1. Technically speaking all DG Approved college will give you the same Certificate, so it does not matter much. Practically speaking any college which conducts campus interviews are always better.
You can please read the point 8 at www.jahajee.com/join-merchant-navy/join_faq.php
Our site also started the grading but still it is not worth trust as enough grading has not been done yet ;-(
2. Well I really cannot comment on this question ...this you will have to find out prior joining the college ...also remember while doing any course to join merchant navy is easier, getting a job as trainee ain't. So, always prefer colleges conducting campus selections.
3. As per DG Shipping "you need to be physically fit with normal eye vision and medically examined as per Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination Rules) 2000 dated 19.01.2000."
In general terms the college prior selection will conduct your medical examination. Its more to check you are healthy without any chronic disease and normal eye vision e.g. Unaided Distance Vision of 6/12 in each eye; or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye (for GME) is essential as per Pre-sea medical examination standard.
Colour Blindness is not allowed. Don't worry its not like any physical exercise asking you to do Herculean tasks, just thorough medical checkup..!!
4. In international terms it is same, in practical sense it is not!! The Certificate won't be approved by DG approved college and hence you will have to go abroad for every stage of further examinations (read VERY expensive).
You will be issued some other country CDC and not an Indian CDC. While your certificate might be recognized for sailing but certain companies might have their own restrictions with non-indian CDC/Certificate (read lesser job option). Would also recommend you to go through
http://www.jahajee.com/beware-of-seaworld-marine-academy-amp-other-non-dg-approved-college/85/0.html
Hope have answered your queries, by the way thank you and very soon will improve the design of not only "Join Merchant Navy" but entire website ;-)
Best Of Luck for your future....;-)
Thanks for a great article, really helpfull.
I am prefinal yr engineering student of ECE branch. I filled the Join Merchant Navy page as appropriate and it suggested a 1 yr Dip. in Nautical Science which leads to B.Sc. in N.S. I would like to know how can i join an institute for that course-- are there any entrance exams i need to give? What is the approximate cost involved? I'd be gratefull if you throw some light on this.
Friend, 1 yr Dip. in Nautical Science which leads to B.Sc. in N.S. basic criteria is 12th Pass that is why you get it as an option. So this course is disregarding your present certification of Engineering ...suggest not to go for that with the present certification !!
However you can get more details about the Courses at www.jahajee.com/marine-course/ including the college and fees.
While this is true that categorizing the duties are next to impossible since different companies have different policy but general duties are given below so that one can get the idea of the job expected from the rank.
We got lot of query as to what is life as Rating / Officer / Cadet. We have collected these detail refering 2-3 companies Manuals. Hope the detail is not too technical for you as the idea is to have brief knowledge as to what you are going to do onboard prior joining Merchant Navy at that rank and be prepared for it. Also note that the list is certainly not comprehensive and no job is Big or Small onboard.
===============
DECK (NAUTICAL)
===============
Master
-------
The Master is responsible to the Company for:
The overall command of the ship.
The safety of the ship, her crew, cargo and the environment.
The implementation of the Company's Policies as contained in the SMS Manual and other official Company Instructions on all matters of operations, safety and environmental protection.
The on board discipline of all Officers and Crew and appraisal of same.
The reporting of any accident or damage affecting the ship, her crew or her cargo to the Company and other Parties as found necessary.
The safe navigation of the vessel.
Ensuring adequate stability trim and stress at all times
The checking and monitoring of any cargo plan and operations prepared by the Chief Officer.
The proper accounting of voyage expenditure etc and the safe keeping of the Company funds.
The execution of the Charter of the vessel in a professional and competent manner.
The communications with the Owners, the Company, the Charterers and any other party required.
The compliance with any statutory, local or international regulation, which affects the ship.
The maintenance of the ship's and crew certification required for trading.
The maintenance of the ship and her equipment.
The maintenance of all the Company and other records, which are required to be maintained or submitted.
The checking of bunkers and stores prior to commencing a voyage to ensure that sufficient are onboard.
The safeguard of the Owner's and Company's interests at all times.
Supervising the training of all cadets and trainee ratings.
The undertaking of any other duties or instruction as required by the Company.
Chief Officer
-------------
The Chief Officer is responsible to the Master for:
In the absence of the Master, the C/O is in command of the vessel and assumes the Master's responsibilities.
Acting as the Deck department team leader in an emergency/crisis response situation.
Maintaining the upkeep of the hull, deck fixtures, fittings, crew accommodation areas, forecastles and Bosun's storerooms, which must be kept in a clean and tidy condition.
Maintaining discipline within the deck department.
Administering and controlling of deck stores and equipment including inventory and expenditure control and requisitioning.
Maintaining an up to date and accurate record of deck maintenance.
Responsible for cargo handling including tank cleaning and COW operations, ballasting/deballasting operations including the allocation of specific duties to other Deck officers.
Monitoring all situations, which may result in environmental pollution incidents and to take appropriate preventive measures.
Keeping a safe navigational watch as instructed by the Master.
Acting as the ships Safety Officer including the promotion of safe working practices and the conducting of regular safety inspections.
Ensuring all shipboard safety equipment is maintained and regularly tested.
Acting as Ship Security Officer along with the associated duties contained in the Ships Security Plan.
Taking charge of a mooring party fwd.
The Chief Officer is to be given the opportunity to understudy the Master whenever such an opportunity arises.
Any other duties as instructed by the Master.
2nd Officer
-----------
The 2nd Officer is responsible to the Master and C/O for:
Acting as the vessels Navigation Officer responsible for monitoring the condition of all navigation equipment, for correcting/updating all charts and associated navigational publications and for preparing passage plans to be approved by the Master. Any deficiencies, which may affect the safe navigation of the vessel, are reported to the Master.
Keeping a safe navigational watch as instructed by the Master.
Keeping a cargo/port watch as instructed by the Chief Officer.
Taking charge of a mooring party aft.
Providing medical first aid under the supervision of the Master.
Maintenance and inventory of the ships medical stores.
Assist and to take the opportunity to understudy the Chief Officer to ensure the safe and efficient cargo planning and operation of the ship. Such understudying will include the knowledge of the cargo plant, its maintenance and upkeep. The Chief Officer will be responsible for the suitable training of the 2nd Officer in this respect, giving due regard to the potential future promotion of the 2nd Officer.
GMDSS duties as assigned by Master.
Any other duties as instructed by the Master.
3rd Officer
-----------
The 3rd Officer is responsible to the Master and C/O for:
The maintenance of lifesaving equipment, including vessel lifeboats, to ensure that such equipment is kept at a constant state of readiness according to SOLAS requirements.
The maintenance of all fire fighting appliances, including hoses, breathing apparatus and extinguishers. The 3/O ensures that such equipment is kept at a constant state of readiness according to SOLAS requirements.
Reporting any deficiencies in lifesaving or fire fighting equipment which may affect safe vessel operations to the Chief Officer (C/O).
Maintaining Lights, Shapes, Flags, Halyards and Sound Signalling Apparatus.
Keeping a safe navigational watch as instructed by the Master.
Taking charge of a mooring party.
Keeping a cargo/port watch as instructed by the Chief Officer.
GMDSS Duties as assigned by Master.
Any other duties as instructed by the Master.
Deck Cadet
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General Responsibilities:
To take part in sea watch and port watch duties under the supervision of a competent officer.
To take part in operations and maintenance tasks of the vessel under supervision of a competent officer.
To familiarise himself with all safety equipment/safety procedures on board, regulations and working procedures appropriate to tasks to be executed.
To execute assigned tasks in conformance with work procedures and/or quality plans as instructed by the Duty Officer or the Chief Officer.
Diligently follow the structure program of onboard training (SSTP) and complete tasks listed in the cadet training record book or equivalent record book.
Diligently complete distance learning program, keep training record book up-to-date and complete academic training assignments as required by the nautical college.
To ensure that work of a hazardous nature is not undertaken without approval, suitable training and under close supervision of the Chief Officer.
To act as a member of the Shipboard Emergency Response and Fire Fighting Team.
To carry out ISPS duties in accordance with the vessel Ship Security plan
Actively seek to learn the duties as applicable for next rank.
Boatswain (Bosun)
-----------------
Responsible to the Chief Officer for:
Assisting in the planning and execution of maintenance and operational work tasks.
The instruction and supervision of the Able Seamen and Ordinary Seamen in accordance with Company policy.
The execution of assigned tasks in conformance with safe work procedures and in accordance with instructions given by the Supervising Officer.
Training all his subordinates in the various work tasks as required through close supervision of each individuals performance.
Keeping all tools, equipment, stores etc. in good order and observe and/or obtain stock as requested by the Chief Officer.
The readiness of the windlasses/winches for immediate use prior to entering confined waters, prior to arrival. During anchoring or mooring operations he has to operate the windlass under the direction of the Chief Officer.
The securing / clearing of anchors as directed by the Chief Officer as applicable.
Any other duties as instructed by the Chief Officer.
Pumpman
--------
The Pumpman is responsible to the Chief Officer for:
Assisting in the planning and execution of all cargo related operations such as loading, discharging, tank cleaning, inerting, gas freeing, etc.
The inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the pump room.
Assisting the Duty Officer/surveyor with temperature/ullage readings and cargo sampling as ordered by the Chief Officer.
The execution of loading/discharging operations in co-operation with the Duty Officer.
Ensuring that all valves, pipes, and tanks, etc, are properly marked for easy identification.
The changing of reducers, packing and flanges as necessary and in accordance with the Chief Officers instructions.
Keeping all tools, equipment, pumpman store, etc. in good order and/or obtain stock as requested by the Chief Officer.
Any other duties as instructed by the Chief Officer.
Able Seaman/Ordinary Seaman
----------------------------
The Able Seaman/Ordinary Seaman is responsible to the Supervising Officer / Bosun for:
Carrying out sea watch and port watch duties as instructed (subject to OS being duly certified)
Assisting in mooring operations as required.
Carrying out maintenance work and other operational tasks as required.
The adoption of safe working practices.
Any other duties as instructed by the Supervising Officer or Bosun.
=======
ENGINE
=======
Chief Engineer
--------------
Chief Engineer is responsible to the Master for:
The engine department and the safety of the crew, machinery and environment directly within its control.
The implementation of the company's policies, which are, contained within the company manuals and other official company instructions on all machinery related operations, safety and environmental protection.
The onboard discipline of all the engine department officers and crew and the appraisal of same.
The safe operation of the vessel's machinery and technical plant.
The monitoring of performance of the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery.
The accurate monitoring and control of the vessel's fuel and lubricating oil consumption, and the status of fuel and lubricating oil bunker quantities.
The bunkering of fuel & lubricating oils and other fluids as appropriate. The maintenance of the main propulsion, auxiliary machinery, cargo handling and deck machinery.
The compliance with statutory and classification survey requirements, with regard to machinery and relevant spaces.
The accurate entry of all operational machinery parameters by the watch keepers/duty engineers in the engine room log.
The reporting of any accident or damage to the vessel's machinery or technical plant.
The safeguarding of the Owners' and Company's interests at all times.
The supervision and training of Engineer Cadets.
The undertaking of any other duties or instruction as required by the company.
Second Engineer Officer / 1st Assistant Engineer Officer
--------------------------------------------------------
The Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer Officer is responsible to the Chief Engineer for:
The 2nd Engineer / 1st Assistant Engineer is to deputise for the Chief Engineer in the event of his absence, accident or illness. In such a case, a Log Book entry is to be made.
Preparation of the main propulsion and other engine room plant for sea.
The day-to-day operation of the main propulsion and other engine room plant.
The organisation and supervision of the engine room watch keepers / UMS duty engineers / Engine ratings / Engine Cadets.
The efficient operation of all emergency equipment. The testing of all emergency equipment including equipment out with machinery spaces i.e. Emergency Generator, Emergency Fire Pump, Lifeboat Engines, Fire Flaps, Emergency Stops, Fuel Tank Valve Trips.
The adoption of safe working practices on board.
The protection of the environment.
The maintenance of the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery, cargo handling and deck machinery.
The maintenance of the machinery spaces, internal steelwork surfaces and general cleanliness.
Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer.
The Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer Officer is, as the opportunity arises, to understudy the Chief Engineer.
Familiarising himself with all control piping systems and valves and electrical systems, so that in emergencies essential services can be restored quickly and safely.
Assisting the Chief Engineer and providing encouragement to junior staff and ratings in their studies and training in respect of both professional qualifications, and the development of skills and experience.
Ensuring that a competent Engineer tests the water of all boilers and feed systems daily. Indication of contamination is brought to the immediate attention of the Chief Engineer. That all test readings are recorded in the Engine Log Book and the Treatment Report Forms or Computer software provided.
Advising the Chief Engineer of spare gear requirements and maintenance of the stock levels and reporting system.
3rd Engineer/2nd Assistant Engineer Officer
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The Third Engineer/2nd Assistant Engineer is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
The maintenance of an engine room watch/UMS duty engineer as required.
The maintenance of all plant with particular attention to the main propulsion engines, auxiliary engines and boilers.
The adoption of safe working practices.
The other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer or 1st Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
4th Engineer/3rd Assistant Engineer Officer
-------------------------------------------
The Fourth Engineer Officer/3rd Assistant Engineer is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
The maintaining of an engine room watch/UMS duty engineer as required.
The maintenance of all plant with particular attention to compressors and pumps.
The adoption of safe working practices.
The Fourth Engineer/3rd Assistant Engineer is to, as the opportunity arises; understudy the Third Engineer/2nd Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer or Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer.
Electrical Engineer Officer
---------------------------
The Electrical Engineer is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
UMS test schedules, alarm test etc.
The maintenance of the vessel's electrical and electronic equipment.
The adoption of safe working practices on board.
Assistance during maintenance as required over and above electrical equipment maintenance.
First level maintenance of communications, radio and navigation equipment.
Engine Cadet
------------
To familiarise himself with regulations and working procedures appropriate to tasks to be executed.
To execute assigned tasks in conformance with work procedures and/or quality plans as instructed by the Duty Officer or the 2nd Engineer/Electrical Officer.
To execute assigned tasks safely, to the best of his ability, and to report hazardous conditions without delay to the Duty Officer or the 2nd Engineer/Electrical Officer.
To ensure that work of a hazardous nature is not undertaken without approval, suitable training and under close supervision of the 2nd Engineer.
To familiarise himself with all safety equipment and safety procedures on board.
Diligently follow the structure program of onboard training and complete tasks listed in the cadet training record book or equivalent record book (TAR).
Diligently complete distance learning program, keep training record book up-to-date and complete academic training assignments as required by the engineering college.
To complete routine engineering duties required in the normal operation of the vessel and by the Planned Maintenance Systems.
To assist the Second Engineer in the preparation of spare gear and equipment procurement requirements.
To act as a member of the Shipboard Emergency Response and Fire Fighting Team.
To carry out ISPS duties in accordance with the vessel Ship Security plan
Actively seek to learn the duties as applicable for next rank.
Fitter
-------
The Fitter is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
Assisting the engine room watch keepers/UMS duty engineers as required, in particular with regard to the maintenance of the plant.
Maintenance of all machinery, technical equipment, plant etc. as instructed and under the supervision of an engineer officer.
Adoption of safe working practices.
Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
Motorman (Including Wiper/Oiler)
---------------------------------
The Motorman (including Wiper/Oiler) is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
Assisting the engine room watch keepers/UMS duty engineers as required, in particular with regard to the operation of the plant (subject to Wiper/Oiler being duly certified)
Assisting with the maintenance of all machinery, technical equipment, plant etc., as instructed by an Engineer Officer.
General cleaning, housekeeping duties as instructed by an Engineer Officer.
The adoption of safe working practices.
Assisting in mooring operations as required.
Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
===============
GALLEY (SALOON)
===============
Chief Cook
----------
Responsible to the Master for:
Planning of menus and satisfactory preparation of daily meals and food by correct and hygienic means.
The ordering of provisions and the maintenance of required food stores levels.
Receiving and controlling all supplies.
The provision of healthy diets along with a reasonable degree of variety.
Ensuring the proper preservation and segregation of foodstuffs in dry, cold and frozen storage.
The maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene in the galley and storerooms.
Ensure the proper segregation and disposal of galley waste.
The preparation of regular consumption reports as required by the Master.
Adoption of safe working practices.
Second Cook
-----------
Responsible to the Chief Cook for:
Assisting in the preparation of food and meals
Keeping the galley, stores and provision rooms clean and hygienic at all times
Any other matters relating to the storing, handling and preparation of food as required by the Chief Cook.
Adoption of safe working practices
Messman
-------
Responsible to the Chief Cook for:
Serving meals in the mess rooms
Washing dishes with due regard to health regulations and hygiene
House keeping of officers cabin
Assisting in the preparation of food and meals as necessary
Cleaning mess rooms and pantries with due regards to health and hygiene
Any other cleaning duties as required by the Chief Cook.
Adoption of safe working practices.
Wow that post of yours gave me a whole new picture about this field! Thank you very much!
I was actually looking for someone who has narrated his experience and is an Indian since I am an Indian myself. I do have some questions related to that. Would you please mind answering them since it would help me a LOT more than it already has?
Dear Friend, Glad to know that the post helped you a lot ...Would love to answer your queries if I could and would suggest also going through
http://www.jahajee.com/join-merchant-navy/
Best Of luck and take care...
That's the page that actually led me to this thread :D
"Pre-Sea Courses you are eligible for (Click on the course to know more):
One year Pre-Sea Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc Nautical Science
1-year Marine Engineering Course (G.M.E.)"
This is the message I got in the end when I entered my info in that page. Nice design by the way.
The queries that I had in my mind are:
1. Does it matter where I do my GME course? Or are there any ranking of colleges for that course too?
2. Will there be placement in the college I do the course in or should I hunt for jobs by going to each shipping company?
3. Are there any physical requirements to join Merchant Navy? If yes, what are they?
4. Is it the same as doing Marine Engineering abroad?
Thank you very much for your response. Would love it if you could respond to this one too. I am very much new to this and very much interested and have no one to ask in my friends/relatives circle so looking for some advice from someone who is experienced.
RANK : 1
FOLLOW
A Better picture of the profession called "MERCHANT NAVY"
Its amazing how I see misinformed teens joining Merchant Navy again and again !!! Most of the time all they are told is that you are very well paid, will travel all through the world, will be served free wines onboard (Believe me I have met one cadet who told me this too!!) and of course the young beauty at every port and would live to the brim of life !!!.
So the thing is, is this much information really enough to join the Merchant Navy and whether these facts are really true? Are you strong enough to sail the High seas and bear the wrath of the Sea-world? Ok so lets take things step by step....
Most people don't even know that Indian navy is very different from Merchant Navy. While Indian Navy deals with War and the staff are trained for the same, we the Merchant Navy people are trained for the carriage of goods or Cargo as we call it. Indian navy guys will always go on Naval Ships designed for combat while Merchant Navy people will go on the various Cargo ships designed specifically to carry a particular type of Cargo.
Cargo ships can be :
A] a Tanker carrying Oil ,
B] Container ships carrying (as the name suggests) Containers,
C] Dry Cargo ships carrying bulk cargo like Coal, cement and many more products,
D] Gas carrier carrying LPG or LNG cargo,
E] Passenger ships with passengers onboard
etc etc .
So Thats for the ships but what about the work environment of Merchant Navy ?? We have mainly three departments onboard with following Hierarchy :
1. DECK:
========
Officers : Master, Chief Officer, Second officer, Third officer followed by Cadet (if any)
Crew : Bosun, Pumpman(on tankers), Able seaman(AB) followed by the Trainee/Ordinary Seaman (OS)
2. ENGINE
=========
Officers : Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer followed by Engine Cadet(if any)
Crew : Oiler No.1 or Fitter,Oilman or Oilers followed by Wiper/GP (if any)
3. GALLEY
=========
Crew : Chief Cook, Second Cook followed by Mess-man/GS
While the above is a very general list of the ranks and an exhaustive list cannot be created as different companies have different policies and different names for the rank onboard (e.g. in some companies the Second Engineer may be called First Engineer and so on, similarly some companies may not have Wipers or even Pumpman onboard). Things again vary depending on the company policies but on an average a ship today generally has such structure of staff with approximately 25-35 men onboard.
So lets talk about the Salary now, which you must be eagerly waiting for!! Again here too, it varies from company to company and even in the same company varies with type of ship so it is really very difficult to say it with confidence, but for cadets/the trainees it may start from 350 US$ to 1200 Us$ per month. Thirdofficer/Fourth Eng may get from 3000 US$ to 4000 US$ per month and by the way, mind you these are boys of age range 20-25 years. Also don't forget that the earned money is Tax free (if you are outside India sailing for more than 6 months in a financial year), cool na !!! There is also good news that girls too can and are joining Merchant Navy. So you have got the good news and have started your reverie but hold on and continue reading.
Wow Merchant navy is great nahin !!! To add the icing to that cake, what about the World tours?? Man!! See the whole world, the other attraction of this field. While you may be thinking that we guys have traveled the whole world but surprise surprise !!! Even though my batch-mates will kill me but let me give you the true picture now -our work culture.
Before I proceed further just a few words about me I am a merchant Navy officer who is presently sailing as Chief Officer and am in this field for 5 yrs now. So these are my own views based after 5 years of practical sailing. Like most of these teens I too joined Merchant Navy without much knowledge.
So coming back...All officers generally keep watches, as we call it, for minimum 8 hrs of the day (twice 4 hrs). In addition to this we need to do our rank related jobs. These jobs and watches are to be maintained in particular shifts. So you can take that during sailing a normal working day may vary from 8 hrs to 12 hrs and believe me we are more than happy while sailing.
At port the working hours increases as we need to go for stations/manoeuvering while approaching ports. After making fast the vessel everyone is busy with the cargo operations (We came there for it right!). Junior officers start 6 on 6 off that is to say that 6 hrs work and 6 hrs rest ...this does not mean that the officers others job is not to be done ...Port papers and Voyage planning needs to be completed prior Departure. For senior officers it means full responsibility for the operations. Gone are those days when complete monitoring of the operation was the only requirement at the port. The vessel need to be always ready for any Port State Control and vetting Inspections which is very very common these days. Surveys and Inspections are so common that every other port there is one.
So you ask what about the shore leave ??? Well yes you can, if you have the stamina to. One can go ashore during his Off (rest) period but do not forget that he has to come back and start with his duties at the right time unless he has adjusted his duties with someone else ...so the shore-leave is at the cost of his rest time (read sleep). Also to add here is that the days of long port stay are gone. Tankers on which I have worked through out my life stays maximum for 24 hrs (required as per Charter party) unless their are other restrictions from the port. Bulk carriers stay for few days while Container ships only hours. Also you cannot go ashore very far due to the same reason of coming back soon. The biggest setback to our shore-leave is after 9/11 incident. Today their are long paper works for shore-leave. Even the shore passes and shore-leave is not allowed in some ports. You might be shocked but after the Taj attack in Mumbai the ports in India have raised the security level and I, an Indian was not allowed to go ashore in an Indian Port in Gujarat.
So that was for the Shore-leave and World tour now about the Salary. Well if you have heard that we guys get a handsome package at a very young age then you are not wrong but what you don't know is that why does a merchant navy guy get so much? Some of the reasons which I have heard is that you loose your youth, you are far from the family and you get disconnected with the Life. While they may not be totally wrong but in my views it is not completely right (I will elaborate this later). I personally believe they pay us so much because of our hardships. Mind you, we do not have doctors on-board, Merchant Navy officers are trained for basic medical treatments. We don't have Fire squads to combat fire, Merchant Navy guys are trained for this too. We don't have any Police or security staff and yet again we are trained and need to protect ourselves even during Somalia Transits. Now tell me how much professionally demanding this field is and why we should not be paid for such kind of life? Before you think that it is very very risky let me tell you that I find it more risky to walk on road than Sail on seas!!
You say that's OK for you !! My friend continue reading ....The field is getting more and more demanding. You will need to work with Multi national crew and officers. There will be cultural differences which means that you have to be very particular how you behave and talk with other national crew. Obviously your national holidays will be missing and there will not be any weekends or Saturday parties. I have worked on a ship where there were only 2 Indian Officers and the only time we met were on meal table. Ah that reminds me of the food. You say Oh no!!! well yes, you might have tough time here too if you are very selective about the food with multinational crew on board. While touch-wood I never had problem on this part and have sailed with real good Philippines and Vietnamese Chief cook but some of my friends were not so lucky. Some friends switched companies because they were not able to cope with the boiled rice in every meal.
If you still believe that You can handle this for the right pay let me still elaborate about the Work on board. Most of us work in shifts with 4on and 8 off that is to say that 4hrs watch and 8 hrs of rest (If lucky) and again followed by 4 hrs of watch and 8hrs of rest in cycle ...Well as told before 8 hrs off does not necessarily mean rest..You need to do other maintenance and rank related job. For deck staff it means Deck maintenance, navigation and Cargo related job while for the Engine Staff it means Maintenance of Engine and other Machinery. For galley staff it means Cleaning Accommodation and cabins where we live, washing clothes other than cooking food. Do not forget, you are there to work and do not have any assistance in case of emergencies. Emergency can be of any form and during those times there is nothing such thing as "rest". Its a total commercial field where a loss of few seconds turns out to be thousands and thousands dollars of loss to the owners/charterers and you will be asked to give your best during such tough times. Sure if the ship is an old one you will not only learn a lot but also will be too busy to think of anything else. Special ships like Gas tankers and tankers come with their own set of complexities and automation to deal with. There might be days without sleep (One Chief officer I sailed with worked for 2 days without sleep in such an emergency). Since it is an International business with multi-national staff you can be very sure that Public holidays will not be recognized and celebrated with the same enthusiasm. If someone fells sick his work load needs to be shared by all, be assured people will not appreciate you falling sick too often. Treatment too needs to be done by Staff members only. Sure when the vessel reaches port you can go to qualified doctors ashore for medical treatment.
You might be thinking that I am over-exaggerating the things ...so let me tell you that I have not yet completed ...We forgot about the "Sea" ..You see the calm, placid sea on which a ship sails...ya that's right so beautiful!! See the most beautiful sunrise and divine sunset. Believe me Merchant Navy guys are closest to mother Nature. Sailing the ship while drizzling and staring the iridescent sky or marvel at the meteors and constellations at night. As I said we guys are blessed to be closest to the mother nature on such a Mammoth ships, but such big ships start to feel like a pack of cards which can roll over anytime during severe storms. People get Seasick and you will see things flying all over if not properly secured. Headaches and homesickness and lowest mental strength are just part of things/feelings which will follow after it. Motion sickness, as we call it, is never to be underestimated and though it takes long time to get habituated to but I have seen people leaving their jobs completely and burden others due to this. So can you handle this too....???
What? You say You still can bear this!!! Kudos my friend, Merchant Navy demands guys like you!!! While the above views were not to discourage anyone from joining Merchant Navy but to prepare them for such a demanding field. Of course you will not have such tough time on every ship and for sure not all Merchant Navy guys are so tough.
This is really a rewarding profession and with fast promotions you can secure your life early. While this is also true that you need to stay away from your family for long time but things are changing. Today Most companies are ready to allow family carriage on-board and you can sail with your wife and kids. I know my friend who is presently sailing with his wife and have been able to checkout the famous PATAYA BEACH, lucky kun?? Contracts are getting short with Junior officers signing contracts for 6 months +/- 1 and Senior officers getting contracts for 4 +/- 1, again this may vary from company to company. Companies are also considerate and understand the personal problems and requirements to adjust your contracts sometimes.
Gone are those days when you were not in touch with your family and parents. Again most companies provide free email service to mail text messages and Satellites phone are always there on-board. Sure the phone calls are still expensive (around 1 US$/min) but then, hey You have got the services there right!!! Though Internet browsing is still not present in most of the companies but it won't be long when you will also find the internet on-board. Presently I know only few companies who have allowed free internet on-board.
Now for the vacations, on an average you are entitled 3 months vacations but it is up to you when you want to join back, just keep your company informed about your plans and they will line you up accordingly. I forgot to tell you this, that you will not be paid during your vacations. This again depends on your company. Some companies have all year round pay policy but in short what they have done is that they have distributed the money given to you for your service on-board equally during your vacation period also.
I have heard people saying that Merchant Navy officers loose their youth at sea, they loose their life blah blah blah...I certainly do not agree to such crap. To me we guys live more than anyone else. Nobody is forcing you to join quickly. Vacations mean pure vacations, no pending jobs, no boss orders and certainly no deadlines to join. While this is true that you might or might not be able to see the world during sailing but you have both time and money to go any place in the world during vacations. I have bunch of friends with whom I always go to Tourist spots in India during each vacation (My friends call it "Bharat Darshan"). Leave aside going places, you can actually do anything which you want during your vacations. One of my friend teaches slum kids during vacations, he says it as his purpose of life, one dwells in adventure sports, other just relaxes and sleep happily while some have opted to be an entrepreneur with a new business every 2 year.
Even on-board with multinational or Indian crew is fun if you take it that way. Parties are common thing on-board and during your leisure time you can see movies either in your cabin or a common place which we call "Smoke room". Believe me there is a movie shop in itself on-board with not less than 300 hindi and even more english movies. Cards, Carom , Table-tennis are in almost all ships. Some ships also have Basketball and Volleyball court and I can bet you, playing basketball with Philippines is an experience of its own kind. Being an Indian we can always find out ways to play cricket in the most remote place on earth, ship quite obviously is not spared too. Table-tennis tournaments is very common during long sailings. If you are fond of learning you can learn a new language itself. While novels can be found on-board but a library is yet to be found on any ship for me. Some companies however do maintain library too on-board. You can do some painting if you are one of those artistic types or the health enthusiast have small Gym for them...So life on ship is also very exciting if you know how to make it so !!!
Having said that if you want to join Merchant navy do consult someone in this field. Again people may have their own opinion about this field so its always better to ask and be ready before joining. A list of the Merchant navy Training Institutes for the cadets and basic requirements can be found from the Courses tab on this site itself but a thorough search and google-ing would certainly help you a lot. While there are many colleges in India but before joining any Institute do confirm their last placement and the Authenticity of the Institutes. Please confirm from their alumni whether any placement help is provided by the Institute. While a lot of changes have been done since I joined the sea and now IMU have also been established but do check everything before joining any Institute since these changes are very recent changes.
The other option which is there, is to look for Advertisements published by authentic stable Companies in newspapers and get selected/sponsored by such companies. Most of these companies will ask you to fill some bond prior joining. Here I must add about the placement agents too who might promise you a Job and the ship for your sea-time, quite obviously for some money. While not all are fake but most are, so do check their authenticity and credibility too.
With this note I end here and hope that this forum will give a slight better picture of the profession called MERCHANT NAVY.
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Wow!!! Sir its awesome.. Now I am really relived.. But, I have some questions related to this.. CAn you please help me with it??