How to Join the Merchant Navy After Graduation

Many students feel uncertain about their career paths after 12th/graduation. They without thinking just go for anything in a shot irrespective of their interests and skills . Some may not have considered the Merchant Navy as an option, while others may be unaware of the opportunities available. If you’re one of them, don’t worry! The Merchant Navy welcomes students from various backgrounds and disciplines.

For graduates seeking adventure and career growth, Merchant Navy offers a rewarding path full of excitement, challenges, and opportunities.

There are two sides – Deck and the Engine . Joining deck after graduation is time consuming and not that effective but Engine side has a lot to give for the graduates.

Joining Merchant Navy after Graduation

You can join the Merchant Navy after completing your graduation , there are certain courses and training programs that can help you get started.

First looking at the deck side

While there are many courses available for joining merchant navy , not all of them are worth your time and investment. BSc (Nautical Science) and DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) are two such courses that may not be the best options. These courses can lead to a longer and more expensive path to becoming a Merchant Navy officer.

To streamline your journey, avoid time-intensive courses like:

  • Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), unless pursued immediately post-12th.
  • – BSc Nautical Science, especially after completing BSc in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics (PCM).
  • As Standard requirements to join these courses are just passing 12th with PCM of an average 60%.
  • Though it totally depends on individuals interest, One can join DNS and BSC after doing BSC in physics, chemistry and mathematics with an average of 60%.

Engineering Courses: A Better Option

If you’re interested in joining the Merchant Navy Engine Department, consider pursuing engineering courses like Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) or Electro Technical Officer (ETO). Because BTech Before Marine Engineering is redundant , Directly pursuing Marine Engineering post-12th is more efficient than shifting after unrelated engineering degrees.

Instead Choose Efficient Programs , opt for specialised programs:

Graduate Marine Engineering (GME):

   – 1-Year Course : 8 months shore training + 4/6 months onboard training.

   – Eligibility: 4-year Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Naval Architecture, or related fields with 50% minimum in final year and English at 50% in 10th, 12th, or Degree .

Electro Technical Officer (ETO) :

  • 1-Year Course: 4 months onshore + 8 months shipboard training.
  • Eligibility: Diploma/Degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering with 50%–60% marks, recognised by AICTE or equivalent.

Top Institutes/Companies offering GME AND ETO

  • Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy
  • Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute
  • Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
  • Synergy Sponsorship
  • MSC sponsorship
  • HIMT
  • AMET University
  • Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies

Tips

One can join merchant navy if he wish to after graduation also. But joining deck side is not what is considered and  doing BscPost-BSc:Completing another BSc (e.g., Nautical Science) after one in PCM only delays progression but it all depends on one’s interest and one can pursue it if he/she has will in joining deck side only and is aware of all the facts and career progression and if his/her pocket and time allows.

There’s one more way to join merchant navy after graduation that is lateral entry to Btech marine and Bsc nautical science which we will discuss in another blog .

Conclusion

Joining the Merchant Navy after graduation can be a rewarding and challenging career path. By avoiding time-wasting courses and pursuing engineering courses like GME or ETO, you can set yourself up for success. Don’t be uncertain about your career path – consider the Merchant Navy as a viable option and start exploring..

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