Duties of Fitter in Merchant Navy
Fitter in the merchant navy is a crucial rank in the engine department of a ship. The fitter comes under the 2nd Engineer because of which he is responsible for assisting Engineers with maintenance and fabrication work as per the requirements and instructions of the 2nd Engineer. The fitter is not a watchkeeper and hence is a day worker. Normally, only one fitter is present onboard. In some ships where a lot of fabrication work is required, the company assigns an additional fitter to work on deck, and the assigned rank for them is Deck Fitter.
Responsibilities of a Fitter
A Fitter in the Merchant Navy is responsible for the following things onboard –
- Obtaining work schedule and orders from the 2nd Engineer.
- Obtaining work schedule and orders from the Chief Officer (if delegated for specific work on deck).
- Carrying out tasks and working with other ship staff as per instructions received.
- Upkeep and safety of all mechanical working tools onboard.
- Upkeep, safe use, storage, and handling of welding and gas-cutting equipment (including oxygen and acetylene bottles)
- Assisting in mooring/unmooring operations, if required.
- Carrying out the assigned work in a safe and efficient manner.
Note: When also serving as a Pumpman, in addition to the above, the job responsibilities of a Pumpman will apply.
How to Become a Fitter in the Merchant Navy
In order to become a Fitter in Merchant Navy one has to pursue the 6 monthly GP Rating course.
The eligibility for the GP Rating course is-
| Qualifications in Academics | Medical/Physical Standards | Age regulations | |
| For individuals who have passed their tenth class | A minimum of 40% from a recognized board is required in English, Science, and Mathematics in the 10th or 12th grades. | As per Merchant Shipping guidelines, candidates must be physically and medically fit. They must be capable of seafaring. Both eyes must have a vision of 6/6. (Unaided vision). Furthermore, the candidate should not be colorblind. | It must be between the ages of 17.5 to 25. |
| For individuals who want to do a pre-sea GP rating course for Fitters/Welders | Pass a two-year Industrial Training Institutes course certified by DVET (Department of Vocational Education and Training) / NCVT (National Council of Vocational Training) as a Fitter / Machinist / Mechanic / Welder / Turner with a least 40 percent total mark in the final year of ITI and a minimum 40 percent in English in 10th / 12th. | Candidate must be physically and medically fit. Both eyes must have a vision of 6/6. (Unaided vision) | Between the ages of 17.5 and 25 |
After completion of the GP Rating course from some of the top colleges for GP Rating, you will join a ship as a Trainee Fitter. After completing a certain period of sea time, the Company will promote you to the rank of Fitter. Typically, a Trainee Fitter in the Merchant Navy must complete at least three contracts to earn promotion to the rank of Fitter. After completing 36 months of sea-time as a Trainee Fitter or Fitter, the candidate can also apply for the Class IV Certificate of Competency to become a Marine Engineer.
The journey to become a Fitter is anything but not an easy one hence to support and guide you we have launched a GP Rating Package that will help you brush up on all the necessary topics required in GP Rating:
Salary of a Fitter in the Merchant Navy
As mentioned above, Fitter is one of the most important parts of the engineering department of a ship. Therefore, their hard work onboard earns them a handsome salary. However, like every other seafarer, the salary of a Fitter in the Merchant Navy varies according to the Shipping Company and the type of vessel. For instance, on average, the salary of a Fitter in the merchant navy ranges between 1200$ – 1500$.
Like every other seafarer, the job of a Fitter is also not an easy one because, like other ratings, they sail for extended contracts of 9 – 11 months. They usually have a lot of experience and hence know a great deal about engines.
Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.
Reproduction, copying, sharing, or use of the article or images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission from both the author and Merchant Navy Decoded.
Merchant Navy me fiter job ke lia
you can call on 7417349336 for more info related to fitter and GP Rating.
Done fitter but age 27 so it’s possible to gp rating course?
The minimum age to join is 25 years. You can send us your CV or call on 7417349336 for further information.
I’m now 27 so it’s possible or not??
I am afraid you are not eligible for GP Rating then. You can call on 7417349336 for more clear information about your eligibility.
I’m traning fittar please required job
My contact number 8858412085
Hi Shahabuddin, we do not provide any kind of job to any person. However, you can check out our GP Rating Course to understand how you can get job onboard.
Fitter
Hi Ambar, if you want to know more about Fitter, check out our free GP Rating Guidance Series to get the complete information about GP Rating.
Gp rating kya hai
Complete information regarding the GP Rating is given in our free GP Rating Guidance Series. Enroll now to join the best GP Rating College.
Iti fitter job sir
Hey Gautam, if you are looking for a way to join GP Rating then you need to watch our free GP Rating Guidance series, it will tell you how you can join Merchant Navy after ITI and what colleges you need to prepare for.
Fitter welder
Ok
Treny fitter welder
Hi Avi, you can check whether you are eligible to join the Merchant Navy or not with our Merchant Navy Eligibility Calculator.