Merchant Navy - Eligibility

The entry level for a fresh Marine Engineer (ME) is at the rank of fifth engineer or junior engineer and a Nautical Science graduate is as a Deck Cadet. Promotions depend on further examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the quality of experience and personal merit. On successfully completing these examinations the candidate receives the Certificates of Competency' needed for promotion to the respective classes. Direct entry Deck Cadets are required to undergo basic pre-sea training arranged by the recruiting company itself and the direct entry engineering cadets are preferred to do a Pre-sea course.

A career in the merchant navy requires ability to work as one of a team, self-confidence, love for adventure tough physical constitution, optimistic outlook, and capacity for hard work, loves for traveling, adaptability and a sporting spirit. Those opting for a career should not be sea sick. Engineers need to be resourceful and practical; skilled at Maths and Physics; have in-depth knowledge about the workings of the different machines. Manual dexterity is a must; one should be willing to learn new ways and work with modern technology; and able to work in the deck department as well if need arises.

Students are taught maintenance of the ship, given experience in handling Navigational Instruments and subjected to a number of drills on board related to safety of life. The syllabus has been designed so that the cadet is familiar with the fundamental engineering sciences, knowledge of the theoretical and practical marine engineering, humanities and social sciences. They are also required to be on par with the rules for Marine Engineers as established by the Merchant Shipping Act.

Institutes : Click here for more information