It offers a well-paid career involving adventure and travel across the world. But on the flip side, it means staying away from one's mm country and family for loitf periods of time.
Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade, carrying cargo across the globe. Without the merchant navy, much of the import-export business would grind to a halt.
Merchant Navy ships consist of bulkcarriers that carry cargo, tankers that carry oil and luxury liners that carry passengers. Navigation of ships, loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, maintaining discipline in the vessel, adherence to national and international laws etc, are the concerns of the Captain. Engineering responsibilities are handled by the Chief Engineer. Another specialised job in the ship is that of the Radio Officer who manages the communications network of the vessel.
Courses
B.E Marine Engineering, Duration: 4 years B.S.C Nautical Science, Duration: 3 years
M.E Marine Engineering, Duration: 2 years
The two areas where training is given to students in this field are marine engineering and navigation science.
Eligibility
BE Marine Engineering and BSc Nautical Science need 10+2 with physics, chemistry, Mathematics and English.
M.E Marine Engineering needs B.E Marine Engineering
Upper age limit for these programmes is 20 years (25 years for SC/ST). The candidate also has to fulfill certain medical norms.
Admission
Admission to courses is through the Joint Entrance Examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The test assesses the candidate's knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics. The examination is followed by personal interviews/counseling, where the interviewers assess the degree of alertness, and awareness of the external environment, in the candidates and their suitability for a career in the Merchant Navy. The admission to the programmes commences during October-January every year.
Job Profile of a Merchant Navy Crew
Typical work activities depends on your rank and the size of the vessel. On a smaller ship, one's activities will be more 'hands-on', whereas on a larger ship, it will be more managerial. A deck/navigation officer's typical work activities include:
navigating the vessel, using satellite and radar systems
checking weather and navigation reports
co-ordinating loading, storage and unloading of cargo
managing the care and safety of passengers
supervising the operation and maintenance of deck machinery, e.g. winches and cranes;
managing ship communication systems;
maintaining legal and operational records, e.g. the ship's log;
An engineering officer's typical work activities include:
directing others in the operation and maintenance of the mechanical and electrical equipment on board managing power, fuelling and distribution systems
repairing and upgrading systems and equipment, e.g. air compressors, pumps and sewage plants;
implementing regular equipment inspections and maintenance programmes;
keeping up to date with developments in the marine engineering field.
List of Training Centres
AMET University, 135, East Coast Road, Kanathur, Chennai
Applied Research International Pvt. Ltd., B-l, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Bharath Shipping Limited, 26/31, M-4, Pal Mohan Sadan, East Pattel Nagar, New Delhi
Chennai School of Ship Management, No. 2/14, School Street, Vandaloor-Kelambakkam road, Mambakkam, Chennai
Indian Institute of Fort Management, Subhas Bhavan, 2nd Floor, 40, Circular Garden Beach Road, Kolkata
Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi
Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering, VIII:
Jhinga, PO: Amira, Diamon Harbour Road, 24 Pargana (S) West Bengal
International Maritime Acedemy, 41, Giri Road, T. Nagar, Chennai
Lai Bahadur Saastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies & Research, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai
Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET), Gate No. 140, Loni Kalbhor, Rajburg, Pune-Solapur Highway, Pune
Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MESti),
Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai
Marine Engineering & Research Institute, P-19, Taratall Road, Kolkatta
Ministry of Surface Transport (Govt, of India),
Directorate General of Shipping, "Jahaz Bhavan", Ballard Estate, Opp. Indira Dock (Red Gate), Watchand Hirachand Marg, Mumbai-400 038
National Maritime
Academy, East Coast Road, Uthandi, Chennai
National Ship Design & Research Centre, Gandhigram, Visakhapatnam
RL Institute of Nautical Science (Subbalakashmi Lakshmipathy Foundation),
TVR Nagar, Aruppukkotti Road, Madurai
Tamil Nadu Maritime Academy, C/o. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Ltd., 473, IV Floor, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai
The Great Eastern Shi-
pping Company Limited
The Shipping Corporatin of India Ltd., Shipping House, 245, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai
TS Chanakya Karve, New Mumbai
International Focus
The Chamber of shipping, Carthusian Court, 12, Carthusian Street, London EC1M 6EB
For Information on merchant marine careers, training and licensing requirements:
Maritime Administration, US Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20590
For attending Merchant Marine
Academy contact:
Admissions Office, US Merchant Marine Academy,
Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024
Admission Office, California Maritime Academy,
PO Box 1392, Vallejo, CA 94590
Direct entry to Merchant Navy is also possible
students who have completed their 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) are eligible to join as Deck Cadets and a student holding a bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Technology Engineering could also join the Merchant navy as a Engine Cadet/ Fifth Engineer/ Junior Engineer.
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 of 9 months duration in Marine Engineering conducted by the MERI.
চাকরির বাজার
There is a huge demand for trained personnel in various departments of the ship, which widens the scope for employment in this field. The trained person can seek employment with international and domestic shipping companies.