Join Merchant Navy After Passing 12th
A career in the Merchant Navy offers an exciting and interesting path for those who are passionate about the sea. It provides opportunity to explore various corners of the world, interact with new people, and learn new skills. If you are considering joining the Merchant Navy after completing your 12th grade, you have found the right place. In this article, we will provide you with complete information on the various job roles in different departments, entry process, eligibility criteria, and the courses available after the 12th class to start your career in the Merchant Navy.
Eligibility Criteria to Join the Merchant Navy Courses After the 12th Standard
To qualify for admission in Merchant Navy courses after completing the 12th grade, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
Course | Eligibility |
One-Year Diploma Course | Passed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. |
Two-Year Diploma Course | Completed a Diploma in Marine Engineering, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Shipbuilding Engineering with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Bachelor’s Course in the Merchant Navy | Successfully finished the 12th grade with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
Steps to Join Merchant Navy After 12th
Candidates who want to join merchant navy after 12th grade must be eager to know the procedure about how they can join the Merchant Navy. Here are the steps to join the Merchant Navy after completing the 12th grade:
- Achieve a minimum of 60% marks in your 12th-grade exams, particularly in the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) subjects.
- Take part in entrance examinations such as JEE, HMT-OET, AIMNET, IMU-CET, and TMI-BITS EE to gain admission to bachelor’s degree programs.
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree, such as a BE, BTech, or BSc in marine engineering or related fields.
- For better career prospects, consider advanced master’s courses.
- Lateral entry is an option. If you’re in your first year of a degree program or hold a diploma, you can apply for lateral entry.
- There’s also the possibility of sponsored entry into Merchant Navy courses.
Courses to Join Merchant Navy After 12th
Candidates interested in pursuing a career in the Merchant Navy can select from a variety of courses in the field of marine sciences. Here are details for some of the popular courses:
Parameters |
BE Marine Engineering |
B.Tech Marine Engineering |
MTech Marine Engineering |
Duration | 4 years | 4 years | 2 years |
Top Colleges | Andhra University, Southern Academy of Maritime Studies, Academy of Maritime Education and Training University | Cochin University of Science and Technology, C.V. Raman Global University, MAKAUT, Indian Maritime University | Andhra University College of Engineering, NIT Karnataka, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Marine Engineering and Research Institute |
Entrance Exams | JEE, WBJEE, VITEEE, KEAM | JEE, WBJEE, NHT CET, BITSAT | GATE, SRMJEE, WBJEE, PGECET |
Average Course Fees (INR) | INR 15,000 – 15 L | INR 4 – 14 L | INR 1 – 7 L |
Average Salary (INR) | INR 5 LPA – 12 LPA | INR 3 – 10 LPA | INR 4 – 5.50 LPA |
Physical Fitness and Medical Examinations in Merchant Navy
To join the Merchant Navy after completing the 12th grade, candidates need to be physically fit and undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet specific health standards. This is important for the safety and well-being of both themselves and their fellow crew members while at sea
Physical Fitness Requirements:
Physical Fitness | Details |
General Health | Candidates should be in good overall health without any serious medical conditions that could hinder their performance at sea. |
Vision | Good eyesight is essential, with 6/6 vision in each eye, and candidates must not be color blind. |
Hearing | Adequate hearing is necessary for communication and safety, so significant hearing loss is not acceptable. |
Physical Stamina | Sea duties can be physically demanding, requiring candidates to have the stamina and endurance to handle the challenges of working onboard. |
Medical Examinations:
Medical Examination | Details |
Pre-Sea Medical Examination | Prior to joining a ship, all candidates must undergo a thorough pre-sea medical examination. This ensures their fitness to work at sea and checks for any medical conditions that could worsen in the maritime environment. |
Panel Doctors | Approved Panel Doctors, authorized by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) or relevant maritime authorities, conduct the medical examination. These doctors are specially trained to evaluate the health and fitness of aspiring seafarers. |
Medical History | Candidates need to provide a comprehensive medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and current medications. |
Physical Examination | The medical examination includes a detailed physical assessment, checking vital signs, lung capacity, heart health, and overall fitness. |
Vision and Hearing Tests | Vision and hearing tests are conducted to ensure candidates meet the required standards for eyesight and hearing. |
Drug and Alcohol Test | Candidates may undergo screening for drug and alcohol use to ensure they are free from substance abuse. |
Mental Health Assessment | Mental well-being is also evaluated to ensure candidates can cope with the challenges of extended periods away from home. |