Physical Fitness and Medical Requirements to Join Merchant Navy

Having the right grades and the passion to have a life at the sea will not get you a career in the merchant navy. In order to join a merchant navy course, you must have the physical fitness and medical requirements that are necessary to have a career on ships.

The candidate must be in good mental and physical health and free from any kind of bodily defect to interfere with the efficient performance required at the sea. Read on to find out if you are physically fit to join the merchant navy.

1. Constitution

There should be no evidence of weak constitution by way of imperfect development of muscles or serious malformation. Weight below 42 kg and height below 150 cm will be rejected. The chest should be well developed with a minimum range of expansion of 5 cm.

2. Skeletal System

There should be no disease or impairment of functions of bones or joints, contracture or of deformity of chest or any joint, abnormal curvature of spine, deformity of feet like bow legs, knock knees, flat feet, deformity of upper limbs, malformation of the head, deformity from fractures or depression of the skull, fractures (healed) with a pin inside will be a disqualification.

3. Ear, nose and throat

There should be no impaired hearing, discharge or disease in either ear, unhealed perforation of tympanic membrane or signs of acute or chronic suppurative otitis media or evidence of radical mastoid operation, evidence of disease of the bones and cartilage of the nose, nasal polypus or disease of nasopharynx or accessory sinuses. Loss or decay of teeth to such an extent as to interfere with efficient mastication. No disease of the throat, palate, tonsils or gums or any disease or injury affecting the normal function of either temporo mandibular joint. Individuals with severe pyorrhoea are to be rejected.

4. Speech

There should be no impediment of speech (e.g. stammering)

5. Lymphatic System

There should be no enlarged glands, tubercular or due to other diseases in the neck or other parts of the body. Thyroid gland should be normal.

6. Cardiovascular System

There should be no sign of functional or valvular or other disease of the heart and blood vessels. Electrocardiogram should be within normal limits. Systolic blood pressure should not exceed 150mm of Hg nor Diastolic above 90 mm of Hg.

7. Respiratory System

There should be no evidence of chronic or respiratory tract disease, pulmonary tuberculosis or previous history of this disease or any chronic disease of the lungs. X-ray of chest should be normal.

8. Digestive System

There should be no evidence of any disease of the digestive system and that liver and spleen should not be palpable and there should be no abdominal tenderness on palpation.

9. Genitourinary System

There should be no palpable and enlarged kidneys. There should not be any disease of kidneys. Cases showing albuminuria, glycosuria or blood (RBC) in urine will be rejected. There should be no hernia or tendency thereto. Those who have been operated for hernia may be declared fit provided:

(a)  One year has elapsed after the operation. Documentary proof to be produced by the candidate.

(b) General tone of abdominal muscles should be good and

(c) There has been no recurrence of hernia or complications with the operation. There should be no hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele or any other defect of genital organs, no fistula and/or anal fissure or evidence of hemorrhoids (Piles), rectal polyps. There should be no active latent or congenital venereal diseases, undescended intra abdominal testicle on one side unassociated with hernia, provided the other testicle is normal and that there is no physical or psychological effect due to undescended testicle will be accepted. Undescended testicle is retained in inguinal canal or at the extra abdominal ring will be rejected.

10. Skin

There should be no skin disease unless temporary or trivial. Scars which by their extent or position are likely to cause disability or marked disfigurement are a cause for rejection.

11. Nervous System

There should be no history or evidence of mental disease of the candidate or in his family. Candidates having history of fits in continence or urine or enuresis will not be accepted. Mental or nervous irritability, abnormality of gait, defective functions of cranial nerves, inco-ordination, motor or sensory defaults will be rejected.

12. Eye Sight

There should not be any degree of squint or any morbid condition of eyes or of the eyelids that is liable to aggravate or recur, pressure of trachoma and iris complication sequela. Candidates must possess good binocular vision (fusion faculty and full field of vision in both eyes). Movement of the eyeballs must be full in all directions and the pupils should react normally to light and accommodation.

The vision should be 6/6 (normal) in each eye separately. Defective colour vision tested by Ishihara Colour Blindness Test is a disqualification.

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13. Any other defect which in the opinion of the medical board will interfere with the individual’s efficiency as an officer of the merchant navy.

Note: The Above Information is provided by the Directorate General of Shipping, Merchant Shipping Act 1958.

SHODEN SHIPPING

Merchant navy courses that you can pursue after 10th/12th include:

• Near Coastal Voyage (NCV)
• Deck Cadet Course
• Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
• Commercial Diving
• G.P. Rating

Joining Merchant navy

INDos Number and its Benefits to Indian Seafarers

INDos number can be considered equivalent of a complete identity for every seafarer in India. It is a computerized national database that includes important information of every certified seafarer in India. This information has been compiled in a single database to make it easily accessible for statutory authorities like Flag State, Port State, employers and Immigration staff etc.

INDos number stands for Indian National Database of Seafarers. A complete INDos number includes a seafarer’s full name, address, photographs, signature, telephone number, qualifications etc. It is made of eight alphanumeric characters and can provide as a means to crosscheck a seafarer’s identity.

What are the benefits of having INDos number?

INDos number is an example of better technology entering the Indian marine industry to make matters simpler and better to handle. The biggest advantage of such marine identification number is that it provides a centralized base for all the information of a seafarer at one place. This means every certified seafarer working in or from India will be provided with such a number, making it easier to access his/her information.

Also, this number allows a quick system for cross reference. Any company or authority can easily run a background check on any seafarer’s claims and qualifications, using this simple number and a single database. Easy to use INDos number checker comes in handy for the cross reference with centralized database.

An INDos number ensures authenticity of a seafarer’s qualification. Possessing this number makes it much easier for a person to find a job in the merchant navy. Marine numbers are issued after strict and close examination which rules out any chance for error. This is exceptionally beneficial for seafarers as this number alone is sufficient to speak for genuineness of their qualifications.

Besides this, having an INDos number eliminates the need for a seafarer to carry his original documents with him all the time, especially when working abroad. This single marine number is a sufficient identity proof for any seafarer to pass as a certified mariner throughout the world.

With a single INDos number, complete identity of a seafarer can be found out. It includes his/her basic information like name, photograph, address and qualifications. Every Indian and foreign national holding a Certificate of Competency given by the Indian government or the Continuous Discharge Certificate or someone who has completed modular courses approved by DG shipping is issued such number before entering into the merchant navy.  This means a better system of record keeping and a better tracking of whereabouts of every seafarer from India. That comes as a remarkable advantage in industry like marine industry where there are no fixed boundaries of work.

Merchant navy: A career on the high seas

The Merchant Navy of a country refers to the non-combatant ships that are used to transport cargo during times of war and peace as well as the people who man them. Mariners spend much of their lives at sea. Conditions on a ships can be cramped, noisy and dangerous and yet they go, because of exceptional earning potential and the opportunity to see the world.

If you wish to live life which is free of the restraints of life ashore, a life which is full of adventure and exotic lands, then the merchant navy might be the right place for you.

There are three main departments on a ship:

The Deck departmentThe Deck department is an organisational and navigational unit aboard naval and merchant ships. An officer serving in the deck department is called a Deck Officer. The main function of the deck department is proper watchstanding and the maintenance of the ship's hull and accommodations as well as the ship's safety appliances.

The department may have the following:

• One Chief Officer
• One Second Officer
• One Third Officer
• One or no Boatswain
• Two to six Able Seamen
• Zero to two Ordinary Seamen

Every ship has a Captain or Master who is in charge of the ship. He is responsible for the navigation, discipline and the safety of the passengers, crew and cargo. He must ensure the observance of national and international codes of conduct.

The First Mate oversees cargo planning, assists with navigation, allocates duties to Deck Cadets and crew and maintains discipline and order. The Second Mate is in charge of checking mail, the maintenance of navigational equipment and charts and assists in navigational and cargo watches.

The Third Mate is responsible for keeping the safety equipment -- lifeboats, firefighting apparatus, signaling equipment etc -- in proper condition. He acts as a signal officer and assists with cargo work.

Depending on the size and employment of the ship, a boatswain may be employed. If carried, the boatswain, generally a senior, able seaman will act as a foreman of the ship's deck crew and as the chief mate's representative on deck.

Engine departmentThe purpose of this department is to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical part of the ship. Marine engineers operate and maintain the propulsion and other systems aboard the vessel.

They also deal with the "hotel" facilities aboard, notably the lighting, air conditioning, sewage and water systems. They deal with bulk fuel transfers, and require training in firefighting and first aid, as well as in dealing with the ship's boats and other nautical tasks -- especially with cargo loading/ discharging gear and safety systems, though the specific cargo discharge function remains the responsibility of deck officers and deck workers.

Just as the Deck Officers report to the Master, Marine Engineers report to the Chief Engineer, who is assisted by the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Engineers and other junior personnel.

The Chief Engineer ensures safe and economic running of all engines, boilers, electrical, refrigerating and sanitary equipment, deck machinery and steam connections aboard the ship. He is the supervisor of the engine crew.

The Second Engineer looks after the day-to-day work in the engine room. The Third Engineer is in charge of the main engine, spare parts for the main engine, purifiers, boilers, compressors etc.

The Fourth Engineer (or engineers, some ships carry two) is in charge of the numerous generators on the ship as well as certain small pumps. There may also be Fifth Engineer(s) who are also known as Junior Engineers.

Other members of the Engineering crew include oilers and greasers (unlicensed 'ratings' or duties that require qualifications) and entry-level ratings like wiper, utilityman etc. Engine Cadets are trainee engineers who are completing sea time necessary before they can obtain a watchkeeping licence.

While some ships still carry specialised radio officers, especially passenger vessels, few ships have a standalone radio department with a chief radio officer and subordinate radio officers. Since the introduction of GMDSS (satellite communications) and the subsequent exemptions from carrying radio officers if the vessel is so equipped, this department has fallen away.

Service departmentThis is the department that preforms living and catering services for the crew. The Chief Steward directs, instructs, and assigns personnel performing such functions as preparing and serving meals; cleaning and maintaining officers' quarters and steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and inventorying stores. He plans menus and additional duties may involve baking.

Another senior member of the service department is the Chief Cook. The Chief Cook directs and participates in the preparation and serving of meals; determines timing and sequence of operations required to meet serving times; inspects galley and equipment for cleanliness and proper storage and preparation of food. The cook may plan or assist in planning meals and taking inventory of stores and equipment.

A Steward's Assistant or SA is an entry-level crew member in the Steward's department of a ship. They are also known as Utilitymen and Messmen. The role of the SA consists mainly of cleaning and assisting with the preparation and serving of meals.

The duties of the officers in the Service Department may overlap.

Other professions at seaA diver performs underwater surveys and recons. They are required for underwater examination of the heel, propellers, pipes etc. Light keepers operate light house signaling equipment to guide incoming and passing ships.Nautical surveyors prepare charts of regions of the sea containg information regarding topography and conditions.

EligibilityThe minimum eligibility for courses in Nautical science and Marine engineering is 10+2. Candidates who wish to enter the navigational and engineering fields of the Merchant Navy need to complete a bachelors degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering.

The entry level for a fresh Marine Engineer is at the rank of fifth engineer or junior engineer and a Nautical Science graduate is the rank of a Deck Cadet.

Direct entry into the Merchant Navy is also possible -- students who have completed their Class 12 exams with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) are eligible to join as Deck Cadets and a student holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical/ electrical engineering can also join the Merchant Navy as an Engine Cadet/ Fifth Engineer.

Direct entry Deck Cadets are required to undergo basic pre-sea training arranged by the recruiting company itself and the direct entry Engineering cadets are preferred who do a pre-sea course of nine months in Marine Engineering conducted by the MERI.

Candidates need to pass a medical fitness test for sea service under standard norms and with eyesight 6/6 and no colour blindness. They must be immune to sea sickness.

PromotionThe Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, takes care of the training needs and conducts competency exam through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). 'Certificates of Competency' awarded by the DGS, are needed for promotion to the various respective classes.

~ Deck department: A Deck Cadet is eligible to appear for his Second Officer Foreign Going Examination after 36 months of sailing.

Besides physics and maths, a student is tested on Ship Stability and Construction, Meteorology, Principles and Practical Navigation and Chart work after 18 months of sailing time the Third Officer can appear for the Chief Officer Foreign Going Examination.

A further 18 months sailing time is required before a candidate can appear for Masters Foreign Going Exam. The process of rising from a deck cadet to master of a ship will take a minimum of 12 years.

~ Engineering department: An Engine Cadet is eligible to appear for Class IV examination for promotion to Fourth or in some cases Third Engineer.

After a further 18 months of sea time the candidate can appear for Class II examination for promotion to Third Engineer or Second Engineer. Another 18 months sailing allows the candidate to appear for Class I examination for promotion to Chief Engineering Officer.

RemunerationThe starting salary varies between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 a month. Since the person gets benefits of food, accommodation, paid leave, two-way free passage and facilities for families, the entire salary can be saved while sailing. There are also bonuses, holiday travel and other annual benefits.

Seafarers face a hard life, living in harsh conditions and spending months and months away from their families, but if you're a person in whom the spirit of adventure overcomes all obstacles, a life riding the waves could be for you.

Reasons Behind Why Seafarers Quit Sea Jobs

 Reasons Behind Why Seafarers Quit Sea Jobs

Every year, maritime institutes around the world churn out thousands of fresh deck cadets and marine engineers. Each of these young graduate has high hopes of making it big in the maritime field by becoming a first-rate seafarer some day.

With their newly attained knowledge and training, these officers embark on-board ships with reputed shipping companies, work for few years, and attempt to upgrade their ranks. However, in spite of highly lucrative job offers, adventurous working environment, and a “globetrotting” lifestyle, most of these seafarers suddenly decide to quit their ship jobs by accepting opportunities onshore. This trend is on the rise and is now being seen in several countries around the world.

As the number of seafarer quitting the industry increases every year, we ponder, what is it that propels them to quit such a respectable and lucrative career after sailing for few years?  Though some of the reasons we found out are common and obvious, there are a few new and surprising ones as well.

After doing a survey which involved a number of sea-going professionals who have already quit sea jobs or are planning to, we enumerated the following main reasons which bother seafarers today.

Note : Kindly note that by no means we are trying to say that a career in maritime industry is not worth the efforts. In fact, we feel that a career in merchant navy is the best career opportunity one can get.

Main Reasons Seafarers Quit Sea Jobs

1.    Unsettled Lifestyle

This is the most common and obvious reason as these days more seafarers want “settled” jobs on shore. At the start of the career, a seafarer would not mind having a “nomadic” kind of lifestyle, but after certain years, especially post marriage, he longs for a more stable lifestyle, especially with his family. This is definitely not a new reason behind seafarers quitting sea jobs, but it is still one of the prime reasons for professional dissatisfaction.

2.    Hectic Life

One cannot deny the fact that life on board ships has become extremely hectic. With more stringent maritime regulations coming up each year, life as a seafarer has become increasingly hectic, laborious, and monotonous. Increase in paperwork, advanced training guidelines, new codes, and rigorous safety and environmental laws have made the lives of seafarers extremely hectic on board ships. Moreover, many seafarers have also stated poor management of manpower on board ships as a reason for increase in work load. Needless to say, the already hectic life on ships is becoming even more hectic every year.

3.    Onboard politics

No matter how hard you try to stay away from professional or personal politics on board ships, it will get to you sooner or later. Politics and conflicts on ships not only make it difficult to work but also to socialize within the already small group of people on board. Moreover, there is a very thin line between professional and personal life on ships. This makes it even more difficult to avoid as well as deal with politics or conflicts arising as a result of differences in opinions. One needs great determination, patience, and skills to deal with difficult people on board ships, especially after having professional/personal arguments.

4.    Lack of Social Life

Almost everyone who joins ships is brought up in a social environment since birth. When such people are suddenly exposed to confined spaces of ships with almost negligible social life, negative effects such as frustration, loneliness, and homesickness start taking a toll on them. Initially the life on ship might not seem bad, but as time passes, a sense of emptiness starts creeping in. Lack of interaction with people and limitations on physical movement make life more miserable on board. It takes a lot of courage and mental steadiness to keep a calm and focused mind on ship. Many seafarers eventually quit because of this reason.

5.    Away from the Family

Though most of the seafarers can digest the fact of staying away from friends for few months when sailing, parting away from the family for months together is what tear their hearts apart. Some might have just started their married life while others would have recently experienced parenthood, missing those precious moments with their loved ones for whom they care the most, is what hurts seafarers to the core. No seafarer wants to miss spending time with his wife or see his son or daughter grow old without him being around. It is then that seafarers realize the importance of “family life” and “loved ones”. The pain of staying away for months is also one of the main reasons seafarers quit sea jobs.

6.    Personal/ Family Problems

One cannot stay focused at work when bothered by family or personal issues. Seafarers often face this problem when they leave their family problems at shore. However, not able to attend to the personal problem and its impeding negative effects on the family, induces a constant state of worry which reduces the ability to focus on one’s duties. It’s extremely difficult to work when you are physically on the ship but mentally back at home. Moreover, what hurts more to seafarers is the inability to attend to any emergency situation or incident in their family back home. Such situations lead to extreme frustration, anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress among seafarers. Many seafarers have quit sailing because of this reason.

7.    Rise in Maritime Piracy

Though several steps have been taken lately to fight piracy at sea, incidents involving pirate attacks and high-jacking of ship’s crew occur almost every month. The threat of piracy attacks is ever increasing and seafarers are obviously scared in spite of availability of weapons to fight them. No one wants to risk their lives or put themselves in danger by sailing on ships which ply in piracy affected areas. The fear of pirates is also stated as one of the many reasons by seafarers for leaving ship jobs.

8.    Health Issues

Sailing on ships requires meeting stringent medical and health requirements. As strict as the rules to be meet before joining the ship are, it’s an irony that life on board ship is not even close to healthy. Erratic sleeping schedule, excessive working stress, unfriendly environment, unavailability of fresh food, and inadequate medical facilities drastically affect seafarers’ health. Moreover several seafarers also have to quit sailing once they are diagnosed with conditions which might require immediate attention in times of medical emergency. Many also complain about the increasing difference between work and rest hours, in spite of laws demanding proper distribution of them.

9.    Reducing shore leaves

One of the main reasons people join merchant navy is the lure to see the world. However, in the past few years there have been a sudden reduction in shore leaves that are being granted to the seafarers. With faster turnaround time of ships at ports and scheduled maintenance procedures, seafarers are not allowed to go out on ports. Also, many VLCCs and large capacity ships don’t even come to the port for discharging or loading, giving no chance to seafarers to refresh themselves away from the ship’s environment. Such consistent sailing with less or negligible opportunities for shore leaves have frustrated several seafarers who have eventually quit sailing.

10. Lack of Shore Jobs

This cause might sound a bit contradictory, but this is also one of the main reasons why seafarers quit the field early in their career. Though most maritime institutes and experts promise adequate on-shore opportunities for seafarers, those wanting to shift to shore find it difficult to get a worthy job. Most of the companies ask for good amount of experience at sea, in order to get a job in their on shore office. Moreover for a good managerial position on shore, either one has to do an MBA or take up some equivalent courses. Seafarers find it difficult to get back to studies after certain point of time, especially when they are bound by family responsibilities. Many seafarers are now able to foresee this and thus change their course very early in their career. However, compromising on the salary is one thing they have to accept sooner or later.

11. Reducing crew members

With the financial crisis looming over the industry, shipping companies are utilizing every technique possible to cut back expenses and overhead costs. In an attempt to do so, the number of crew members on ships is being reduced to compensate the necessary expenses. As a result, mariners are experiencing substantial increase in work load, without any increase in remuneration. This trend has been seen almost across all shipping companies around the world. The higher demand of work load with same or negligible increase in payment is also making several seafarers quit sea jobs.

12. Stringent Maritime Laws

Stringent maritime laws have made lives of maritime professionals difficult, especially for those at the management level. Many seafarers in the past have been imprisoned, heavily fined, and suspended as a result of such laws. Officers at the management level are the ones who often bear the brunt of these laws and are therefore constantly at stress while sailing. This has been one of the main reasons for the acute dearth of maritime professionals at the managerial level.

Apart from the above mentioned reasons, seafarers have stated several other factors which force them to quit sailing. However, the above mentioned ones are the most commonly stated ones by professionals across all ranks.

Pros and Cons of Merchant Navy Jobs

 Are you interested in joining the merchant navy? This article will be of help to readers who are interested in merchant navy careers. This article will be like a guide for them. I’ve listed pros and cons associated with the merchant navy sector in this article.

 This article is like a guide. Using it, readers will get a better idea about the life and work (nature of work) of a sailor. These facts will help interested candidates make informed decisions!

#PROS

1 OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL

Travel lovers will find this point very attractive. The merchant navy, without any doubt, will help you travel around the world. It is a job that involves seafaring. You can travel around the world for free, since your job takes you around the world!

Being a part of the merchant navy, you will be visiting various ports spread all across the world. Once the ship gets docked at the port, you may go out and explore the place. Exploration and similar activities depends on the duration of the ship’s stay at the port.

2 PAY AND PERKS

Merchant navy jobs are high paying. I do agree that this sector has lost its old glory. Pay and perks are not as good as it used to be. Competition has increased and average salary has gone down a bit.

Still, compared to other professions, the merchant navy does pay decently! With increase in work experience, salary will definitely increase.

3 NRI STATUS

Sailors who sail for more than 182 days are given the status of NRI by the Government of India. If a sailor sets on journey (away from India) for more than 182 days, he or she, technically can identify as a NRI.

This NRI status can be used to avail Income tax as well as other financial benefits. The income of an NRI sailor will be totally tax free! To attain the NRI status, the sailor must have have spent more than 182 days of a financial year outside India. If he or she satisfies this criteria, the income will be tax free for that particular financial year.

4 HOLIDAYS

If you don’t know how the work schedule, let me give you an example. Generally, sailors embark on a journey and are stay aboard until they reach the destination. The period they spend on board could vary, depending upon the location and type of work. It could be 3 months, 6 months or 8 months or even more. Yes, one has to spend time aboard the ship.

But after the assignment, one also could enjoy generous stretch of holidays! For example, one could enjoy 2, 3 or even more months of rest (after completing duty period). This, to an extent, compensates the long periods sent aboard the ship!

5 CHANCE TO WORK WITH PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Aboard a merchant navy ship, you will be working with professionals coming from various parts of the world. It will be like a melting pot of cultures. If you are a person who likes such diversity, you will love this work setup!

# CONS

1 SOCIAL AND FAMILY LIFE SUFFERS

Long holidays are very much possible and helpful for sailors. Still, the prospect of spending months aboard a ship, away from family, is not very attractive! A regular office job affords you luxuries such as coming home each evening, spending each day with family and friends etc. This is not possible, when it comes to merchant navy and sailors!

2 RISKS INVOLVED IN WORK

Sailors brave the sea. It is not an easy task! The working conditions aboard a ship are not too comfortable. Sailors have to brave difficulties like the raging sea, testing weather conditions and other dangers.

Piracy is another concern. But thanks to increased attention given towards the menace of pirates and their activities by Governments around the world, it is not a big concern these days. Still, threat does exist though!

3 HEALTH ISSUES

Spending long periods of time aboard a ship, away from land, is not something the human body has been designed to deal with. Doing this activity will bring with it few physical and health issues. These days, thanks to decent food supplies and nutritious food, sailors usually remain in good health, even after spending time aboard a ship. Still, this job is not suitable for fragile folks.

Joining Merchant Navy : Keep in Mind Before These Simple Things

Joining Merchant Navy : Keep in Mind Before These Simple Things

Planning to join merchant navy? Joining merchant navy is a very unique career choice, but then there are certain things that you should consider before making it your career. The list of why merchant marine is a very good career option (or not so good one),  is very long but with the help of these top five points, knowing why to opt for marine careers and what to look out for before joining the merchant navy will become genuinely easy..

Right Qualification

Not everyone can join merchant navy. The most important thing needed by a person to be a part of the marine careers is the right qualification from the right merchant marine academy. Different countries have their own merchant navy rules and academies so it becomes necessary to enrol in the appropriate academy as required by the nation’s merchant marine laws to get the required qualifications.

Choose the Right Job

Merchant marine offers a lot of job options – from technical to non-technical professionals. Radio officers, captains, pursers (people who are in-charge of managing the accounts), able-bodied seamen, chefs, first mate and second mate are the kind of jobs that are available to the interested people. You are the best judge of your capabilities, so choose your stream accordingly. Some positions come with high responsibilities and you should be ready to deliver your best.

Health and Fitness

You wouldn’t be selected if you are not fit. Health and fitness is the 3^rd most important thing before you consider joining merchant navy. Since the merchant navy men have to be on the water for a major portion of the year, their health and fitness becomes a major concern. People with bad health cannot be a part of the marine careers as it could cause problems for not just themselves but to the entire ship as well. Life on ship demands great physical fitness, so don’t opt for the career if you feel you won’t be able to deliver physically.

Do note that health and physical fitness tests are carried out at regular intervals of time. They are conducted every time before boarding the ship and if any complication arises, the candidate will not be allowed to join the ship. Passing the test during the time for admission in the course does not ensure you are fit for sea life. There are some tests which are carried in between the course (hearing compatibility test etc.) which if failed will lead to termination of the course.

Almost Negligible Social Life

The fourth aspect involved is about the amount of time spent offshore. If you are a social animal who likes to mingle with friends on every opportunity you can find, then better stay away from Merchant navy. Since merchant navy is all about business and commercial activities at sea, the merchant vessel spends a lot of time on the sea than on port. This is why, when a person is thinking about joining merchant navy, the person needs to think a lot about the time period. If the person is adventurous, then the time period could go to the person’s advantage but if the person has a shy personality and needs emotional anchorage from friends and family then marine careers could be disadvantageous as it could lead to homesickness and unnecessary problems due to the person’s inability to adjust to the job.

Personality and Attitude

The person’s personality and nature plays a very vital role when on ship. Being a part of the merchant navy will allow a person to not only meet new people but learn lots of new things about different cultures of the world. A person who is adventurous, as mentioned in the previous point could learn and grasp lot of point that could prove beneficial for the merchant navy ship. But for a person who does not interact with people that much, the job could prove to be difficult. Note that there will be only 20 faces or even lesser with whom you would be interacting for months each day. So even if you have some problem with any crew member, you have no option but to work with him, keeping the grudges aside. If you feel you are not the kind of person, who can compartmentalize his or her mind, then better give this career a miss. This is why it becomes important before joining merchant navy to know what type of a person one is and whether merchant navy will suit the person or not. Have some time with yourself and then decide.

Job surety and high income: 

Many people think that it will be easy to find a job on ship than on land with high earning as soon as joining the ship. With growing number of institutions and more candidates compared to job openings, there is job crunch in the seafaring industry especially at the entry level (junior officers). Candidates who cleared the required courses are finding it difficult to get a ship for completing their sea-time and training so that they can appear for competency exam to become officers.

The Earnings of a seafarer is high enough but there is a catch of “contract tenure”, waiting period and expenses of competency examination. The entry level candidates earns as much as any land job person, and hence it is only when you pass exam and have a COC, then you get a good salary flowing into your account.

 Most of the amateur seafarers remain confused about the taxation system for the income earned, which leads to non filing of tax returns. The income earned on a foreign going vessel, seafarer may not always be tax free (a general assumption). You need to complete the required sea time in a financial year to claim a tax free income else you will be considered under the tax slab for paying the income tax as stated by the government of the country.

Family onboard: 

Before entering to this field, the candidates are single (mostly) and they do not think about the family life they will be experiencing along side of the sailing. A merchant navy officer can take his/her family onboard ship only if allowed by the company or when all the norms of the company are complied. Here “family” for a married person means only the immediate family and not parents. Parents are not allowed to go along with the seafarers. An entry level officer will have a lesser chance to carry his immediate family than a management level officer, which again depends on the number of supernumeraries (family members) already present on ship and the life boat capacity.

Apart from all these points, it is also necessary that an applicant who wants to join marine careers does not have any past criminal record. If a person does have any such record, then he or she will not be eligible to join merchant marine.

Merchant navy is a lucrative career option and for the person who follows all the necessary steps needed to be primarily taken, it is one of the best career options of today’s times. However, as with every field, there are few drawbacks attached with this as well. So choose the career of merchant navy wisely in case you are planning to.