Bright Career Ahead as a Merchant Navy Seaman

A merchant navy seaman plays a vital role in the global shipping industry, responsible for keeping ships operational, safe, and efficient. Whether working on deck or in the engine room, a seaman’s job is critical to international trade. Before applying, it’s essential to understand the qualifications, duties, and the life that awaits at sea.

At SkillsStation, we aim to simplify your maritime career journey. From providing accurate insights to helping you choose the right training path, we ensure your path to becoming a merchant navy seaman is smooth and informed.

Who is a Merchant Navy Seaman?

A merchant navy seaman is a trained professional who works onboard commercial ships like cargo carriers, tankers, cruise liners, and more. Seamen are typically part of the deck, engine, or catering departments and perform a range of duties to keep the vessel running efficiently.

They are the backbone of the merchant marine workforce, ensuring safe navigation, cargo handling, machinery maintenance, and hygiene standards. Entry-level roles include Ordinary Seaman (OS), Wiper (engine), and Messman (catering), with scope for promotions based on experience and certifications.

Types of Seaman Roles in the Merchant Navy

The merchant navy seaman designation can cover several specialized job roles:

Deck Seaman: Handles navigation support, lookout, and cargo operations
Engine Room Seaman: Assists with machinery operations, maintenance, and safety checks
Catering Crew: Manages meals, cleaning, and accommodation upkeep onboard

Each role requires discipline, teamwork, and the ability to function in challenging marine environments.

Educational Requirements and Qualifications

To become a Merchant Navy Seaman, candidates typically need to meet the following criteria under the Merchant Navy Eligibility Criteria:

Minimum 10th pass for GP Rating or STCW courses
Age: Between 17.5 to 25 years (can vary with courses and academies)
Medically and physically fit, especially with good vision and hearing
Basic English communication skills

Additional training in pre-sea courses approved by the Directorate General of Shipping is compulsory. These include GP Rating, NCV Deck Cadet, and Engine Rating programs.

How to Join Merchant Navy as a Seaman

If you’re wondering how to join merchant navy as a seaman, here’s the general process:

Meet eligibility as mentioned above
Choose a DGS-approved institute offering seaman training courses
Pass a medical fitness test and psychometric evaluation
Apply for a pre-sea training course (typically 6 months)
Receive a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) upon course completion
Get placed onboard a vessel through campus placement or sponsorship

This structured path ensures candidates are ready for both the physical and technical challenges of life at sea.

Career Growth and Promotions

The career journey of a merchant navy seaman doesn’t end with an entry-level job. With experience and certifications, you can climb the ranks:

Ordinary Seaman → Able Seaman → Bosun → Officer-in-Charge (with additional training)
Wiper → Oiler → Motorman → Marine Engineer (subject to exams and sea time)

Continuous learning and assessment are key to unlocking higher positions and salaries in this field.

Merchant Navy Salary for Seamen

The Merchant Navy Salary for seamen varies based on department, vessel type, experience, and company:

Ordinary Seaman: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per month
Able Seaman: ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per month
Engine Room Wiper: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per month
Messman/Catering: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month

Additional perks include tax-free income (for over 183 days at sea), free meals, accommodation, and travel.

Merchant Navy Advantages and Disadvantages

Before joining, it’s wise to evaluate the Merchant Navy’s Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:

High, tax-free salaries
Global travel and exposure
Short working contracts
Fast-track promotions

Disadvantages:

Long months away from family
Physically and mentally demanding work
Risk of piracy or harsh weather
Limited social life onboard

Knowing these factors helps aspirants prepare mentally and emotionally for the lifestyle.

Life Onboard for a Seaman

Working as a merchant navy seaman involves a strict routine but also camaraderie and learning. Life onboard includes 8-12 hour shifts, regular maintenance, emergency drills, and training. Meals are provided, and most vessels have recreational facilities like gyms, TVs, and internet (limited).

Discipline, respect for hierarchy, and teamwork are critical in this closed yet diverse work environment.

Tips to Excel as a Seaman

Stay physically fit and mentally prepared
Follow instructions carefully and maintain discipline
Learn from seniors and participate in every task
Keep documents like passport, INDOS number, and CDC updated
Improve your maritime English and technical terms

The role of a merchant navy seaman is as much about mindset as it is about skill.

FAQs About Merchant Navy Seaman

Q1. Can women become merchant navy seamen?

Yes, many companies recruit women, especially in deck and catering departments, with no gender-based restrictions in training or jobs.

Q2. Is it necessary to have prior experience to become a seaman?

No. Beginners start as Ordinary Seamen or Wipers after completing a pre-sea training course.

Q3. What are the documents needed to apply for seaman training?

You’ll need your 10th or 12th mark sheet, birth certificate, passport, medical certificate, and passport-sized photographs.

Q4. Are there entrance exams to become a merchant navy seaman?

Not always. Some institutes conduct screening tests or interviews. No centralized exam is required for GP Rating or Engine Rating courses.

Q5. Is STCW training mandatory for seamen?

Yes, STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) is mandatory for safety and emergency handling.

Conclusion

A career as a merchant navy seaman offers financial rewards, global exposure, and structured growth. With the right training and attitude, you can establish a long and fulfilling career in this field. If you’re aiming to kickstart your journey, choose the best navy academy in dehradun to ensure quality education and placement support. Start your voyage with confidence — SkillsStation is here to support your maritime goals.

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.