Merchant navy is a specialized industry which is fully engaged in commercial activities involving transportation of cargo and passengers through sea routes. Also termed as “Merchant Marine” in some countries, the field of Merchant Navy is an important part of the global shipping sector and is an integral component of any nation’s economical development. As the majority of the world’s commercial activities are carried out through the sea routes, the field of merchant navy has far more prominence across the globe.

The term “merchant navy” means a fleet of commercial ships that are not used for military purpose. The ships and the crew of the merchant navy are a part of country’s commercial shipping. The professionals working on these commercial ships are called mariners or sailors or seafarers or seamen.

“The modern shipping industry has come a long way from the olden days of ships with sails. The modern cargo ships are massive in size and are equipped with latest and highly advanced technology systems. This invisible industry and its unsung heroes play a great role in the development and progress of the global economy.”

Merchant Navy is a global industry which provides some of the best career opportunities on different types of ships (and on land as well). Unlike any other field, Merchant Navy offers jobs that not only require specialized knowledge and training but also require a great amount of mental and physical strength.

Merchant navy jobs mainly involve working on a variety of ships as officers, engineers, or ratings. These are the main three departments on almost all types of ships and they work in coordination to ensure a smooth running of ship and its operations. If you are looking forward to a career in the merchant navy, you will be required to choose from any of these three departments:

How to join the Merchant Navy

“To join the engine department, you will need to take up a course in marine engineering, which is a 4-year degree course or a diploma course (as provided in your country). If you are a mechanical engineer, you can become a marine engineer after doing the necessary course and training (Graduate Mechanical Engineering or GME course). You can also join a marine engineering course after doing one year of mechanical engineering or equivalent. (This facility will depend on the country you belong to) On completion of marine engineering degree, you will join a ship as a Trainee/Fifth engineer and then move ahead in the ranking system as = the fourth engineer -> third engineer -> second engineer -> chief engineer.”