The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with
transporting cargo and occasionally, passengers, by sea. Its fleet is
therefore composed of passenger vessels, cargo liners, tankers, carriers,
as well as other special types of vehicles. A career in this field is
full of adventure and long voyages to exotic places. Above all this, the
excellent pay and promising promotional opportunities make the career
lucrative and exciting in spite of all the hard work life and long absence
from family and home.
The main positions open in the merchant navy are for navigating officers,
radio officers and marine engineers. They are usually employed by shipping
companies on a contractual basis, which is generally of six to nine months'
duration. Earlier a career in this field was considered purely for men.
Women were not generally known to take up jobs in Merchant navy but the
past few years have seen a positive change with many women taking up jobs
as ship doctors and radio officers.
In Merchant Navy, major tasks performed are in three basic areas of a
ship. The Deck, the Engine and the Saloon Department. There are thus,
many career options that are available for any youngster who has dreams
to join the merchant navy. The deck officers include the captain, chief
officer, second officer, third officer and other junior officers. The
engine department consists of the chief engineer, second engineer, third
engineer, fourth engineer, electrical officer and junior engineers. The
service department manages the kitchen, laundry and other services.
Jobs are available with shipping companies in India and other countries.
Prominent institutes conducting courses in this field are TS Chanakya,
Mumbai and Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), in Kolkata
and Mumbai.
