Merchant Navy Salary in India

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Sep 24, 2024 21:04PM IST

Those working in the Merchant Navy earn a very high paying salary with several perks, tax benefits and allowances. The starting salary for Merchant Navy is around INR 3 LPA and the highest goes up to INR 24 LPA. 

Merchant Navy Salary

Are you someone who dreams of a career that takes you across the world’s oceans, cargo ships, passenger vessels and earns a good salary? If yes, then a career in the Merchant Navy may be the perfect choice for you. Merchant Navy is a specialized industry involved in commercial operations such as the transportation of passengers and products via maritime routes. Because the bulk of trade dealings are carried out by sea, the field of the Merchant Navy is well-known across the world. This article will go through the various job types and salaries in the Merchant Navy.

The Merchant Navy is the cornerstone of global trade since it transports goods and products between different parts of the world. Joining the Merchant Navy would need significant travel to intriguing destinations across the world. Merchant Navy Salary in India ranges between INR 30,000 to INR 18,00,000 with an average annual salary of INR 3,00,000. Like any other profession, the Merchant Navy salary is determined by a variety of factors, including the selected employee's rank, experience, and location.

The minimum age to join the Merchant Navy is usually between 17.5 and 25 years old. The minimum Merchant Navy salary often varies between INR 25,000 to INR 60,000, while the maximum Merchant Navy salary can go up to INR 20,00,000 per year. After obtaining significant years of experience in the Merchant Navy for roughly 5 - 10 years, the average seaman's salary can reach up to INR 8,00,000 Per Annum.

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What is the Average Salary of a Merchant Navy?

The average Merchant Navy starting salary ranges from INR 4,80,000 to INR 6,00,000 Per Annum. A Merchant Navy Officer with more than ten years of experience gets an average monthly salary of INR 21,00,000. With more than 20 years of extensive expertise, the highest Merchant Navy monthly salary might range between INR 3,00,00,000 and INR 5,00,00,000.

The yearly salary in Merchant Navy officers in various categories is listed below.

Job Profile DescriptionAverage Annual Salary
CaptainA Captain commands the whole ship and is in charge of daily transactions as well as other maritime legal issues.INR  2,04,00,000 Per Annum
Catering & Hospitality CrewThis crew is in charge of the catering department along with visitors and passengers on board.INR  24,00,000 Per Annum
Chief OfficerChief Officers are in charge of keeping track of the ship's navigation. They also oversee the whole cargo operation at ports, including loading, unloading, cargo planning, and so on.INR  72,00,000 Per Annum
Deck CadetDeck Cadets are responsible for the ship's maintenance, including ensuring that all lifesaving equipment is present and operational, as well as mending and driving the ship.INR 14,00,000 Per Annum
EngineerThey are in charge of the repair and maintenance of engines and other related equipments50,00,000 Per Annum
Trainee CadetHe is in charge of a ship's fundamental deck officer tasks. He is required to complete a stipulated sea time and get a certificate of competency as an officer in command of a navigational watch.INR 10,20,000 Per Annum 

Merchant Navy Salary in India

The average Merchant Navy salary for candidates is between INR 3,00,000 to INR 18,70,000 Per Annum depending on experience. Those who have passed their 12th board examinations, on the other hand, can opt to work as Deck Officers or in the catering department, with average salaries of INR 2,20,000 Per Annum and INR 3,00,000 Per Annum, respectively. Candidates with more than 15 years of experience and the appropriate educational qualifications can earn up to INR 2,00,00,000 and even more annually.

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Company Wise Wise Salary of a Merchant Navy in India

Many leading merchant navy companies in India recruit both new and experienced personnel for various positions. CMA-CGM Group, Anglo Eastern Shipping, and Mediterranean Shipping Company are among the major merchant navy corporations in India. The average salary for various shipping companies operating in India is shown in the table below. 

Name of the CompaniesAverage Salary After Merchant Navy
Ocean SparkleINR 24,55,000 Per Annum
Shipping Corporation of IndiaINR 33,00,000 Per Annum
Indian NavyINR 40,00,000 Per Annum
Anglo-Eastern Ship ManagementINR 42,00,000 Per Annum
Fleet ManagementINR 70,00,000 Per Annum
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Specialization Wise Salary Of A Merchant Navy In India

The table below details the  Specialization wise salary of a Merchant Navy in India -

Merchant Navy RankSpecializationAverage Monthly Salary After Merchant Navy
2nd/3rd Officer Post2nd Mate certification of CompletionINR 5,00,000 
CaptainMaster Certificate of CompletionINR  20,00,000
Chief Officer Post1st Mate Certification of CompletionINR 6,50,000
Deck CadetClass 12 and Pre-sea Nautical DiplomaINR 85,000
G P Rating PostClass 10th INR 60,000
Trainee Cadet postClass 12 and Pre-sea Nautical DiplomaINR 85,000
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Salary of a Merchant Navy in India Qualification Wise

For candidates who have pursued relevant degrees, the average salary after Merchant Navy usually ranges between INR 3,00,000 - INR 18,70,000 Per Annum. However, candidates who have cleared their 12th board exams can directly choose to pursue a career as Deck Officers or can also join the catering department with an average pay of INR 2,20,000 and INR 3,00,000 per annum respectively. 

Merchant Navy Salary After 12th 

Those who want to join Merchant Navy after clearing their class 12 examination should follow certain eligibility criteria for the same as discussed below-

  • Candidates joining Merchant Navy after class 12 are trained to perform significant tasks such as checking tank surroundings daily basis, maintaining the ship, maintaining LSA or life-saving appliances, and FFA or fire-fighting appliances. Along with these duties, they have to do various port work too
  • The average monthly salary for candidates who join Merchant Navy after 12th ranges from INR 25,000 - INR 80,000 per month.
  • However, the salary of a candidate joining the Merchant Navy Salary After 12th witnesses a gradual rise after gaining substantial years of experience and updated skills and knowledge. 

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th

Students who have cleared the class 10 board examination with a minimum score of 45% aggregate are eligible to join the GP Rating course. They have to fill out a registration form and appear in a series of exams that tests physical and mental abilities.

  • The Pre-sea course for general purpose rating is 6 months long and trains cadets primarily for 2 roles i.e. Engine and Deck Rating
  • Upon completion of the GP Rating course, candidates can start working as Engine or Deck crew
  • Upon completing 36 months on the board, candidates can be Officers by appearing for the 2nd Mate Examination. 
  • Merchant Navy starting salary for candidates who have completed class 10 board exams ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 30,000 and the pay scale keeps on changing based on examinations and achievements
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Job Opportunities After Merchant Navy Course in India

After completing a Merchant Navy course in India candidates can get job opportunities in the following profiles-

2nd/3rd Officer Post
Captain
Chief Officer Post
Deck Cadet
G P Rating Post
Trainee Cadet post
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Jobs After Merchant Navy Course - Government and Private

Merchant Navy Jobs offer is a very lucrative career and what makes it even better is that it has ample opportunities both in private and government sectors-

Government Jobs in the Merchant Navy:

Due to the importance of the merchant navy in facilitating global commerce and freight transportation, more individuals with training are needed in more departments on board, which broadens the career opportunities in this industry. As a result, applicants can obtain employment in any of the following departments in government shipping companies:

  • Deck Department
  • Engine Department
  • Service Department

Private Jobs in the Merchant Navy:

Private jobs in the merchant navy are offered by private shipping companies that operate cargo ships, oil tankers, passenger ships along with other types of vessels transporting goods and people. Some of the private merchant navy companies are-

  • Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
  • CMA CGM
  • Maersk Line
  • APL
  • Evergreen Marine Corporation
  • COSCO Shipping 
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Top Recruiters for Merchant Navy

The Merchant Navy industry has several top recruiters that offer job opportunities to aspiring candidates. Some of the top recruiters for merchant navy are:

  • Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
  • The Great Eastern Shipping Company (GE Shipping)
  • Hapag-LLoyd
  • OOCL
  • MOL Group
  • CSCL
  • Zim Integrated Shipping Services
  • Anglo Eastern Ship Management
  • Fleet Management Limited
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FAQs about Merchant Navy Salary

What is the starting salary of Merchant Navy?

The starting salary in merchant navy is approximately INR 4,80,000 to INR 12,00,000 per annum.
 

Which Merchant Navy has highest salary?

Captain has the highest salary in Merchant Navy.
 

Is Merchant Navy a govt job?

Yes, government jobs are also available in Merchant Navy.
 

What is the monthly salary in Merchant Navy?

The initial Merchant Navy salary per month is INR 40,000 to 1,00,000 per month.
 

What should I study to join Merchant Navy?

To join Merchant Navy after 12th aspiring candidates must pursue courses such as BSc Nautical Science or Diploma Nautical Science.

What are the popular/ top skills required to become a Merchant Navy?

Some of the popular/ top skills are Decision-making skills, Mathematical ability, Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems (for engineer officer roles), Engineering designs, and People management skills.

What are the top-paying cities for Merchant Navy in India?

Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Goa, New Delhi, Pune are some of the top-paying cities for Merchant Navy in India

What are the top-paying industries for Merchant Navy in India?

Some of the top-paying industries for Merchant Navy in India are oil and gas industry, chemical industry, cargo industry, cruise industry and offshore industry.

How does Merchant Navy Salary in India change with experience?

Merchant Navy salaries range from 25,000 per month to 20 lakhs per month depending upon the experience of the candidates.

What is the highest salary for Merchant Navy in India?

The highest Merchant Navy salary is for the position of Captain, which ranges from Rs. 8,65,000 to Rs. 20,00,000 per month.

What is the starting salary for a Merchant Navy in India?

Average starting salary for Merchant Navy in India is around Rs 25,000 per month.

What are the top-paying companies that employ Merchant Navy?

Some of the top paying companies that employ Merchant Navy graduates are- Anglo Eastern, Shipping Ltd, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), CMA-CGM Group, A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, Evergreen Marine Corp, Hapag - Lloyd.

What is the monthly salary of a Merchant Navy in India?

The average monthly Merchant Navy Salary ranges between Rs 40,000 - 90,000.

Is Merchant Navy a good career?

Sure, it can be a good career choice.  Work in this profession is rewarding because of the higher remuneration and potential for development.

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