How ITI Candidates Join Merchant Navy ??
Last updated on September 6th, 2023 at 04:09 pm
Joining the merchant navy is a prestigious and challenging career path that requires candidates to pursue maritime education. However, in recent years, there have been opportunities for ITI (Industrial Training Institute) graduates to enter this industry. In this blog, we will explore how ITI candidates can set sail on their journey to this amazing career.
Is it possible to join the merchant navy ??

- Yes, after graduating from ITI, you can apply to the merchant navy.
- You are eligible to apply for deck and engine ratings, not as an officer.
- You will be joining as a pump man in the deck and an engine fitter in the engine.
However, before joining as a Fitter, you should familiarise yourself with the Duties of Fitter.
Which ITI trade professional can join?

There are several trades in the ITI, only specific trade professionals can join the merchant navy:-
- Fitter, mechanist, marine fitter, motor mechanic, turner, vessel navigator, instrument mechanic, electronic mechanic, electrician, a/c mechanic, mechanic motor vehicle, welder, draughtsman.
- ITI Fitters can become Trainee Fitters, assisting with ship equipment maintenance.
- ITI Fitters can become Trainee Fitters, assisting with ship equipment maintenance.
This list goes on for several other trades, for instance a motor mechanic, welder, etc. However, it’s essential to supplement ITI qualifications with specialized maritime training, certifications, and sea service to meet industry requirements.
What is the qualification required ??

Qualification required who want to join:-
- Must have 50% marks from the recognized university in the final semester.
- Must have a minimum of 40 % marks in English
- Must have STCW Courses Certificate.
- Compulsory fitter course which is 6 months from GEIMS, NUSI Goa, T.S. Rahaman.
Want to know which college is best suitable for you, go to our College Portal and get a fair idea about each college:
What are the documents required for ITI??

Documents required are:-
- Passport
- CDC
- Yellow fever certificate
- INDOS
- STCW
- Certified fitter documents from recognized institutes like GEIMS
What are the criteria for medical fitness??
- Height 158 cm
- BMI 18-25(Min &MAX)
- Eyesight 6/6, no color blindness
- No speech impairment
Which institute should I join??

- Marine fitter courses run by institutes are cost-effective but don’t guarantee jobs on the ship.
- It is better to join a reputed institute like GEIMS to get jobs onboard instead of surrendering hard-earned money to fraud agents.
- Joining the merchant navy as an ITI fitter is worthwhile if you get sponsorship from a company otherwise hanging around agents will lead nowhere.
What are the interview questions ??

- Tell me about yourself.
- What kind of environment have you worked in before as a fitter?
- What type of gasket used in high temperatures?
- What is the type of spanners and their uses?
- What is the type of welding, which welding do you prefer?
- What kind of environment have you worked in before?
- Why do you want to join this company?
- What is the difference between A/c and D/c?
- What are the parts of motors?
Some good companies will hold trade tests in a certified workshop.
What is the salary onboard?

Different companies in the market provide good salary packages for those with excellent skills and experience.
- Trainee fitter:-500 to 700 $ per month
- Fitter:-1200 to 1800$ per month
- The important point is that, when you join a ship, you will be going as a trainee fitter.
- Later, you can have an onboard promotion, on an experience and skills basis, which will make you fitter.
What are the jobs onboard?

The job of the fitter is to resolve the ship’s problem:-
- Fabrication, pipework, brazing, lathe work, gas welding, etc.
- Even if you are an engine or deck fitter you will need to work at both places in case of serious emergencies like machinery malfunction, pipe rupturing, leakages due to high pressure, or oil spill due to extra load.
- The job of a fitter onboard is technically a difficult one hence you will find yourself working in harsh environment depending upon the type and conditions of the ship.