Girls in Merchant Navy: Breaking Barriers at Sea

The maritime world has traditionally been male-dominated, but the tide is turning. A growing number of aspirants and families are asking: Can girls join merchant navy in India? The answer is a confident yes. Today, gender no longer limits ambition, especially in a field as global and progressive as the merchant navy.

Women have proven time and again that they can excel in leadership, engineering, and operational roles across industries. The same applies to the maritime sector. Although still a minority, girls in merchant navy are breaking stereotypes and achieving recognition. Their presence is increasing on the decks, in the engine rooms, and even at the helm of ships.

This change is supported by top institutions and training platforms. One such platform is Skills Station, an academy focused on mentoring aspirants with the right preparation and mindset. At Skillsstation, we help empower girls in merchant navy through tailored guidance and the support of a like-minded community.

Are There Opportunities for Girls in Merchant Navy?

Absolutely. The merchant navy in India is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of gender. Girls in merchant navy can pursue careers as deck officers, marine engineers, electrical officers, or even pursue roles in logistics, maritime law, and port operations.

Government bodies such as the Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Maritime University have clearly defined pathways for girls in merchant navy to join various pre-sea training courses. The process is the same as for male candidates and includes entrance exams, medical tests, and interview rounds.

Institutes are now equipped with separate accommodation, hygiene facilities, and safety policies to support girls in merchant navy. This ensures that safety and dignity are prioritised both during training and while serving on ships.

Popular Courses for Girls in Merchant Navy

If you’re wondering what courses are available for girls in merchant navy, here are a few you can consider:

B.Sc in Nautical Science
B.Tech in Marine Engineering
Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Courses
General Purpose (GP) Rating Course

Each of these programs leads to different career paths on board ships. These courses are available through reputed institutions, and girls in merchant navy are eligible to apply and compete for seats.

Eligibility Criteria for Girls in Merchant Navy

The eligibility criteria for girls in merchant navy are the same as for boys. Here’s what candidates generally need:

Minimum 60% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in 10+2 for officer-level courses
Pass in 10th or 12th standard for GP Rating
IMU-CET entrance exam (for officer courses)
Good eyesight and physical fitness (as per DG Shipping medical standards)
Age typically between 17 to 25 years, depending on the course

These requirements apply equally to girls in merchant navy, ensuring fair access to maritime careers.

Challenges Faced by Girls in Merchant Navy

Despite the growing acceptance, girls in merchant navy still face unique challenges:

Social Stereotypes: Many still believe that life at sea is “not meant for girls.”
Limited Role Models: Few female senior officers are visible in the industry, though this is changing.
Safety Concerns: Concerns about safety onboard are often raised, though ships now follow strict international safety protocols.
Work-Life Balance: The long periods away from home can be demanding emotionally.

However, these challenges are being actively addressed through corporate policies, inclusion initiatives, and government regulations aimed at supporting girls in merchant navy.

Inspiring Stories of Girls in Merchant Navy

There are numerous inspiring stories of girls in merchant navy who’ve climbed the ranks and become pioneers:

Captain Radhika Menon became the first woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.
Shilpi Sharma, a marine engineer, is now a motivational speaker encouraging more girls to join.
Cadets from across India, including small towns and rural areas, are now pursuing careers on international vessels.

Their journeys prove that girls in merchant navy not only survive—but thrive—when given the right opportunities.

Support Systems for Girls in Merchant Navy

Institutions and companies are increasingly implementing policies to support them:

Dedicated mentorship programs
Equal pay and career growth opportunities
Harassment-free policies and grievance redressal mechanisms
Modern safety protocols, including CCTV and secure accommodations onboard

The role of coaching academies like Skillsstation is vital in this transformation. Our personalised approach helps them not only clear entrance exams but also gain the confidence to face challenges at sea.

Why Girls Should Consider the Merchant Navy

There are several compelling reasons for girls in merchant navy to choose this career:

High-paying international jobs
Early financial independence
Structured career growth (cadet to captain/chief engineer)
Opportunities for travel and cultural exposure
Skill development in leadership, engineering, and operations

The industry is evolving, and it needs dynamic, determined individuals, regardless of gender. They have the chance to lead the change and redefine what it means to be a seafarer.

How to Start the Journey

To begin your journey as one of the many empowered to follow these steps:

Research the right course based on your interests
Prepare for IMU-CET or relevant exams
Choose a DG Shipping-approved college
Enrol in a coaching institute like Skillsstation
Stay informed, stay fit, and stay committed

The road to becoming a successful merchant navy officer is not easy, but it is certainly open to all, especially for motivated.

Conclusion

The question “Can girls join merchant navy in India?” is no longer up for debate—the answer is a resounding yes. With growing awareness, institutional support, and success stories, more and more girls in merchant navy are navigating their way into leadership roles onboard. As the Best merchant navy coaching institute, Skillsstation, we at Skillsstation believe in breaking boundaries and supporting all aspirants, especially girls in the merchant navy, to achieve their full potential in this rewarding career.

Rayyan Alam

11:55 27 Jun 24

I heard about Skill Station from a senior and decided to join. When I got to Dehradun, I was thrilled with the great faculty and environment. Amrinder Sir is amazing – his communication skills, style, and personality are top-notch. He's more than a teacher; he's like a friend, brother, and mentor. Joining Skill Station was the best decision I made. Unlike other places, Sir helps you until you get selected. Last year, I achieved a 5452 rank in IMUCET but didn't get any company sponsorship. However, Sir didn't leave me. He took care of us until we were selected and continued to guide us even after our selection. This year, with his guidance, I improved to a 4600 rank in IMUCET and got sponsored by ESM. Skill Station feels like a family. Thank you, Sir!

Abhinav Garwal

10:40 27 Jun 24

Thank you Team Skills Station!For always guiding me.For not only making a relationship as a teacher-student but also to make a bond like a family members.Special thank to Amrinder Sir for not only helping and guiding us but also to treat us like an elder brother in our all the tough and difficult situation.❤️Thank you to all the members of Skills Station team.- Abhinav Garwal

aakarsh negi

08:22 27 Jun 24

One of the best institutes I have seen that not only has good results but also great management. When I joined this institute, I was a bit shy and was not able to speak in public, but now my personality has completely changed. I am confident and bold, and now I like to socialize even more. Because of the teachers and their guidance, I was able to score a good rank in IMU-CET and got sponsored by Anglo.

Kirti Mishra

08:21 27 Jun 24

I'm a student of skill station by Amrinder sir , I'm a type of student who scared to talk in front of crowd and have a lack of confidence , but after joining skill station family Amrinder sir taught me and helped me in every single step I improved my personality . Our faculties present over there are very supportive , friendly and kind hearted they always present there to help us wherever we need they motivate us to keep growing.One more thing from my side Amrinder sir's classes is not just for interview's it'll always help you further in your life how to stay , how to adjust and how to grow with limited resources. With skill station family I learnt a lot of things .Thanks skill station family specially a great personality Amrinder sir 🙏

ARYAN KAMRA

08:14 27 Jun 24

Skills Station Is Best academy For The preparation of merchant Navy , all the teachers Are very helpful and Hardworking they have years of experience joining skills station is one of my best decision I have ever taken in my life, Specially Amrinder Sir Who helped us in every situation we have faced during Our exams or interviews thank You to all the whole team of Skills Station Family because of you I Have secured Good Rank in Imucet I highly recommend new Comers please join Skills Station.

Deepika Rohilla

07:01 26 Jun 24

This is the best institute for Merchant Navy and Communication skills. Amrinder Sir helped me to gain confidence to clear the interviews. He always focuses to develop our personality. I am more confidant and more skillful now.