Monday, Oct 06, 2008
One can build a proud career and also enjoy the high sea adventures in the merchant navy.

Salaries ranked among the highest in the world, globe-trotting and high-sea adventures — if you like this job profile, the merchant navy is the place to be.

“Twenty-seven thousand officers are needed every year for the next 10 years,” said Captain K. Vivekanand, Director of Maritime Studies at Vels University, Chennai. “You can build a ship in a year, but it takes eight years to train a Captain,” he said, explaining the mismatch between demand and supply. To fill the gap, officers from Croatia and Russia are employed, he said.


The quality of Indian officers is such that they are sought all over the globe, he said. The remuneration is among the highest in the industry. “With 10 years experience, you can earn $ 6,000 to $ 7,000 a month,” he said.

The Indian maritime training story started in 1927, with one training ship T. S. Dufferin. Today, there are 128 training institutes spread over the country. There are 17 training institutes based out of Chennai.

Students who have passed twelfth standard or plus-two are trained to be Navigating Officers or Marine Engineers over three to four years respectively.

The highest rank in a merchant navy ship that a Navigating Officer can attain is that of a Captain. A Marine Engineer can attain the rank of a Chief Engineer.

“There are only around 20 women in the merchant navy throughout India,” said Mr. Misra. He said that in some European countries, women formed 50 per cent of the naval workforce. In some countries, ships were run by families, he said. He said that more women need to explore merchant navy as a career option.

And, a career as a merchant navy officer means more than a hefty pay cheque. “It is a rewarding career that gives immense satisfaction. You gain more respect that anyone of your age. It helps build character,” said P. Misra, Principal Officer, Mercantile Marine Department. He said, “All youngsters should join the navy.”