Ranks in Merchant Navy: Eligibility, Merchant Navy Officer Ranks, Merchant Navy Rank Structure, Merchant Navy Salary, Deck Department, Engine Department, Catering Department

Q: What qualifications are required to become a Captain in Merchant Navy?

A bachelors degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering and several years of experience at sea are the basic criteria to become a Captain in the Merchant Navy. They are also required to pass the necessary certification exams to obtain licenses.

Ahana Bhaduri

Content Writer

The operations of a Merchant Navy involve a complex hierarchy of personnel, each with its own set of responsibilities and duties. The ranking system ensures smooth coordination of onboard operations with proper management. The highest rank in the Merchant Navy is that of a Captain or a Master. He is the superior authority on the ship and shoulders overall responsibility for all onboard jobs with an average salary of INR 70 LPA – 1.50 Crore.

The ranking system in the Merchant Navy is divided on the basis of Deck, Engine and Catering Department. The Chief Officer serves as the second-in-command and looks after the deck department. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s engines and machinery. The Average Salaries of the Chief Officer and the Chief Engineer is INR 72 LPA and INR 50 LPA respectively.

The Third Officer, also known as Rank 3 Officer looks after FFA and LSA appliances and port documents for the Captain. It is a lower-ranking position in the deck department. The lowest ranks in the Merchant Navy are Deck crews like Able Seaman and Ordinary Seamen. They are responsible for tasks such as deck maintenance, cargo handling and assisting in navigation. Check: Steps to Join Merchant Navy

Table of Content

Eligibility to Join the Merchant Navy
Departments in the Merchant Navy
Ranks in the Merchant Navy

3.1 Deck Department

3.2 Engine Department

3.3 Catering Department

Ranks in the Merchant Navy: FAQs

Eligibility to Join the Merchant Navy

There are certain eligibility criteria that have to be met to join Merchant Navy in India. The criteria may vary slightly based on the position. The general eligibility criteria include -

Nationality - Candidates are required to be a citizen of India to apply for Merchant Navy.
Education - Candidates are required to have Class 12 clear with 60% marks in PCM from a recognised board. Candidates with 40% marks in Class 10 can also apply.
Relationship Status - Candidates should be unmarried at the time of joining the Merchant Navy.
Age - 17.5 years is the starting age at which candidates can join the Merchant Navy. Applications are accepted till 22 years of age.
Eye Vision - For BSc Maritime Science, eye vision should be 6/6 for each eye. For BTech Marine Engineering, it is +- 2.5. For unaided vision, the minimum is 6/12 in both eyes or 6/9 in the good eye and 6/12 in the other.
Language Proficiency - Candidates should be proficient in English as it is the working language on ships.
Medical Fitness - Candidates are needed to be physically and mentally fit as per the standards set by the Merchant Navy. Read: How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th

Apart from the general eligibility criteria, the eligibility criteria also vary according to different degree programs which are mentioned as follows -

Bachelor’s Degree - Class 12 with 60% in PCM with an age limit between 17.5 to 25 years.
Master’s Degree - GME, candidates are needed to have a B E degree in Naval Architecture or Mechanical Engineering. A UG degree from a recognised university is required for an MBA degree in the Merchant Navy. The maximum age limit for GME and MBA courses is between 25 to 28 years.
Diploma Courses - For 1-year diploma courses, candidates are only required to have Class 12 with PCM and English. For 2-year diploma courses, candidates should have a diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or Shipbuilding Engineering. The age limit is between 25 to 28 years.
6-Month Merchant Naby Course - Candidates with 40% marks in Class 10 with Science, Maths and English are eligible. The age limit is between 17.5 to 25 years.

Also Read: Salary in Merchant Navy

Departments in the Merchant Navy

To ensure the smooth operations and safety of ships, there are different departments in the Merchant Navy that work together. Some of the major departments include -

Deck Department - Navigation, safety and cargo operations are the responsibilities of this department. The department officers include The Captain, Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate and Deck Cadet. The deck crew have Bosun, Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman (OS).
Engine Department - This department is involved in the operation and maintenance of the ship engines, machinery and electrical equipment. The officers included in this department are The Chief Engineer, Second, Third and Fourth Engineer, Engine Cadet, Electrical Officer, Fitter, Motorman and Wiper.
Catering Department - Providing the ship’s crew with food and accommodation comes under this department. Chief Cooks, Trainee Cooks and Stewards are the catering officers of this department.

Apart from the major departments, the Merchant Navy also has Medical and Radio Departments. The Medical Department provides medical assistance to the crew and passengers while the Radio Department is responsible for maintaining the communications on board the ship. Check: Salary of a Captain

Ranks in the Merchant Navy

The Merchant Navy has a well-defined hierarchy and ranks. Each rank has its own set of responsibilities and requirements. The ranks may vary based on the shipping company and the vessel type. The Captain is the highest-ranking officer responsible for the overall operation and safety of the ship.

Each department in the Merchant Navy has professionals working at different ranks. The roles of these professionals according to their departments are explained below. Check: How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th

Deck Department

The deck department is responsible for the navigation and safe operation of the ship. It primarily focuses on the deck and exterior vessel areas. The deck department has the following ranks as tabulated below. Read: Salary of a Deck Cadet

Designation	Job Profile	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Captain	Responsible for the overall operation and safety of the ship. The ship sails under a set of rules and regulations under his guidance. The captain is also responsible for any problem that occurs on the ship.	35 L
Chief Officer/First Mate	Takes up the master position in the absence of a captain. The duties of a Chief Officer include training deck cadets, looking after fire systems, security, accommodation and onshore operations like cargo gearing and berthing.	33.4 L
Second Officer/Second Mate	Responsible for the updation and publication of charts. Also works as a medical officer on the vessel.	13.8 L
Third Officer/Third Mate	Regulation of bond store onboard and the maintenance of port documents required by the master are the duties of a Third Officer. Also looks after the Fire Fighting Appliances (FFA) and Life-Saving Appliances (LSA).	8 L
Deck Cadet	New professionals on board looking to learn so that they can pass exams and become an officer in the future. They assist OOW in their learning.	7.79 L
Bosun	Works with Chief Mate and is involved in the rating system on the deck.	8 L
Able Seaman	Assists the deck department as he has merchant mariner’s document.	4 L
Ordinary Seaman (OS)	Tasks performed include cleaning the deck, scaling, buffing, painting, wiring, rigging, splicing wire, overhauling and cargo operations.	2 L
Trainee Ordinary Seaman	Deck Cadet involved in rating works.	5 L

Engine Department

The engine department is responsible for the maintenance, repair and operation of the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary machinery. Working the engine room and mechanical systems of the vessel comes under the engine department. The ranks of the deck department are as follows. Check: Merchant Navy 2nd Officer Salary

Designation	Job Profile	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Chief Engineer	Keep a check on the pollution caused by the ship, check auxiliary machinery and the performance of the main propulsion system.	35 L
Second Engineer	Trains cadets with ship machines, troubleshoots engine room problems, daytime watches and looks after documents and lamination works.	17.5 L
Third Engineer	Daily checking of machines and proper working of the fire room, boiler and auxiliary machines are the main duties. Also looks after the pump lines, reefer and ship spares and stores.	8 L - 13.9 L
Fourth Engineer	Manages the working of machines in the engine room. Works on the ship’s purifiers and compressors and manages the main propulsion system and water system.	6 L - 10.1 L
Fifth Engineer/Engine Cadet	Does engine round duties and documentation work. Change oil filters and workshop tools and assemble and clean the main air compressor, air purifier and sewage plant.	4.5 L
Electrical Officer/ETO	The electrical and technical aspects of the ships are looked after by an ETO.	19 L
Fitter	Ensure all the watercraft components and materials are fitted properly.	3.9 L
Motorman/Oiler	OIl machines for proper and efficient working Also involved in cleaning the engine room and supporting duty engineers on daily rounds.	3.10 L
Wiper	Cleaning of machinery and engine areas is the duty of a wiper.	3 L - 4.08 L

Catering Department

Providing meals and accommodation for the crew and passengers are the responsibilities of the catering department. The department ensures all the individuals on the ship are well-fed and meet their dietary requirements. The catering department has the following ranks.

Designation	Job Profile	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Chief Cook	Prepares timely meals for the crew and looks after the cleanliness of the equipment used. He is also in charge of the food store.	3.5 L - 6.3 L
Trainee Cook	Assists Chief Cooks in their daily tasks and maintains a record of food stored on board.	2 L - 3 L
Steward	Serving food, cleaning areas, maintaining grocery and food cost records along with documentation work with Chief Cook are some of the Steward roles.	1.4 L - 2 L

Ranks in the Merchant Navy: FAQs

Ques. What is the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The Merchant Navy refers to the commercial fleet of ships operated by civilians for maritime trade activities.

Ques. What are the ranks in the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The ranks in the Merchant Navy are structured in a hierarchical manner, with the highest rank being the Captain or Master. Master is followed by Chief Officer, Second Officer and other professionals according to their departments.

Ques. What are the responsibilities of a Captain in the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The Captain is the superior authority responsible for safe navigation and operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and laws and managing the crew and cargo. They are also responsible for maintaining links with owners, port authorities and other nearby ships.

Ques. What qualifications are required to become a Captain in Merchant Navy?

Ans. A bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering and several years of experience at sea are the basic criteria to become a Captain in the Merchant Navy. They are also required to pass the necessary certification exams to obtain licenses.

Ques. What are the career prospects in the Merchant Navy?

Ans. Deck Officers, Engineering Officers, Electrical Officers and Catering Officers are some of the top career prospects in the Merchant Navy. With experience and training, individuals can move up to higher roles and take on more responsibilities.

Ques. What are the type of ships on which the Merchant Navy Officers operates?

Ans. The Merchant Navy Officers operate on a variety of ships. Container ships, oil tankers, passenger ships and cruise liners are some of the common ones.

Ques. How to join the Merchant Navy?

Ans. To join the Merchant Navy, students can either enrol in a maritime academy or apply for the job directly with shipping companies. Students at the maritime academy will undergo training in various aspects of maritime operations. Alternatively, those applying for a direct job have to meet the job role requirements.

Ques. What are some of the challenges faced by the Merchant Navy Officers?

Ans. Merchant Navy can be challenging as professionals spent a long time away from home. The work is also physically demanding and potentially dangerous, especially when working with heavy machinery and hazardous cargo.

Ques. What is the age limit to join the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The age limit to join the Merchant Navy is between 17.5 to 25 years.

Ques. What is the monthly earning of the Merchant Navy Officer?

Ans. The average monthly salary of the Merchant Navy Officer can range between INR 90,000 to 10,00,000.