In recent years the interest in joining the Merchant Navy has rapidly grown but with it a loud and toxic narrative has also emerged:
“Girls are getting more preference.”
“ Companies and Selections are
bias now.”
“ It is harder for boys now.”
“They’re eating up boys’ seats.”
This mindset is not only factually wrong but also very demotivating for aspirants who are thinking of joining the Merchant Navy .
Let’s look upto this not emotionally , not through social media but with reality and with facts . Because Real Seafarers never complain.
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Merchant Navy Myths About Girls — What People Say vs Reality
In most of the merchant navy batches whether it’s DNS, BSc Nautical, or Engine Cadet courses , girls are actually making up only 8% to 12% of the intake. In some exceptional batches and considering it to an upper limit it might go up to 15%.
For example
Anglo eastern is one of the biggest recruiters of cadets in india and is amongst the favourite contenders to join for the aspirants . It takes 280 cadets over the year and if we look at figures , from the 280 only 25-30 girls are there in the whole year.That means 250+ seats are still for boys.
So if someone is not getting selected it is because of less opportunities given to boys / because of these 25-30 girls or it is because of you not preparing seriously , weak communication skills , marks or merit?
Girls Are Getting More Preference” — The Truth Behind the Numbers
Over the Centuries , Merchant navy has been Male – Dominated industry and Women hesitated to join it . Ships were once about muscle, lifting weights, climbing ladders, braving rough seas physically. But today due to automation and development it is all about navigation systems , communication, accountability , advanced equipments (Ecdis , radar ) , paperworks and safety .
Now Ships need smart , reliable and technically supportive people . Not necessarily the strongest make you more compatible. And Girls are stepping up , and they’re performing too .
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Global Push for Women at Sea
Company like Seaspan and Mass recruiters like MSC and MAERSK LINE are preferring girls cadet not because of the sympathy but because they want to empower women, build inclusive crews, and encourage more girls to join. That’s not unfair , that’s visionary.
Instead of whining try to understand why it is happening
- To bring balance
- To create diversity
- Empowering and inspiring women
In fact, in many companies, port surveyors and chief officers have given better reviews for girl cadets over some of their male counterparts.
This is not just an India thing. It’s a global movement.
The IMO (International Maritime Organization), various shipping ministries, and companies worldwide are pushing for more women at sea.
- There are now female captains, chief engineers, pilots, and surveyors.
- Women are leading dry docks, port audits, and manning departments.
- And they’re not doing it for charity , they’re doing it because they’ve earned their stripes.
To the Boys: Stop Complaining, Start Competing
If you are playing the blame game , you are already losing the mindset which is required to be an ideal seafarer. This profession is not for the weak-hearted. It demands:
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Mental and emotional stability
- The ability to take criticism and improve
If you are not making into the merits , start working on yourself , study hard , speak better , learn better and your selection will follow you .
To the Girls: You Belong Here
To every girl reading this , if you’re thinking, “Maybe this isn’t for me,” let us remind you:
That you can definitely join this field irrespective of what others say and If you made it, you made it because you earned it – same as anyone else.
Now your job is to:
- Train harder
- Learn faster
- Prove your worth
- And most importantly inspire others
Because when one girl boards the ship, a hundred more start dreaming.
Study hard. Train harder.
Know your ship, know your job.
And the sea will respect you just as much as anyone else on that vessel.
Read more Blog: February DNS Sponsorship – Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Final Words
Yes , Merchant Navy is competitive – for everyone.
But if you’re focused, prepared, and willing to hustle, you’ll make it, no matter your gender.
So, instead of “Girls are taking our seats,” say:
“I’m going to earn my place and no one can stop me.”
Sea doesn’t care if you’re a boy or girl. It only respects competence.What matters is how well you know your job, how well you carry yourself, and how much you’re willing to grow under pressure.
