunities in the shipping sector. Please don’t be fooled by “100% placement” advertisements, act wise and do your research before joining such institutes.
Most of the institutes are struggling to provide good placements due to less demand of maritime professionals, especially at the starting level. But they can’t provide 100%.
11. How can I get Sponsor Ship?
A. The process of getting sponsored generally includes the following steps :
First of all, you have to choose a company. There are many good companies and institutes like Great Eastern, Anglo-Eastern, International Maritime Institute (IMI), Fleet, Tolani Institute, etc. Then go to their respective websites and apply there. You will get an email later saying that you will have to appear for their entrance exam and later (on passing) for their interview. So you will have to appear for their exam and psychometric test and if you successfully pass that, you will be called for the interview. If you have successfully cleared the interview round, you will be sent for the medical test/check-up. Once you’ve passed that, you will then receive their sponsorship letter stating that you are now (under certain terms and conditions) eligible to join their own institute or the institutes that they suggest.
Note:
- You have to clear the IMU CET to get finally accepted into their institute. If you have got the sponsorship letter but don’t pass the CET, the sponsorship letter will be disregarded…
- Company like Fleet, require you to pass TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language) along with the other rounds.
A. DNS is one year course. With this diploma certificate, u can survive in the merchant navy only. This certificate is not valid for any other jobs. After completing D.N.S pre Sea course you have to get 18 Months of onboard training as a Deck Cadet. So considering this after your +2 you did one year study and would be earning a good amount of money 18 months. . And you have a good practical experience of 18 months onboard.
And let me tell your Life on board is not easy especially as a Cadet. After your 18 months training, you will do 4 months of Function classes & Other courses required for your exams which will cover up another 2–3 months. Than you have to give your written exams for 6 subjects (70% passing marks) & if you successfully cleared that then you will have to give your Oral exams. And if you clear everything successfully you will have your Certificate of Competency (COC) as 2nd Mate of F.G. Vessel & Also a B,Sc Degree.
Let’s come to B.SC Which is a 3-year long course, and costs a good amount of money nearly 8 lacks. And by chance, you would like to change your field and go for some Gov. Job or other exams you have a Graduate Degree in Your Hand. After 3 yrs of Study, you will have to get 12 Months of onboard training as Cadet. And after finishing your sea time you have to do ONLY COURSES, No function CLASSES. And you DONT HAVE TO WRITE ANY WRITTEN EXAMS, you can directly go for your Orals exams and clear them successfully and become an Officer in Merchant Navy.
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A. YES, anyone can apply for an education loan by submitting the required documents In the bank.
14. Will there be any salary during the training period?
A. There are two sides of training in merchant navy, one is Pre-sea Training and the second is Post-sea Training. Pre-sea Training is not only training but a certification course also. There are various ways through which you can join merchant navy by pursuing respective certification courses. Pre-sea Training is academic training and for this, you will not get any salary.
After completion of Pre-sea Training, you have to do Post-sea Training (Onboard Training). Initially, you will be ranked as Trainee Marine Engineer/Officer or Cadet or Assistant. During Onboard Training you will get a decent salary. The amount of salary will be variable according to companies.
15.How much time does it take for a deck cadet/engine cadet to become a master/chief engineer ?
A.To become a Master / Chief Engineer, it depends on many aspects. Most important is the market scenario – more trade means more ships, and faster promotion. Next comes getting your Certificate of Competency – how fast can you pass those hardles. And, how good your appraisals were.
A. There is no retirement age in Merchant navy. As long as you are physically fit and hold valid documents as per your rank, you can sail in sea.
Some companies however do not employ ratings over 60+ years old. But not all companies. It’s depending upon the company policies.
17.What is pre-sea training?
A. PRE SEA Training is the specialized courses ( Nautical Science, Marine engineering & GP rating ) which should be done in the institute before going to the ship. In that period you will learn how to be at sea.
A trainee during pre-sea course will be theoretically taught in the institute according to their course.
18.What is GP rating?
A. The course duration is 6 months long. It is a pre-sea training course. GP Rating course focuses on training cadets in two main roles of shipping sector- Deck crew and engine crew. Deck and Engine Rating programs are available as Individual courses. But GP Rating combines them both and trains candidate Deck as well as Engine Rating aspects. As part of the course, cadets will b given knowledge and skills related to topics like- ship machinery, swimming, fire prevention and safety technology, first AID, basics of sea, ship familiarization faring, etc.
19.Can I become an officer by doing GP rating ?
A.YES, you can become an officer/engineer by doing GP rating course.to become an officer/engineer you have to complete the sailing according to M.M.D, DG shipping requirement. And you should clear the exams( ORALS & FUNCTIONS).
A. Candidates joining DNS, degree(Nautical Science) & degree (Maritime Science) degree course color vision shall (unaided 1.0 (6/6) in better eye and 0.67 (6/9) in other eyes. In case of candidates joining B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) degree course, 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 eyes.
20. website suggestions if any?
Colour blindness candidates are not eligible in the merchant navy.
To Know more About IMU CET Click Here
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