Great opportunities on ROLLING WAVES

Careers in the merchant marine offer the romance of the high seas and excellent tax-free pay and perks

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Apart from the promise of the romance of the sea and the disciplined lifestyle it offers, a career in the merchant navy is also one of the most attractive in terms of remuneration.

Even the chief executive of a multinational company in India doesn't quite enjoy the pay and perks of a chief engineer or captain of a blue-chip foreign shipping company. And jobs in the upper echelons of the merchant marine are available in plenty.

The merchant navy is composed of vessels (ships) which carry cargo (bulk carriers), oil (tankers), or passengers (liners). These vessels may be owned by Indian or foreign shipping companies. On board the most important personnel are the navigating officers and marine engineers.

STUDY PROGRAMMES. Aspirants to a career in the merchant marine can opt for either the three-year B.Sc nautical science course or the four-year marine engineering programme. Candidates should have passed the Plus Two examination or equivalent with physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Obviously good physical and mental health is important as is normal vision in each eye (6/6) though for entry into the marine engineering stream spectacles wearers with plus or minus 2.5 are eligible. For entry, the upper age limit is 20 years (25 years for SC/ST).