13 Advantages of Joining Merchant Navy in India

Are you thinking about joining the Merchant Navy? We're sure you've heard about getting paid to travel around the world in the Merchant Navy, haven't you? You may have also heard that you only need to work for 6-8 months and get paid for the entire year. Every profession, including the Merchant Navy, has advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we'll go over all of the benefits of joining the Merchant Navy.

The majority of candidates are drawn to the Merchant Navy because of two benefits: travel opportunities and a high pay scale. However, there are numerous other benefits to consider before joining the Merchant Navy. The 13 points listed below will assist aspiring candidates in understanding the Advantages of Joining the Merchant Navy in India.

13 Advantages of Joining Merchant Navy in India

1. Work while traveling the world

This particular point is appealing to travelers. When people consider joining the Merchant Navy, the first benefit that comes to mind is the ability to travel while working. Without a doubt, because the job is all about seafaring, you can travel all over the world for free.

Working in the Merchant Navy allows you to travel to almost any part of the world without having to pay for it out of your own pocket. When the ship arrives at the port, you can get out and explore the area. The length of the stay of the ship in port affects exploration and related activities.

2. Obtain appealing pay packages

There are only a few jobs in the world that pay as well as the merchant navy does for entry-level officers. The most appealing aspect of this occupation is its pay packages and rates. The pay ranges from $1500 to $3000 per month, or even more for higher-level positions such as captain of the ship.

This is in addition to the approximately one-year training term, which includes a stipend ranging from $300 to $800. The wages paid to mariners are determined by IMO (International Maritime Organization) & ILO (International Labor Organization) laws. Though pay levels follow a consistent pattern around the world, they differ by company and, more importantly, rise with experience.

3. Enjoy incredible tax advantages

Everyone understands the importance of paying taxes. A sailor's income, on the other hand, is taxed based on his state of residence. People who work in the Merchant Navy are exempt from paying taxes if they meet the government's requirements. Before being exempt from paying taxes for the designated fiscal year, a commercial marine professional must serve on board a vessel for a minimum of six months.

These laws differ from one country to the next. If you live out of India for 182 days or more, you are not required to pay taxes, according to Indian law. As a result, if your contract is for more than 182 days on a foreign-going vessel, you are exempt from paying tax.

Must Read Article: Top 10 Myths about Merchant Navy

4. Extensive Exposure

Careers in the merchant navy expose you to a wide range of unexpected events, situations, and emergencies. By confronting such unavoidable events, professionals gain a broad understanding of how to deal with and confront such issues in the event that they arise again. The exposure one gets in this field is unlike any other, and it helps a person grow in every way.

Professionalism also plays a role, as the ability to make quick decisions and solve problems is essential. Lack of precision can be detrimental onboard, and with years of constant exposure to a high level of work ethic, a seafarer becomes conditioned to sudden jolts!

5. Exposure to diverse cultures

A merchant mariner has the opportunity to meet and interact with people from various cultures and nations. This enables the individual to understand and perform better as a fruitful team member while also learning the complexities of various cultures and customs. This improves adaptation and increases understanding of what works and what doesn't in a foreign country.

Due to frequent contact with international colleagues, a merchant navy officer is highly adaptable & can easily blend in with people from all over the world. Even if a ship's crew is of a single nationality, interacting with port officials from other countries broadens sailors' understanding of cultures and customs. If you enjoy variety, you will enjoy working in this environment!

6. No fancy degrees are required.

This is also a big plus if you want to join the Merchant Navy. You do not need advanced qualifications to start a career at sea. Even if you have completed your 10^th and/or 12th grade, you can begin your pre-sea training by enrolling in short courses such as Diploma in Nautical Science or G.P. rating.

You can also apply for degree courses as a 12th PCM student, which will allow you to work for officer-level positions early on. You can start your onboard training with any shipping company of your choice immediately after completing your pre-sea training. For people who do not want or cannot obtain a higher college degree for a variety of reasons, working as a merchant mariner is the most viable option.

However, there are some jobs in the merchant navy that require advanced degrees. The subjects taught while a person is undergoing training at an institute can be diverse. The study in the shipping field to become a qualified officer covers a wide range of knowledge, from astronomy to engineering to celestial navigation and maritime law. However, for those who want to be regular seamen, the merchant marine offers a unique opportunity in that, with minimal qualifications, a person can be assured of a good salary and the possibility of extensive travel.

7. Provides early financial independence

As previously stated, people who work in the Merchant Navy are rewarded with lucrative salaries. Sailors are paid quite well in U.S. dollars, which is higher than their counterparts in other industries on land.

Most shipping companies offer exceptional packages, incentives, and perks that are comparable to or better than any other industry in the world from the start of their careers. Aside from the high income in the Merchant Navy, the shipping firm covers the costs of joining, travel, and flights at sign-on and sign-off. Thus, with proper planning, seafarers can achieve early financial independence.

8. Uniform and Respect:

It takes years of discipline, hard work, dedication, and work ethic for a maritime professional to be worthy of wearing the prestigious Merchant Navy uniform. These fashionable uniforms captivate not only the industry but also those who have no idea what distinguishes these maritime professionals. For some, the uniform is more than just two pieces of clothing; it is an experience, an accomplishment, and a connection to an industry that has shaped who they are today. Many young people aspire to wear naval uniforms. You must, however, work hard to earn this privilege. As a result, a uniformed job like the merchant navy can help you gain pride and dignity.

9. Improves professionalism

Working in this field teaches people how to collaborate efficiently. People who work in the Merchant Navy must have excellent communication skills, extreme adaptability, and the ability to adhere to and maintain strict discipline. When a person spends significant time on the high seas as a member of a new team, these skills become even more refined.

Working in the merchant navy helps you to develop both professionally and individually. Years of extensive training in the field may make certain activities appear regular to a layperson, but obtaining that level of proficiency demands a lot of hard effort over time.

10. Extended and unadulterated vacations

Because the nature of the merchant navy occupation necessitates long periods of work, the holidays provided to merchant marine personnel are equally compensatory. This provides these professionals with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds - land, and sea. Seafarers receive 4-5 months of complete vacation after completing a 6-8 month contract at sea.

A seafarer's vacation is pure—there is no work to be done while he is at home, and he may spend as much time as he wants with his family. This partially compensates for the long periods spent on the ship!

11. Encourages discipline

Punctuality and discipline are two critical skills that a commercial mariner must master. Because the seas are inherently unpredictable, a sailor must be extremely cautious, focused, and attentive in order to counteract any situation and, thus, significantly reduce the consequences. These two qualities are instilled in marine professionals from their pre-sea training.

Professionals are expected to maintain a highly disciplined lifestyle in accordance with marine standards and to wear navy uniforms for the duration of their contract.

If you like uniforms, a maritime career could be an exciting option for you. Discipline goes a long way toward bringing about some pretty positive changes in real life. This discipline onboard is what allows a young officer to advance to the rank of Master years later.

12. Temporary seniors and colleagues

Each contract in a contracting career, such as the Merchant Navy, requires you to work with a different senior officer. The captain would not be the deck crew's permanent boss. Similarly, the chief engineer of the engine crew would change with each contract or even in the middle of a sail.

You only have to put up with a bad boss for a contract in the Merchant Navy, and chances are you won't have to work with the same colleagues again. After a few months, if you sail with a good Chief Engineer or Captain, he, too, will change.

13. Non-Resident Indian Status

Sailors who sail for 182 days or more are granted NRI status by the Indian government. If a sailor travels away from India for more than 182 days, he or she may formally identify as an NRI. As previously stated, this NRI status entitles you to income tax breaks and other financial benefits. Thus, in addition to tax advantages, Merchant Navy also provides the benefit of obtaining NRI status.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. Is a career in the Merchant Navy a good choice?

For those who want to travel to different parts of the world while working on a ship, the Merchant Navy can be a very appealing career option. People who work in the Merchant Navy can benefit from higher pay, tax breaks, exposure to different cultures, and much more.

2. Does the Merchant Navy pay well?

Sailing salaries in the Merchant Navy are competitive. Ordinary Seamen receive 300-400$ (24000-32000) per month during their initial training (after completing pre-sea training). After nine months of sailing, the candidate receives a watchkeeping certificate and is promoted to Able Seaman, earning between $1,000 and $1,500. Another candidate is Bosun, who earns between 2000 and 2500 dollars. And if the candidate meets the qualifications, he may be promoted to the rank of officer, earning between $3000 and $4000 per year.

3. How difficult is the Merchant Navy exam?

Candidates must pass specific exams in order to obtain sponsorship and clear pre-sea training. When compared to other fields' exams, the difficulty level is relatively low. To advance in their careers, sailors must obtain certificates of watchkeeping, COC, and so on after beginning onboard training.

4. Why should you pursue a career in the Merchant Navy?

There are numerous reasons why a career in the Merchant Navy is unlike any other. Some of them include the ability to work while traveling around the world, receiving high-pay packages, obtaining tax exemptions, being exposed to various cultures, meeting people from various nationalities, and much more.

5 Should You Join the Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy is unquestionably a rewarding career path for the soul, as it includes all of the fundamental steps that must be taken. It is currently one of the best career options. However, each career path has advantages and disadvantages. The same is true here; you will encounter both the advantages and disadvantages of the Merchant Navy. Working with people from various cultures and discovering their food, culture, and other aspects will help you develop your social skills. It is not an easy job to be a sailor. It's only for the fittest and toughest, as you'll be working in the engine room at 45 °C while cruising the Gulf of Eden. Six months on land allows you to do whatever you want, as opposed to a job on land, where you rarely have free time to roam around. Every 4-6 months, your boss will change. This means you'll only have to deal with the annoyance for a few months. It's a fantastic career path with obvious advantages and disadvantages. So, if you're going to do it, choose your career wisely.

Conclusion

People with boundless energy and zeal for life may be drawn to a career in the merchant navy. It would be satisfying without the person ever having any regrets about his chosen profession. The Merchant Navy is indeed one of the most rewarding and challenging careers.