Merchant Navy Salary 2025, Rank Wise Pay Structure

The Merchant Navy is a popular career choice for many young people due to its thrilling nature, global exposure, and high earning potential. The prospect of traveling to different parts of the world, working in dynamic settings, and receiving attractive compensation packages makes it an appealing profession. Whether your interest lies in fields like engineering, navigation, or hospitality, the Merchant Navy offers numerous roles with excellent financial rewards.

In this article, we will delve into the salary structure for Merchant Navy officers in India, examining the pay scales for various ranks, the job profiles available, and the pathways to join this profession after completing your schooling or higher education.

Merchant Navy Salary in India

In the list of maritime careers, the Merchant Navy stands out as a profession that attracts numerous men and women candidates due to its exciting nature and handsome salary. Beyond the horizon of blue waters and navigational charts, it offers earnings that reflect skill, experience and the unique challenges and responsibilities of a seafaring life. Through this article, we will explore the salary structure and incentives of the Merchant Navy. The Merchant Navy salary in India is competitive and varies based on factors such as rank, experience, type of vessel, and the shipping company you work for. Here’s a breakdown of the salary range for different ranks and positions in the Merchant Navy.

Merchant Navy Salary & Job Profiles

The Merchant Navy salary in India varies significantly based on factors such as rank, experience, and the shipping company you work for. For entry-level positions, such as deck cadets or junior engineers, the salary typically ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 per month. However, as you progress in your career, this salary can increase substantially. As you gain experience and rise through the ranks, the salary potential grows. For example, experienced professionals like Captains can earn up to INR 20 lakhs per month, depending on the type of ship and the company. After 5 to 10 years of service, an experienced seaman can earn an annual salary of around INR 8 lakhs.

Merchant Navy Salary

In India, the Merchant Navy offers attractive salary packages that vary based on the rank, experience, and type of vessel one serves on. The salary in the Merchant Navy is highly competitive, making it an appealing career option for those seeking adventure, international exposure, and substantial financial rewards. Let’s explore the details of the Merchant Navy Salary in India and the opportunities it offers for those embarking on a career at sea.

Merchant Navy Qualification Wise Salary Structure

We have shared the salary of the Merchant Navy according to the Profile, rank, and Qualification of the Individuals.

Merchant Navy Entrance Exams 2025

To secure admission to top Merchant Navy colleges in India, candidates must first clear the respective entrance exams. Some of the prominent exams include:

IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test): A common exam for entry into various marine engineering and nautical science programs at IMU and its affiliated institutes.

JEE Advanced: Candidates can take JEE Advanced to gain entry into certain prestigious Merchant Navy colleges.

MERI Entrance Exams: Specifically for admission to the Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI) for marine engineering courses.

TMI SAT (Tolani Maritime Institute SAT): An entrance exam for admission to the Tolani Maritime Institute, which is a leading maritime education provider in India.

Lateral Entry (L.E.) into Marine Engineering

Candidates who already have a background in engineering can apply for Lateral Entry (L.E.) into the second year of marine engineering programs. To qualify, they must meet one of the following criteria:

• Completion of the first year of engineering with a specialization in electrical or mechanical engineering, with a minimum aggregate of 60%.
• Possession of a diploma in electrical, mechanical, marine, or ship-building engineering with a minimum of 60% marks.

This pathway allows for a faster route to marine engineering qualifications and is perfect for candidates who already have an engineering background.

Merchant Navy Courses in India

Merchant navy officers make good money and get to see the world, enjoying diverse cultures. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that a career in the merchant navy can also be quite demanding. Candidates need to be away from their families for a long time and also they need to take care of their health. We have seen the salary range in the merchant navy above, now let’s look at the ways one can join the merchant navy.

Undergraduate Programs

• B.Tech in Marine Engineering
• B.Tech in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering
• B.Tech in Harbour & Ocean Engineering
• B.Tech in Ship Building
• B.E in Marine Engineering
• B.E in Mechanical Engineering
• B.Sc in Nautical Science

Diploma Programs

• Diploma in Marine Engineering (DME)
• Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
• Postgraduate Programs
• MBA in Shipping & Logistics Management
• MBA in Shipping Finance

Other Specialized Programs

• G.P Rating (General Purpose Rating)
• Marine Engineering under Alternate Training Scheme
• Higher National Diploma (Nautical Science)
• Higher National Diploma (Marine Engineering)
• B.B.A. in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)

Courses Available for Merchant Navy

The Merchant Navy offers a world of opportunities with various courses and entrance exams for individuals looking to make a career at sea. Whether you are just finishing high school or have a background in engineering, there are pathways to help you enter this prestigious profession. With the right qualifications and training, you can join the ranks of well-compensated Merchant Navy officers and embark on an exciting global career at sea.

Merchant Navy Salary After 12th Class

Once the candidate finishes high school, a candidate has a range of courses to choose from that can lead to a well-paying merchant navy salary. Candidates who want to join a merchant navy career after graduation undergo training for essential responsibilities such as regular environmental monitoring, ship maintenance, and the proper handling of fire-fighting and life-saving equipment. Upon completing their 12th class exams, students aspiring to join the merchant navy need to fulfill specific eligibility criteria, as detailed below:

• Attain a minimum Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, English, and Mathematics.
• Candidates should be within the age bracket of 17 to 25 years at the start of the course.
• The Pre-Sea Nautical Diploma program is designed to equip students for positions such as Trainee Cadet and Deck Cadet.

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th

Students who have passed their class 10 board exams with at least 45% marks can enroll in the GP Rating course. They need to fill out a registration form and undergo a series of exams to assess their physical and mental abilities.

• The GP Rating course lasts for 6 months and trains cadets for Engine and Deck Rating roles onboard ships.
• Candidates must be between 17 and 25 years old to join the training course.
• After completing the GP Rating course, candidates can work as part of the Engine or Deck crew on ships.
• After gaining 36 months of experience onboard, candidates can appear for the 2nd Mate Examination to become Officers. They can advance to higher ranks by passing further oral or written examinations.

The starting salary for Merchant Navy candidates who have completed class 10 board exams ranges from INR 25,000 to 30,000. Salaries increase based on exam results and career achievements.

Factors Affecting Merchant Navy Salary

The factors that affect the merchant navy salary are given below:

• Experience plays an important role in determining a seafarer’s salary, with higher experience often correlating with better pay.
• However, experience alone isn’t the only factor influencing salary; other elements also come into play.
• The rank of a seafarer significantly impacts their salary, with higher-ranking positions commanding higher pay, sometimes reaching 15-16 lakhs per month for top roles.
• The type of ship and company a seafarer works for also affects salary. For example, a Chief Engineer on an LNG or LPG Ship may earn up to ₹18,00,000 per month, while salaries on other ships typically range from 10 to 11 lakhs per month.

Merchant Navy Job Profile

Given below is the table that shows the merchant navy job responsibilities for various profiles.