Career as Merchant Navy Officer:

There are two main departments in Merchant Navy for officers.

• Deck Department
• Engineering Department

A Deck Officer is mainly required to navigate the ship from one port to another in all circumstances and keeping in mind the safety of crew and cargo onboard ship. He is also supposed to look after the loading / discharging of cargo in various ports. Deck officer’s career graph starts from 3^rd officer and goes up to Captain of the ship.

A Marine Engineer is supposed to look after all the machinery onboard ship, its running & maintenance. He is to make sure that all machineries are in optimum running condition at all times. Marine engineer’s career graph starts from 4^th engineer and goes up to Chief Engineer.

It must be understood that life in Merchant Navy is very tough and conditions sometimes are very harsh. It is not suited for the weak-hearted. But there are compensations as well. Salaries after a period of about three years training start at approximately U.S.$ 2000 (for 3^rd Officer / 4^th Engineer) and go above U.S.$ 6500 (Captain & Chief Engineer).

Life at Sea:

Life at sea is totally different. One gets to go all over the world & get an opportunity to meet people from different countries with varied culture.

Food & Accommodation onboard ship is excellent. At senior level you can even get your spouse to accompany you on the ship.