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The Merchant Navy offers jobs that come with good pay and the chance to travel, though it involves being away from home for a while. Salaries can range widely: starting positions like deck cadets might earn around INR 4 lakh to 5 lakh per year, while top positions like Captains can make up to INR 90 lakh to 1.5 crore annually, depending on experience and the type of ship.
The salary of an Indian Merchant Navy officer or engineer can range anywhere from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month and can get up to ₹15,00,000 per month when you become a Captain or an Engineer in the Merchant Navy.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Rank and Position | Rank and designation significantly influence shipping salaries. The top officers such as Captains and Chief Engineers command much larger salaries compared to lower ranks like Deck Cadets and Trainee Engineers. The commanding officers receive additional responsibilities, authority to make decisions, and the burden of responsibility, qualifying them for larger paychecks. Lower ranks and trainees draw lower salaries because they are on their learning curves, developing competence. |
| Experience and Seniority | Years of experience and the resultant seatime have a big role to play in salary growth. Experienced seafarers, particularly those for intricate operations, are very much in demand. Seasoned senior officers who have demonstrated capabilities and leadership command greater salaries. Gradual rises through the ranks also translate to increases in salaries. |
| Type of Ship | The ship type has a significant influence on earnings. Specialized vessels, including oil tankers, LNG ships, and offshore ships, tend to pay more than regular cargo ships or bulk carriers because they present higher risks and technical skill demands. Cruise ships tend to offer lower base pay but reward with tips, bonuses, and onboard benefits for hospitality-related jobs. |
| Trading Routes | International trade routes tend to pay more to seafarers than inland routes. The routes that operate through high-risk zones (high-risk areas prone to piracy) might have special hazard pay incorporated. Ships calling at remote, unfriendly countries or operating under extreme conditions are also likely to pay higher incentives for tough work conditions. |
| Shipping Company or Employer | Salaries differ between various shipping companies based on their size, reputation, and financial health. Established multinational shipping companies tend to pay higher salaries, benefits, and job security than smaller or less well-known companies. Government-owned shipping companies tend to have set salary scales, whereas private and foreign companies tend to provide more competitive compensation packages. |
| Nationality and Country of Operation | Seafarers’ wages are determined by their nationality and the country where their employer operates. Sailors from developed countries tend to earn higher wages as a result of better labor protection and economic conditions. Seafarers from developing countries, on the other hand, could receive less wage compensation even when serving with international firms because of variations in costs of labor and economic conditions in the region. |
| Qualifications and Certifications | Further professional qualifications and training enhance earning capacity. Specialized certificates such as Dynamic Positioning (DP), Hazardous Materials Handling, and Advanced Tanker Operations allow seafarers to take up better-paid specialist positions. Professional updating through refresher courses and higher competency certificates promotes salary growth. |
| Duration and Contract Type | The type of a seafarer’s contract influences salary levels. Longer contracts with longer sea time tend to pay higher cumulative remuneration and end-of-contract bonuses. Short contracts pay higher daily or monthly rates but do not provide long-term security. Permanent jobs with shipping firms provide stable salaries, paid leave, and benefits, which appeal to most seafarers. |
| Market Demand and Economic Conditions | Global trade fluctuations, oil prices, and economic conditions affect hiring patterns and compensation structures. Seafarers’ wages increase when shipping services are in high demand because of the competition for skilled experts. Economic recessions and low trade, on the other hand, can result in decreased salaries, job instability, or dismissal in the sector. |
| Working Conditions and Other Responsibilities | Seafarers who work in adverse conditions, for example, harsh weather conditions, dangerous cargo operations, or physically demanding positions, receive extra allowances in many cases. Assumption of other responsibilities, for instance, security tasks, training of junior crew, or upkeep on board, can result in higher earnings due to bonuses and allowances. |
| Union Membership and Collective Bargaining Agreements | Collective bargaining agreements benefit unionized seafarers with standardized wages, working conditions, and benefits. Unions negotiate with employers to obtain enhanced pay, health coverage, retirement schemes, and worker protection. Workers who are not unionized will receive salaries according to individual negotiations, which may differ significantly. |
| Performance and Reputation | The professional reputation and performance of a seafarer directly contribute to career development and earning prospects. Those who perform well on evaluations, exhibit strong leadership skills, and can be relied upon have greater chances of promotion and increases in compensation. Rewards, commendations, and favorable references by former employers also add to the earning capability by creating greater earning opportunities. |
You can join the Merchant Navy after the 10th and 12th and can earn lakhs of rupees after passing out from school. If you are a 10th pass-out then you can pursue a GP Rating course and get on board in the rating department where your salary can start from ₹30,000 to ₹1,60,000 per month.
If you want to go after the 12th then you can go either in the Deck Department or in the Engine Department where your salary can start from ₹30,000 to ₹15,00,000 per month. The salary in the Deck or Engine Department is almost same with the respect to rank and experience.
As we are going to discuss the salary of the Merchant Navy the first thing that you should know is that the Merchant Navy is comprised of different ranks so we are going to work on the salary from bottom to top i.e. Deck Cadet to Master of the ship. The salary that a Cadet receives on his first ship is between ₹30,000 to ₹70,000
The third officer is the first rank that you will be awarded after clearing your 2nd Mate CoC Exams as a Deck Cadet. At this post, your salary increases drastically with the responsibility. The salary at the rank of 3rd Officer can vary based on Experience, and the type of ship and company a sailor is sailing with.
| Rank | 3rd Officer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | The 3rd Officer is in charge of the firefighting apparatus and lifesaving appliances and is sometimes also referred to as the Ship’s safety officer, he is also a bridge watchkeeper. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ship | ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ship | ₹2,15,000 to ₹3,50,000 |
The second officer is one of the most crucial ranks onboard that you can get with on-board promotion. The second officer is responsible for the navigation and route planning of the ship, with that, the second officer is also the medical officer of the ship earning quite a good fortune while being on board.
| Rank | 2nd Officer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | A 2nd Officer is the ship’s navigator and on occasion the medical officer, he is also a bridge watchkeeper and the designated communication officer. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ship | ₹2,15,000 to ₹3,50,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ship | ₹3,30,000 to ₹4,00,000 |
The chief officer is the second top rank onboard the ship after the Captain. A Chief Officer is responsible for the maintenance and welfare of the crew onboard. He also acts as a Duty officer for the new Deck Cadets as he is most experienced after the Captain. Let’s look into the salary of a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy.
| Rank | Chief Officer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | A Chief Officer is responsible for the cargo operations, he/she is also in charge of the management of deck crew, safety & firefighting operations, environmental protection, and serving as the vessel security officer. |
| Salary in Dry Cargo Ships | ₹5,40,000 to ₹7,10,000 |
| Salary in Tanker Ships | ₹6,50,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Rank | Captain |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | A Captain or a Master is responsible for the overall functioning of a vessel and holds the ultimate command over it. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ships | ₹6,60,000 to ₹8,30,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ships | ₹7,50,000 to ₹12,00,000 |
Just like the Deck Department, there is the engine department that maintains and makes the engine of the ship run smoothly. It is these engineers who make it possible for Deck Officers to navigate the ship, so, it is normal to pay them generously. We will look into the salary of Marine Engineers and learn how much they get compared to the Deck Department.
In the Engine Department, the lowest rank is Trainee Marine Engineer which is a for training onboard. This is the only rank where you can learn as much as possible and ask as many questions as you want, no one will tell you to stop asking doubts. Hence, in this position, your main focus should be on learning skills and not on salary, but still to give you an idea we will discuss the salary.
| Rank | Trainee Marine Engineer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | The Trainee Marine Engineer is a trainee under the 2nd Engineer, he/she assists the senior engineers in their respective duties and assists the 2nd Engineer in his night rounds. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ships | ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ships | ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 |
| Rank | 4th Engineer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | The 4th Engineer is in charge of the purifier, compressor, and machinery other than the primary engine, auxiliary engine, and boilers. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ships | ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ships | ₹2,15,000 to ₹3,50,000 |
| Rank | 3rd Engineer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | The 3rd Engineer serves as the 2nd Engineer’s understudy maintains the sea and port watchkeeping maintains the boiler, and performs the cooler water tests |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ships | ₹3,30,000 to ₹4,00,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ships | ₹3,30,000 to ₹4,16,000 |
| Rank | 2nd Engineer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | The major responsibility of a 2nd Engineer is to oversee the daily operation and maintenance of all machinery on board, including the ballast system and firefighting equipment. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ships | ₹5,40,000 to ₹7,10,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ships | ₹6,50,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Rank | Chief Engineer |
|---|---|
| Job Profile | The Chief Engineer’s major responsibility is to guarantee the safe and effective functioning of the engine department. |
| Salary on Dry Cargo Ships | ₹6,60,000 to ₹8,30,000 |
| Salary on Tanker Ships | ₹7,50,000 to ₹12,00,000 |
Apart from the Deck and Engine Department there is another kind of department that is as important as the Deck or Engine Department i.e. Rating Department. GP Rating does not offer an Officer position but their work is comprised of various Decks and Engine-related duties that are crucial to maintain the condition of the ship. If we talk about their salaries, it is not near the salary of an Officer but it’s not that low either. So Let’s look at the salaries given to Deck and Engine Rating.
| Rank | Average Salary Per Month |
| Bosun | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
| Pumpman | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
| Deck Fitter | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
| Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000 |
| Ordinary Seaman (OS) | ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 |
| Trainee OS | ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 |
| Rank | Average Salary Per Month |
| Fitter | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
| Motorman | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000 |
| Wiper | ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 |
| Trainee Fitter/Wiper | ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 |
| Rank | Average Salary Per Month |
| Steward | ₹60,000 to ₹80,000 |
| Chief Cook | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,60,000 |
The top ranks in the Merchant Navy include Chief Engineer and Captain of a Ship that can fetch you a salary of up to 10 to 14 lakhs per month.
The Merchant Navy Salary per month depends on the rank, and experience your salary can be from ₹30,000 per month up to ₹14,00,000 per month when you reach a certain rank.
The starting salary in the merchant navy is different in different companies, but more or less it lies between ₹30,000 to ₹70,000.
There are 3 easy steps through which you can join the Merchant Navy
These are the three steps that you need to clear everywhere to join the Merchant Navy.
Merchant Navy is a contractual-based profession that means you will be paid till the time you are onboard ship. Generally, a contract is around 6 to 8 months long depending on the company and rank of a seafarer.
According to DG Shipping, the minimum and maximum age for a Diploma in Nautical Science, B.Sc in Nautical Science, and B.Tech Marine Engineering is 17 to 25 respectively. Whereas you can join the ETO course till the age of 28 with some relaxation in age for female candidates.
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