Life at sea isn’t always as glamorous as Instagram makes it look. In the Merchant Navy, many sailors love their job — and many quietly wish they could leave.
There’s a truth in the Merchant Navy that few talk about openly not everyone sailing loves what they do. Many officers express frustration, exhaustion, or even regret about their career choice. You’ll often hear them talk negatively about life at sea the isolation, long contracts, missing family, or the stress of responsibility.
Yet, despite all the complaints, most of them don’t quit.
Why?
Because deep down, they’re tied to this life in ways that go beyond logic and sometimes, beyond choice.
Let’s understand why so many people still choose to join the Merchant Navy despite hearing all the negatives, and why those who dislike it often never leave.
1. Merchant Navy Salary: The Unspoken Magnet That Keeps Sailors Sailing
Let’s be honest money is the biggest reason many stay.
A normal student studies till 24–25 before getting their first proper job. Even then, the salary usually ranges between ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per month taxed and often barely enough to save after rent, travel, and expenses.
Now compare that with a deck cadet who starts earning around $400–600 per month (₹40,000–₹50,000) at just 18–19 years of age.
After completing their training and clearing the exams, they become Third Officers earning around ₹2.5 lakhs per month, tax-free, with USD income and NRI status.
By their 30s, many are Chief Officers or Captains earning anywhere between ₹8–12 lakhs a month and with proper financial planning, they easily save what most people earn in years.
Money isn’t everything, but it’s definitely something. And in this industry, it’s a powerful anchor that keeps even the most disheartened sailors from jumping ship.
2. Merchant Navy Lifestyle and Career Growth: Fast Success, Hidden Struggles
Merchant Navy offers one thing few other professions do fast growth and financial independence at a young age.
While others are figuring out their careers, sailors are already exploring the world, saving in dollars, and building assets back home. Promotions are clear and structured —
Cadet → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
and most officers reach the top rank by age 35–40.
But there’s another side to this the lifestyle gap.
Once you’ve lived a life where your monthly salary runs in lakhs, it becomes difficult to settle for a shore job offering ₹1–2 lakhs. Your living standards, family expectations, and personal expenses evolve with your income. You start to get used to a certain way of living better homes, cars, travel, and comfort and that creates a financial and psychological barrier to stepping away from sea life.
That’s why even those who want to quit often find themselves trapped between financial comfort and emotional fatigue. The sea becomes both their blessing and their boundary.
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3. Life at Sea: Health, Fitness, and the Ocean Environment
Life at sea can be demanding, but it also keeps you fit. There’s no pollution, no traffic, no daily chaos. You get clean air, a disciplined routine, and physical work that keeps you active.
Ships also have medical insurance, gyms, and better food hygiene compared to many onshore jobs.
You might be away from family, but you’re away from toxicity too no office politics, no gossip, no daily stress of city living.
4. Emotional Connection: Why Sailors Can’t Leave the Sea Behind
There’s something spiritual about the ocean once you’ve sailed long enough, it becomes part of you.
I once heard about a 64-year-old Chief Officer, whose son was a pilot and a successful businessman. Yet the old sailor said,
“I want to die on the ocean. This is my home.”
That’s the kind of emotional connection seafarers develop. The sea shapes their identity their patience, their silence, and their strength.
5. The Reality of Merchant Navy Life: Beyond the Glamour
Yes, there are pros and cons.
You’ll travel the world, wear the uniform, and earn in dollars but you’ll also face loneliness, mental pressure, and months of isolation.
So if you’re planning to join, do it for yourself, not because someone said it’s glamorous.
Don’t let the negative ones scare you but don’t ignore the truth either.
Final Thoughts: Should You Join the Merchant Navy?
The Merchant Navy isn’t for everyone.
It’s not easy, it’s not always joyful, but it’s real and it builds men and women who are stronger than most.
So before you join, compare your dreams and limits, not others’ opinions.
If the sea fits you go for it.
If it doesn’t there’s a whole world waiting ashore.
But whichever path you choose choose wisely.
