When people think about careers in the merchant navy, they often imagine engineers, captains, and deck officers. However, there is another essential division that keeps life onboard smooth and organised—the saloon department in merchant navy. This department plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall hospitality and well-being of the ship’s crew and officers.
At Skill Station, we often get questions from students about various departments in the merchant navy. One of the most overlooked but vital areas is the saloon department. In this blog, we will explain everything about the saloon department in merchant navy, its top 5 roles, and how to pursue a career in this field.
What is the Saloon Department in Merchant Navy?
The saloon department in merchant navy is primarily responsible for hospitality services on board. This includes food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and ensuring the cleanliness of crew accommodations and common areas. While the department does not directly operate the ship, it contributes significantly to crew morale and daily comfort.
Professionals in this department are trained in hygiene standards, food safety, guest services, and maritime etiquette. They make sure the living conditions are pleasant, meals are well-prepared, and officers and crew are well cared for during long voyages.
1. Chief Cook
The chief cook is one of the most important roles in the saloon department in merchant navy. This individual is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals to the crew. A well-fed crew is a motivated crew, and the chief cook ensures balanced nutrition is provided.
Key Responsibilities:
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Menu planning based on voyage duration and cultural preferences
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Ensuring food hygiene and safety
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Managing kitchen inventory and food storage
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Supervising assistant cooks and stewards
At Skill Station, we help candidates prepare for saloon roles with mock drills and practical guidance, especially those aiming to become certified cooks at sea.
2. Steward
The steward is a support role but a highly significant one in the saloon department in merchant navy. They assist the chief cook, manage dining areas, serve meals, and maintain cleanliness in officer cabins.
Key Responsibilities:
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Serving food and beverages
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Cleaning and maintaining dining areas
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Laundry services for officers
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Basic housekeeping duties
Stewards must be attentive, well-mannered, and understand marine hospitality standards. The saloon department in merchant navy relies heavily on stewards for smooth day-to-day operations.
3. Messman
The messman, sometimes known as the assistant steward, works under the steward or chief cook. Though considered an entry-level role, it is a stepping stone to higher positions within the saloon department in merchant navy.
Key Responsibilities:
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Cleaning kitchen equipment and dining utensils
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Setting up tables for meals
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Assisting in basic food preparation
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Performing minor maintenance in pantry areas
Skill Station offers short courses that simulate onboard training so aspiring messmen know exactly what to expect.
4. Housekeeping Attendant
Housekeeping attendants are crucial for ensuring cleanliness in officer accommodations, common areas, and medical rooms. In luxury ships, their roles may even extend to guest cabins.
Key Responsibilities:
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Cleaning rooms and washrooms
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Replenishing linens and toiletries
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Reporting maintenance issues
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Waste management
Clean living quarters improve morale and productivity. Thus, the saloon department in merchant navy ensures housekeeping is always up to international maritime standards.
5. Galley Utility
This is another support-level role where the person helps maintain cleanliness in the galley (ship’s kitchen). Though physically demanding, this role is essential for food safety.
Key Responsibilities:
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Washing utensils and kitchen floors
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Assisting in waste disposal
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Monitoring kitchen supplies
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Helping during emergency food services
Galley utility workers are often promoted to stewards or assistant cooks with experience and certifications. At Skill Station, our career counsellors often suggest this as a smart entry point into the saloon department in the merchant navy.
Eligibility for Saloon Department Roles
If you’re considering a career in the saloon department in merchant navy, here’s what you need:
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Minimum 10th pass from a recognized board
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Age between 18 to 25 years
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Basic knowledge of English and hospitality
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STCW course certification (mandatory maritime safety training)
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Medical fitness and eyesight standards
Skill Station provides foundational training and helps students complete the STCW certification to become job-ready.
Career Growth in Saloon Department
Starting from an entry-level position like messman or galley utility, one can grow to become a chief cook or even a saloon department head with experience and additional training.
Career Path Example:
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Messman
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Steward
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Assistant Cook
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Chief Cook
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Catering Officer (on large ships)
With 5-10 years of experience and good performance, the saloon department in merchant navy can lead to stable, well-paying maritime careers.
Salary Overview
Salaries in the saloon department in merchant navy vary depending on rank, ship type, and company:
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Messman: ₹20,000-₹30,000/month
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Steward: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000/month
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Assistant Cook: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000/month
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Chief Cook: ₹80,000 – ₹120,000/month
These roles also offer international exposure, tax-free income (if NRI conditions apply), and long vacation periods.
Why Choose the Saloon Department?
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Quick Entry: You can join right after 10th standard
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Fast Promotions: With dedication and training
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Skill-Based: Ideal for those interested in hospitality and cooking
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Global Travel: Opportunity to work on international ships
At Skill Station, many students from humble backgrounds have built rewarding careers in this department thanks to structured coaching and placement support.
Conclusion
The saloon department in merchant navy is a vital but often underrated division that offers stable, respectable, and financially rewarding careers. From cooks to stewards, every role contributes to the efficient functioning of the ship and crew comfort.
If you’re planning to join this industry, start your journey with Skill Station, the best merchant navy coaching institute in Dehradun, and take the first step toward a life at sea with confidence and skill.