Merchant Navy Overview: Fees, Top Colleges & Career Prospects

Merchant Navy course equips you with the skills needed for a career at sea. This course is one of the most captivating courses offered as part of maritime studies. The Merchant Navy plays a vital role in international commerce, dealing with the shipment of products, fuel, and other necessities on a global scale. The Merchant Navy differs from the defence navy, which deals with commercial shipping. It also provides the chance to visit new destinations and earn lucrative wages.

Selecting this course gives you access to exciting yet well-structured careers in navigation, marine engineering, and maritime management. The future of the Merchant Navy becomes even more promising as globalisation, automation, and digital innovations envelop the shipping industry. You will undergo training in this course to gain experience in technical know-how. You will also get global exposure, tax advantages, and a guaranteed career path.

Also Read: Merchant Navy Entrance Exams in India

Have a look at the merchant navy course highlights table:

Different career paths in the Merchant Navy can accommodate a person’s specific interests and capabilities. Each field will help you learn the skills needed for an important position at sea. 

List of Popular Specialisations

Specialisations within the Merchant Navy are structured to prepare you for specific departments of a ship. Each area provides you with the specialised knowledge and leadership skills needed to meet certain challenges of operating at sea.

1. Nautical Science (Deck Department): Focuses on navigation, ship handling, and cargo operations. Graduates progress from Deck Cadet to Captain.
2. Marine Engineering (Engine Department): Deals with maintenance and operation of ship engines and machinery, leading up to the rank of Chief Engineer.
3. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO): Specialises in electrical systems, automation, and power distribution onboard vessels.
4. Maritime Law & Logistics: An emerging field covering shipping laws, port management, and global logistics operations.
5. Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding: Focuses on ship design, construction, and offshore engineering solutions.

The stream you choose can have a considerable effect on the trajectory of your career, your duties, and your salary. So make sure to decide your specialisation carefully. If you have any specific queries, you can contact our counsellors for assistance. 

How to Select the Right Specialisation for Your Goals

The selection of a specialisation within the Merchant Navy is influenced by your competencies and aspirations, both short- and long-term. Proper alignment of your objectives will give the right course a greater impact on your future opportunities and income.

• Career Interest: If you enjoy navigation and leadership, Nautical Science is ideal. If you are mechanically inclined, Marine Engineering is the better choice.
• Future Scope: Engineering and ETO roles are in high demand with the rise of automation.
• Long-Term Growth: Deck officers have command opportunities, while engineers and ETOs specialise in technical leadership.
• Lifestyle Preference: Deck officers manage overall operations, while engineers work hands-on with machinery.

Also Read: Merchant Navy Salary in India

Merchant Navy qualifications include specific academic and professional criteria to ensure readiness for maritime studies.

Merchant Navy Qualifications

• 10th / 12th pass with PCM for officer-level courses.
• Graduation in Mechanical, Electrical, or Naval Architecture for advanced courses like GME or ETO.
• Minimum 50-60% marks in English and core subjects as required by DG Shipping-approved programs.

Merchant Navy Exams Requirements (or Direct Admission)

• IMU-CET is mandatory for most pre-sea officer courses after 12th.
• AIMNET (All India Merchant Navy Entrance Test) is another recognised exam for entry into maritime programs.
• JEE Advanced scores are accepted by certain institutes offering marine engineering programs.
• Some online programs allow direct admission if you meet their eligibility criteria and have sponsorship from shipping companies.

Professional Experience (When Needed)

• Required for advanced courses like Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) or Graduate Marine Engineering if you are joining post-graduation.
• Typically, 0-2 years of relevant industrial experience is acceptable for online program enrollment.

We advise you to focus on building strong fundamentals in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and prepare seriously for IMU-CET. If you are aiming for advanced roles, gain technical experience early to enhance admission and placement chances.

Merchant Navy application involves simple steps and proper documentation to secure admission.

Step-by-step Application Process

1. Start by checking the top Merchant Navy programs.
2. Check the eligibility criteria for the selected course.
3. Fill out the official online application form of the institute.
4. Submit academic documents and sponsorship details (if any).
5. Pay application or registration fees.
6. Await confirmation and enrollment instructions from the institute.

Required Documents

• 10th & 12th mark sheets / Graduation certificates
• Passport-sized photographs and identity proof
• Medical fitness certificate (if pre-sea practical is included)
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

Application Deadline (if any)

• Deadlines vary by institute. 
• Make sure to fill out the merchant navy exam forms on time.  
• Many online programs offer rolling admissions throughout the year.
• Some institutes may have fixed sessions (e.g., July & January intakes).

We would advise you to stay proactive by preparing documents in advance and securing a medical fitness certificate early. Aim for sponsored programs whenever possible, as they provide both training and job assurance.

Also Read: Merchant Navy Admissions 2025

Merchant Navy programs are designed to balance flexibility with hands-on maritime education.

Typical Program Duration

Merchant Navy course duration may vary. 

• Ranges from 6 months to 4 years, depending on the course.
• Flexible schedules for working professionals.

Modular vs Semester Scheme

The Merchant Navy course structure is both modular and semester-wise. 

• Modular: Focused short-term skill-based modules.
• Semester: Traditional semester-wise structure covering all core subjects and electives.

Live vs Recorded Lectures, Assignments, Exams, and Group Projects

The Merchant Navy curriculum will include the following.

• Live Lectures: Real-time interaction with instructors.
• Recorded Lectures: Flexible access for revision.
• Assignments & Exams: Regular assessments to monitor progress.
• Group Projects: Collaboration on case studies and maritime simulations.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Leadership and team management on ships
• Analytical skills for navigation, cargo operations, and engineering
• Ethical and safety standards in maritime operations
• Problem-solving and decision-making under sea conditions

Electives, Capstone Projects, Internships

• Electives: Specialised subjects like Marine Logistics, Safety Management, Ship Design
• Capstone Projects: Real-world problem-solving exercises related to ship operations
• Internships: Pre-sea or on-board training (DG Shipping-approved institutes)

Also Read: Merchant Navy Syllabus & Subjects 2025

Merchant Navy course fees vary depending on the program type, duration, and institute's reputation. You can also benefit from scholarships, sponsorships, and education loan options.

Typical Fee Range

Here’s a breakdown of Merchant Navy course fees in India.

• Fees generally range between INR 2,50,000 - 8,00,000 for officer-level courses.
• Short-term GP Rating courses may cost around INR 1,50,000 - 2,50,000.
• Marine Engineering and B.Sc. Nautical Science (full-time) may go up to INR 10-12 Lakhs at reputed institutions.

Scholarships and Loan Options

To ease financial burden, you can access Merchant Navy scholarships, sponsorships, and education loans offered by institutes, companies, and banks.

• Government Schemes: Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and economically weaker sections.
• Shipping Company Sponsorships: Many shipping firms sponsor students, covering fees and offering job placement.
• Bank Loans: Education loans are available from public/private banks with moratorium benefits.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Offered by top institutes based on entrance exams or academic excellence.

Also Read: Merchant Navy Jobs

Internship and placement support play a crucial role in shaping a successful Merchant Navy career. Reputed institutes provide sea-time training, company tie-ups, and pre-placement guidance to ensure smooth career entry.

Types of Career Assistance

Merchant Navy institutes offer multiple career assistance services to help you gain practical exposure and secure placements with top shipping companies.

• Onboard ship internships (mandatory sea-time training).
• Placement cells tie up with shipping companies.
• Pre-placement training for interviews, sponsorship exams, and safety drills.

Top Recruiters

We would advise you to choose institutes with strong placement cells and direct company tie-ups. This will ensure a smoother transition from training to top merchant navy jobs with reputed recruiters like:

• Maersk Line
• Anglo-Eastern Ship Management
• Great Eastern Shipping Company
• Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
• Fleet Management Ltd.

Salary Ranges by Role

Merchant Navy salary vary by rank and experience, with earnings increasing significantly as professionals rise from cadet roles to senior officer positions. Many reputed shipping companies conduct Merchant Navy recruitment drives, offering fresh graduates opportunities to start rewarding international maritime careers.