In recent times , merchant navy as a career option has been in trend and very popular among teenagers who are looking something exciting and adventurous . Influencers and social media handles of cadets and officers post exotic and luxurious reels flaunting their uniforms , transitions , shore leaves , videos highlighting US dollars salaries. But while the internet shows the glamour, it hides the grime and that imbalance is costing lives.
Headlines and news like
“deck cadet found dead”
“deck cadet committed suicide”
“suspected murder”
“fell off the ship”
“found hanging”
are very common these days . Each of these is a young dream crushed mid-sea.
So what is happening ?
Why a lucrative career like merchant navy having issues?
Why it is now becoming a source of fear for many parents?
Why are motivated students suddenly quitting?
And how do we change this narrative?
This blog is for aspirants, parents, and guardians. Not to scare but to show the truth, to prepare you before you step on board.
The Real Face of Merchant Navy
Being honest , Merchant navy is not like any other profession . There is no off after 6 pm , no weekends , no family dinner , no home , no occasions/birthdays/festivals.You are on a moving island, surrounded by steel, saltwater, and responsibility. There’s no shortcut or “escape” until your sign-off.
And as every profession has its own hardships its own pros and cons , merchant navy too have it and it comes with hierarchy , isolation and responsibility with extreme workload.
Why Are Cadets Breaking Down?
Many cadets step onboard by expectations of travel , luxury , money , command , international culture and when they are onboard they are shocked with reality :
- No sleep for 20+ hours during port calls
- Wearing oily boiler suits instead of those viral white uniforms
- Chipping, painting, cleaning in the sun for hours
- Isolation from friends and family
- No one to cry to. No place to cry.
- No “leave” if you are sick, broken, or burnt out
And as the deck cadet is the most junior rank onboard ship , deck cadets are expected to be available for everything. The Chief Officer, 2nd Officer, Captain, everyone may take assistance from the cadet. And trust me, no one waits for your energy levels.
Mental Health: The Real Crisis
This is one of the vital things and many cadets suffer silently and can’t take the load onboard ship .
Some even don’t speak thinking
- “It’s a part of the job.”
- “I’ll be seen as weak.”
- “What if I don’t get promoted or reported badly?”
- “I can’t disappoint my family after spending lakhs.”
But being mentally fit and being comfortable is not weakness . It’s survival onboard ship. If you’re mentally breaking down, you’re not alone. Many do. Most just never speak.
The ship doesn’t stop. Neither does the pressure. The company scolds the Captain, the Captain scolds the Chief, the Chief scolds the 2nd, and it trickles down to you the cadet.
This is the system, not personal hate.
Don’t Join For Reels & Uniforms
The real problem begins before joining. Many cadets choose this profession after seeing Instagram transitions “from boiler suit to uniforms ,” “from deck to shore leave.”
But those transitions miss the journey in between.
This profession is not just about money, foreign ports, or suit selfies. It’s about responsibility, pressure, endurance, and adaptability.
If you’re joining because of money, travel, or social media fame, please stop. You’re walking into a storm with no raincoat.
How Can We Prevent This?
Here’s what we need to know and it should be collective awareness, not silence:
1. Mental Preparation > Physical Fitness
Before joining, train your mind . Understand this job and know the lifestyle , the working and the procedures . It is not like your friends college lives. You’ll be alone. Prepare for that loneliness.
2. Set Expectations Right
Yes, shore leave happens.
Yes, you will travel the world.
But not daily, not on your first ship, and definitely not during busy port schedules. You’ll miss festivals, birthdays, family deaths.
Accept this. Or don’t join.
3. Speak Up Early
If something is troubling you mentally talk to your Chief, Captain, company, or even your family.
Better to pause than collapse.
4. Learn To Say No
You are not a robot. If you are unfit or exhausted beyond limits, request rest respectfully. Your life is more important than that extra coat of paint.
5. Companies Must Take Action
Shipping companies and DG Shipping , they are issuing circulars. That’s good. But orientation and action are two different things.
Start treating cadets not as cheap labor but as future officers.
Final Word: Not A Bad Career, But A Demanding One
Merchant Navy is still one of the most rewarding professions if you’re ready for the real version of it.
Not everyone hates it. Many love it. But they joined with clarity and mental preparedness not fantasy.
So here’s a message for aspirants and cadets :
Don’t get demotivated by dark side but do not also ignore it . It is a wonderful profession but with it’s own demands . Understand and then decide wisely .
And for parents and guardians:
Don’t fear the sea Fear lack of information. If your child is mentally, emotionally, and technically trained he or she will sail through.
This profession builds leaders, fighters, and survivors. But only if they choose it with eyes open, not closed.
