How To Join Merchant Navy After 12th In India 2023

A lot of young people are drawn to the Merchant Navy these days. Aside from high pay, it also provides the opportunity to travel around the world and gain seafaring experience. How does one enter the Merchant Navy? After the 12th grade, students can choose from a variety of merchant navy courses to begin their careers in this field. So, in this article, we'll cover everything from scratch, and it will be a step-by-step guide on how to pursue a career in Merchant Navy after 12th in India.

People frequently mix up the Merchant Navy and the Navy, but they are two distinct professions. The Navy is concerned with national defense, whereas the Merchant Navy is concerned with commercial services. If you are interested in a sea adventure, you can pursue this career.

What does serving in the Merchant Navy entail?

The Merchant Navy is directly responsible for international trade. They are in charge of transporting cargo around the world and delivering goods from one country to another. Merchant ships employ people who can collect and transport goods all over the world. It's more like an import-export operation for the merchant navy.

A career in Merchant Navy is not only rewarding but also exciting. It is not for those who do not enjoy traveling. It provides you with the opportunity to travel to new places around the world while also providing you with a rewarding remuneration. As a result, a career in the Merchant Navy is both exciting and challenging.

Merchant Navy Courses after 12th

To be a Deck Officer

1. Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science (3 Years)
2. Diploma in Nautical Science (Leads to a BSc in Nautical Science. The duration is one year.)

1. B.E./Bachelor of Technology in Marine Engineering (4 Years)

To be a Rating after Class X or XII

1. Pre-Sea G.P. Rating Course (duration: 6 Months)

To be in the catering department after Class X or XII

1. Maritime Catering Course (6 Months)
2. Bachelor of Science in Marine Catering (3 Years)

The merchant navy courses listed above are those that can be pursued after Class XII. Here this list is illustrative and not exhaustive, and other/new courses may become prevalent or emerge in response to the industry's growing demands.

Previously, these courses would be affiliated with various universities across India, with a plethora of options and eligibility criteria. However, since the establishment of the Indian Maritime University, the majority of the courses (the recognized ones) have been brought under the purview of IMU.

The IMU awards degrees and diplomas, and this was a significant step in bringing all of the different courses under one standardized umbrella. There were some disagreements about the validity and acceptability of various courses, which have now been resolved. The official IMU website contains the important dates and timeline, as well as the brochure for the examinations conducted for admission into these various courses. You can find the brochure on the official website of IMU.

Candidates are admitted to IMU and its affiliated institutions according to their performance on the IMU CET (Common Entrance Test).

Eligibility criteria for Merchant Navy 

AGE:

You must be a minimum of  17 years old and no older than 25 years old to be eligible for merchant navy examinations. According to government regulations, the maximum age relaxation for S.T. and S.C. (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) is five years.

PHYSICAL FITNESS:

Physical fitness is critical for a career at sea. Admission to a course requires a certificate of fitness from a registered medical practitioner. Candidates with disabilities are not eligible for admission to merchant navy courses. This has little to do with discrimination because it is critical to be fully capable of performing duties on board a merchant ship.

EYESIGHT: 

It should be 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in the better eye & 6/18 in the other eye for unaided distant vision. Color blindness is NOT ALLOWED IN ANY CASE.

The Selection Process for the Merchant Navy

There are several steps involved in getting into merchant navy courses after the 12th. To complete the selection procedure and begin their career in this field, a candidate must complete all of the steps. Let's go over the steps one by one:

• Complete Class 12th: The most important step in the merchant navy selection process is to complete class 12 with (PCM) physics, chemistry, and mathematics as subjects. The candidate must obtain at least 60% in the class 12 examination.
• Apply for the IMU CET & JEE entrance exams: If you have completed class 12 and want to pursue a stable career in the Merchant Navy, you should first apply for the IMU CET and JEE entrance exams. You should begin studying for the exam while you are in grade 12.

• Take the written exam: Your journey to a merchant navy course after the 12th grade begins with taking the written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions from the 12th-grade curriculum in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The written exam for the merchant navy also includes a section on aptitude and general knowledge.

• Complete the interview: Typically, the merchant navy interview includes questions about academic background, the shipping industry, general awareness, and some personal questions. There is also a psychometric test in which candidates must answer multiple-choice questions in a set amount of time. Because this test is administered in English, you must be fluent in the language.

• Pass the medical exam: Candidates who pass the written and interview stages of the merchant navy selection process are eligible to take the medical exam. Candidates must pass a medical exam administered by appointed doctors. A vision test is also performed.

• Acceptance into BSc Nautical Science or any other courses: After completing all of the preceding steps, you must apply for admission to a BSc Nautical Science course or any other merchant navy course after 12th grade. You must also complete a one-year pre-sea training course.

The entire selection process is based on the candidate's ability to answer multiple-choice questions in a certain amount of time. Furthermore, in order to qualify for the tests, students must have a strong command of the English language.

Courses to Join the Merchant Navy in India After 12th PCM

If you want to get high-paying jobs and have an adventurous career after finishing class 12, you can look into opportunities in the maritime industry. The merchant navy courses after the 12th grade are highly job-oriented and will prepare you for a successful career in the shipping industry. Today, global trade is expanding rapidly, and the most cost-effective way to ship goods is by sea.

So, if you want to work in this field, you can easily enroll in merchant navy courses after finishing your 12th grade. Here is a list of courses that will help you get started in this field.

1. Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering

B.E. Marine engineering is one of the best courses to start your career in the merchant navy. This is a four-year merchant course that you can pursue immediately after graduating from high school. Candidates who want to be officers can also pursue B.Tech degrees rather than B.E degrees. Whether you choose B.E. or B. Tech, both courses will provide you with a certificate of competency to work as a marine engineer officer.

The Ministry of Shipping issues these certificates. You must serve at sea for at least six months before becoming a marine engineer on a ship. To be admitted to this merchant navy course after the 12th, one must have completed class 12 with PCM and scored at least 60% on the engineering entrance exam.

2. Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science

B.Sc nautical science, as opposed to B.E marine engineering, is a three-year merchant navy course offered by a number of universities across the country. Candidates receive this foreign-going certification from the Ministry of Shipping. However, in order to become a navigation officer, you must first serve for 12 months at sea. After completing your B.sc. In Nautical Science, you will be given the responsibility of handling the ship's navigation.

To be eligible for admission to this merchant navy course after the 12th, you must have a non-medical 12th-grade point average of at least 50%.

You must read this article also: Duties and Responsibilities of a Deck Cadet onboard Ship

3. Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

You can also pursue a B.E. mechanical engineering course to get into a career in the merchant navy. Continuous maintenance and repair are required for the ships. As a result, a large number of mechanical engineers are required to ensure the ships' smooth operation. As a result, after graduating from high school, you can pursue a career in the merchant navy. A candidate seeking admission to this four-year program must complete class 12th and pass entrance exams such as JEE.

4. Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering

If you like to be a part of the merchant navy but don't want to be on the ship, then B.E. Naval architecture and offshore engineering are for you. Such a job role is possible with this merchant navy course after 12th science. Typically, job roles obtained after completing this field are land-based. You must take competitive exams to be admitted to this four-year program.

After completing the course, you can expect to work in roles such as ship manufacturing, ship design, and various other engineering services related to shipping.

5. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

A diploma in nautical science is a short-term course, as opposed to a B.sc in Nautical Science, which is a three-year course. If you are looking for a short-term merchant navy course after your 12th grade, this is the course for you. The course can last anywhere from 18 to 24 months, and it is followed by sea training.

You will get the certificate of 2nd mate foreign going upon completion of the course, which is also issued by the Ministry of Shipping. To be eligible for this course, you must have at least 60% in your 12th PCM subjects.

6. Deck rating course

A ship's deck is one of the critical areas where many people are needed to manage the activities on the deck. The deck rating course provides specialized training to manage the deck crew. This course is appropriate for you if you want to work on the deck and learn how to join the merchant navy after the 12th.

This 6-month course is entirely focused on providing training for deck tasks. To be eligible for this course, you must be 17 years old and have completed your class 12 exams. So, after finishing 12th arts, you can pursue a career in the merchant navy.

7. DME course

Students frequently choose diploma courses but later look for additional courses that will help them improve their skills. A two-year diploma in marine engineering course that includes pre-sea training is available. The ministry of shipping awards four marine engineering certificates to candidates who complete these merchant navy courses after the 12th grade.

As a result, if you enroll in this course, you will receive a diploma in naval architecture, electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering.

8. NCV training course

The NCV course is regarded as one of the most difficult in the merchant navy. This course will teach you about the coastal voyage. Although the course lasts only six months, the final certification requires 24 months of offshore training. The majority of students prefer this course because it provides extensive exposure to various aspects of the merchant navy. The best part about this course is that you can start it as soon as you finish class 12.

This course has a minimum age requirement of 17 years and a maximum age requirement of 25 years. Aside from the age requirement, you must also meet the merchant navy's eligibility requirements.

9. Electro-Technical Officer Course

Many students want to join the Merchant Navy but are also interested in the electrical and electronics aspects. An electro-technical officer course would be the best route into the merchant navy for these types of candidates. After completing the course, you will be qualified for the position of electrical officer on the ship. In this position, you'll be in charge of managing the team in charge of the ship's electronic components' maintenance and repairs.

This merchant navy course after 12 is a 6-month course that requires you to complete sea duty before being inducted. Candidates with a diploma from another similar course are also eligible to apply for the course.

You must read this article also:  Top 10 Myths about Merchant Navy

10. Course on Saloon Rating

Do you enjoy catering services? But you also want to travel around the world. In that case, you could consider providing catering services on a merchant ship. Isn't that incredible? A saloon rating course is required if you want to work in the catering department of a merchant ship.

You have a lot of responsibilities as the head of the catering department. After completing this merchant navy course after the 12th, you can advance to the position of the head chef on the ship. You must have at least 40% in class 12 to be eligible to pursue this course.

11. Engine Rating Course

Aside from deck management, engine compartment management is also very important. There is a dedicated crew that is in charge of the ship's maintenance. If you are fascinated by large engines, you should enroll in an Engine rating course. After completing this merchant navy course, you will be trained to work on the ship's engine. This course lasts six months, after which you can join the engine crew.

12. Basic Safety Training Standards of STCW 

One of the courses that allow you to work on a ship with no qualifications is watchkeeping training and certification. After the 12th grade, there are four basic safety training modules in this merchant navy course: fire prevention and fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibility, and personal survival techniques. After completing all four modules, you will be able to work on a ship. However, if you want to improve your skills, you can enroll in advanced courses.

13. G.P. rating course

The General Purpose Rating course is a 6-month course that you can take if you want to improve your skills before joining the merchant navy as an engine or deck crew member. You can advance your career as a deck or engine crew member with the help of this course. The best part about the course is that you can start it after the 10th or 12th grade. If you want to apply for this course, you must have a minimum of 40% in your board exams.

These are the merchant navy courses available after the 12th grade for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. Aside from choosing the right course, it's critical to choose good colleges so that you can get placements once you finish the course. Above all, it is critical that you select the appropriate course that most interests you. You can seek the advice of experts who will provide you with all relevant information about the courses so that you can select the best one and have a successful career in the merchant navy.

You must read this article also: Duties of Ordinary Seaman on ship

Conclusion:

Joining the Merchant Navy after the 12th in India can be an excellent career option for those who love adventure and travel. It offers excellent job opportunities with a high salary package. However, to join the Merchant Navy, you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria, choose the right course, and appear for the entrance exams. We hope this blog has provided you with all the necessary information you need to join the Merchant Navy after the 12th in India. So, start preparing and embark on a thrilling career in the Merchant Navy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. What is Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy refers to the commercial shipping industry that operates cargo ships, tankers, and other vessels that transport goods and people across the world's oceans. This industry is responsible for transporting about 90% of the world's trade. Joining the Merchant Navy is an exciting career option for those who love the sea, adventure, and traveling.

The three most important things to know about Merchant Navy are:

• Merchant Navy is a commercial shipping industry that operates cargo ships, tankers, and other vessels that transport goods and people across the world's oceans.
• Merchant Navy is responsible for transporting about 90% of the world's trade.
• Joining the Merchant Navy is an exciting career option for those who love the sea, adventure, and traveling.

Q. What is Merchant Navy, and what are the eligibility criteria to join?

Merchant Navy refers to the commercial fleet of ships that carry goods and passengers across the world. It is one of the most lucrative career options for those who are interested in the maritime industry. Here are the eligibility criteria to join Merchant Navy after the 12th in India:

1. Age: The candidate should be between 17.5 to 25 years old.
2. Educational Qualification: The candidate should have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
3. Medical Standards: The candidate should be medically fit as per the standards set by the Director General of Shipping.

Important Information:

• Candidates should have a minimum of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the 10+2 examination.
• The medical examination includes both physical and mental fitness tests.
• The candidate should not have any history of criminal or drug-related activities.

Q. What are the career options available in Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy offers a wide range of career options for those who want to make a career in the maritime industry. Here are the career options available in Merchant Navy:

1. Deck Department: This department is responsible for the navigation of the ship and ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew.
2. Engineering Department: This department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's machinery and equipment.
3. Catering Department: This department is responsible for the food and beverage services on the ship.

Important Information:

• Each department has its own hierarchy and career progression.
• The salaries in Merchant Navy are tax-free.
• The job requires long periods of time away from home.

Q. What is the selection process to join Merchant Navy?

The selection process to join Merchant Navy after the 12th in India includes a written test, physical fitness test, medical examination, and an interview. Here is the selection process in detail:

1. Written Test: The written test includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and General Knowledge.
2. Physical Fitness Test: The physical fitness test includes running, push-ups, and other physical activities to test the candidate's fitness level.
3. Medical Examination: The medical examination includes tests to check the candidate's physical and mental fitness.
4. Interview: The interview is conducted to test the candidate's communication skills, personality, and overall suitability for the job.

Important Information:

• The written test is usually objective-type and has negative markings for wrong answers.
• The physical fitness test is challenging and requires the candidate to be in good physical shape.
• The medical examination includes tests for eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and other medical conditions.

Q. What are the documents required to join Merchant Navy?

To join the Merchant Navy after the 12th in India, candidates need to submit certain documents. Here are some of the documents that are required:

1. 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
2. Passport
3. Birth certificate
4. Caste certificate (if applicable)
5. Domicile certificate
6. Character certificate

Important Information:

• The documents should be attested by a gazetted officer or notarized.
• Candidates should also carry their original documents for verification during the selection process.
• It is important to ensure that all the documents are in order and up-to-date before applying for the job.