Merchant Navy
About Merchant Navy
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Who Can join Merchant Navy?
If you are ready to build a future filled with purpose, leadership, and worldwide travel, hereare the essential Merchant Navy requirements that transform an aspirant into a true seafarer:
Educational Qualifications
To begin your journey, you must have strong fundamentals. Most Merchant Navy roles require:
- A high school diploma (10+2) with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English
- For officer-level Merchant Navy jobs, a degree or diploma in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering is preferred
Age Limit – The Right Time to Begin
Whether you’re exploring Merchant Navy after 10th or Merchant Navy after 12th, you must meet theage criteria:
Mnimum age: 17–18 years
Maximum age: varies by country and company
Medical Fitness – Strength of Body and Mind
Life at sea demands resilience, and the Merchant Navy maintains strict medical fitness standards:
- Good eyesight (usually 6/6)No
- Colour blindness
- Physically fit for sea service
- A medical exam by an approved maritime doctor ensures you’re ready for the physical and mentalchallenges of sailing across the world
Training & Certifications – Becoming Sea-Ready
Before you step on deck, you must complete essential STCW courses such as:
- Basic Safety Training
- Firefighting
- First Aid
- Personal Survival Skills
English Language Proficiency –
The Voice of the Maritime WorldSince English is the global language of the Merchant Navy, strong communication skills—both writtenand spoken—are essential for safety, teamwork, and professional growth.
Which Stream is Best for the Merchant Navy?
Choosing the right stream after 10th or 12th is like choosing the direction of your ship — it shapes yourjourney, your opportunities, and your future at sea. If your dream is to wear the uniform, sail across oceans, and build a powerful Merchant Navy career, then selecting the right subjects is your first big step.
Let’s make it simple and exciting!
Best Stream After 10th for the Merchant Navy
If you’ve decided early that your future is on the ocean, then Science with Physics and Mathematics after10th is your golden route. It opens up the widest range of options — whether you dream of navigating avessel as a Deck Officer or working behind the powerhouse as a Marine Engineer
Recommended Subjects After 10th:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics (PCM)
- English (compulsory)
These subjects are the backbone of all major Merchant Navy courses like:
- DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science)
- B.Sc. Nautical Science
- Marine Engineering
Best Stream After 12th for the Merchant Navy
After 12th, the sea opens up multiple pathways. Depending on your interest, you can join different departments onboard:
1. Deck Department (Navigation & Ship Handling)
Choose: B.Sc. Physics, B.Sc. PCM
This route prepares you to become the officer who guides massive ships across oceans.
2. Engine Department (Ship Machinery & Power Systems)
Choose: B.Tech Mechanical Engineering
Perfect for future engineers who love machines, engines, and technical challenges.
3. ETO – Electro Technical Officer (Electrical & Electronics)
Choose: B.Tech Electrical Engineering or 3-year Electrical Diploma
Ideal for those who want to manage the electrical and electronic heart of the ship
Why PCM Stream Is Always Preferred?
Most DG Shipping–approved Merchant Navy colleges have strict academic criteria:
Minimum 60% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
At least 50% in English (10th or 12th)
Without PCM, you cannot enter officer-level training programs like DNS, Nautical Science, or Marine Engineering.
While Commerce and Arts students may still join via GP Rating or Rating-level jobs, PCM keeps allpremium pathways open.
Merchant Navy Syllabus
Merchant Navy Eligibility
Merchant Navy Qualifications
Merchant Navy Medicals
Steps to Join the Merchant Navy
Step 1: The steps to joining the Merchant Navy begin with researching the company and learning about theeligibility criteria. So, the first step would be to learn about the Eligibility Criteria and whether you arefulfilling them or not.
Step 2: The next and most important step is to choose through which path you want to join the MerchantNavy.
Step 3: The next step would be the preparation for the IMU-CET which is a compulsory exam if you wantto join the Merchant Navy after the 12th through B.Tech, B.Sc or DNS.
Step 4: The next is Sponsorship or entrance exams of colleges and companies. Many companies recruitstudents before the IMU CET Test so you need to be vigilant about it.
Step 5: If you pass in interviews then you will be asked to go medical test at DG Certified Doctors.
Step 6: Once you clear your medicals you can enroll in any DG Certified Maritime Institute or in arecommended institute by your company.
Step 7: Then comes the STCW Courses that you need to apply before going to ship.
Step 8: If you are in B.Tech Marine Engineering without sponsorship then you need to take part in oncampus placement.
Step 9: Once you complete your training and Pre-Sea Courses you can go on board with the company youare sponsored with
Why Choose SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA for Merchant Navy Exam Preparation?
Expert Merchant Navy & Defence faculty
Complete preparation for IMU CET, DNS, GP Rating & Marine Entrances
PCM, English, Reasoning, Aptitude & Maritime GK covered
Regular mock tests with real exam simulation
Personalized training in small batches
One-to-one mentoring & interview guidance
DG Shipping medical & fitness awareness
Proven selections in top shipping companies
Military-style discipline & officer-level grooming
Complete career counselling & admission support
