Merchant Navy Overview
Were you in awe of Sindbad the Sailor? Or Do you wish to travel the world at no extra cost? Is sailing the Seven oceans your dream and fighting storms your idea of adventure? Then join the Merchant Navy where money literally flows like water. If you can bear to be away from your loved ones for months together let's set sailing…
The Merchant Navy has nothing to do with the Indian Navy. They are not used as an army to defend our seas from infiltrators or any such thing. The Merchant Navy comprises of passenger vessels, cargo vessels, liners, ore carriers and other types of specialised ships. These ships are operated by private sector shipping companies and manned by trained navigators, Marine Engineers and crew. Merchant Navy fleet consists of cargo ships, container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, refrigerator ships, and passenger ships.
A closer look at each of these:
Bulk carriers carry heavy weight cargo such as grain, oil, ore, etc. Container ships carry cargo in containers.
Tankers are ships, which carry oil and other petroleum products in large tanks built inside the ship.
Refrigerator ships have huge cold storage plants to carry perishable foodstuff and items on specific service routes.
Passenger ships carry passengers from one place to other. These ships are either just ship with different classes for carrying passengers or are luxury cruise liners.
You could join the Merchant Navy as a Junior Navigating Officer/Second/Third Mate, or Marine Engineer (as a Fifth Engineer). You could even join as service crew. You'll work on a contractual basis for a period of six to nine months. Thereafter, you will have to upgrade your skills, get a certificate of higher proficiency, and again get a new contract on board.
Don't you want to know your responsibilities in Merchant Navy in each of these job functions? Here it is:
Mate/Navigating Officer: You are in the operation side. As a Navigating Officer you will act like a pilot (in this case a ship) and help the ship navigate its way through the rough, handle loading/unloading of cargo and ensure safe operation of the ship. Apart from that you'll also keep a watch over the many seamen, crew and passenger, ensure safety, observe and implement national and international codes of conduct, etc. You will also act as a Radio Officer (not a radio, you will be handling sophisticated electronic communication system operated through satellite), handling the communication with other ships, land, and port authorities.
Marine Engineer: You'll handle the technical side of the ship - engine and all the electrical, mechanical and electronic equipments. Maintenance of the ship in tip-top condition is your forte.
Service department: This department manages the kitchen, laundry, house keeping, medical and other services.
Your career in the Merchant Navy will start as a deck cadet (the lowest order in the hierarchy).
You'll do just about everything from deck maintenance, looking after ship equipment, cargo handling to ship handling (docking, undocking and maneuvering). You'll also be trained in handling emergencies and paper work. In other words you'll work like a dog!
If you survive that, you'll be promoted to the post of Third Officer or Safety Officer. You'll be in charge of safety procedures and the ship's equipments. You are followed by Second Mate, someone who overseas navigation of the vessel and stationery.
If you reach the post of the Chief officer/First officer, you'll will be second in command to the master and supervise the Third and Second Officers. You'll also look after the cargo. If you reach the post of Captain, you have finally made it. You are the boss now.
Promotions and better salaries depend on clearing the requisite competency exams conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport through DGS.
On the other hand, in the engineering side, your career will start as the Fifth Engineer, and thereafter Fourth Engineer, Third Engineer and finally the Chief Engineer. If you need more information on how to reach your goal feel free to contact us Now.
