Merchant Navy Salary: Captain Salary, Starting Salary, Highest Salary, Officer Salary, After 10th, Per Month, 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

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The merchant navy is the foundation of global trade for the fact that it moves freight and carries merchandise across various locations. Joining the Merchant Navy would require candidates to travel extensively and visit interesting locations globally. The average monthly Merchant Navy Salary ranges between INR 40,000 – INR 90,000. Like any other job, there are various crucial determining factors on which the Merchant Navy salary depends such as the rank, experience and location of the designated employee. 

The minimum age required to be eligible to join Merchant Navy is usually between 17.5 years - 25 years. The lowest Merchant Navy Salary usually ranges between INR 25,000 - 60,000 and the highest Merchant Navy Salary can go up to as much as INR 20 L per month, which is the average salary of a Merchant Navy Captain in India. In Merchant Navy, the average seaman’s salary can reach up to INR 8 LPA after gaining substantial years of experience for about 5 – 10 years. 

To join Merchant Navy, candidates can pursue Marine Engineering Courses such as BSc in Nautical ScienceDiploma in Nautical Science or an MBA in Port and Shipping Management from any of the Top Maritime Colleges across the country. Some of the crucial details about the salary of a Merchant Navy including their qualifications and rank-wise salary structure and other designations are discussed below in the article for your reference. 

Merchant Navy Salary: Quick Facts

Eligibility Candidates must complete 10+2 board exams from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score of 50% and above
They must then pursue a Bachelor’s degree in relevant courses such as Btech Marine Engineering and BSc Nautical Science
Skills Required Mathematical Ability, Engineering Designs, Knowledge of Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Starting Salary (INR) 7.20 LPA
Average Salary (INR) 37 LPA
Highest Salary (INR) 1 Crore and above

Merchant Navy Salary Per Month

The average Merchant Navy starting salary ranges from INR 4.80 LPA - 6 LPA, which amounts to INR 40,000 - 50,000 per month. Merchant Navy Officer with more than 10 years of substantial experience earns an average monthly salary of INR 1.64 Lakh. The highest Merchant Navy monthly Salary with more than 20 years of substantial experience can range anywhere between INR 8.65 Lakh - 20 Lakh. 

The monthly salary of various Merchant Navy officers across various designations is tabulated below. 

Job Profiles Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Captain 2.4 Crore
Chief Officer 72 L
Deck Cadet 14 L
Trainee Cadet 10.20 L
Engineer 50 L
Catering and Hospitality Crew 24 L

Merchant Navy Salary in India

For candidates who have pursued relevant degrees, the average Merchant Navy salary usually ranges between INR 3 LPA – 18.7 LPA. However, candidates who have cleared their 12th board exams can directly choose to pursue a career as Deck Officers or can also join the catering department with an average pay of INR 2.20 LPA and 3 LPA respectively. While candidates with substantial years of experience ranging over 15 years along with proper educational qualifications can earn as much as INR 2 Crores and above. 

Merchant Navy Salary After 12th 

Candidates aspiring to join Merchant Navy after clearing their class 12 examination, must follow certain eligibility criteria for the same which are discussed below,

  • They must have a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, English, and Mathematics with a total score of 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA
  • Candidates must not be more than 17 - 25 years of age during the time of commencement of the course
  • Candidates pursuing the Pre-Sea Nautical Diploma course are trained to fulfil the role of Trainee Cadet and Deck Cadet.
  • Candidates joining Merchant Navy after class 12 are trained to perform significant tasks such as checking tank surroundings daily basis, maintaining the ship, maintaining LSA or life-saving appliances, and FFA or fire-fighting appliances. In addition to these duties, they also have to do various port work.
  • The average monthly salary for candidates who join Merchant Navy after 12th ranges from INR 25,000 - 80,000 per month.
  • However, the salary of a candidate joining the Merchant Navy Salary After 12th witnesses a gradual rise after gaining substantial years of experience and updated skills and knowledge. 

Merchant Navy Salary After 10th

Students who have cleared class 10 board examination with a minimum score of 45% aggregate is eligible to join the GP Rating course by filling up a registration form and appearing for a series of exams testing physical and mental abilities.

  • This Pre-sea course for General-Purpose Rating is 6 months long and trains cadets primarily for 2 roles- Engine and Deck Rating
  • The minimum age limit to join the training course is 17 years and the upper limit is 25 years
  • Upon completion of the GP Rating course, candidates can start working as Engine or Deck crew
  • Upon completing 36 months on the board, candidates can be Officers by appearing for the 2nd Mate Examination. Gradually through further oral or written examinations, candidates can apply for higher-ranking positions
  • Merchant Navy starting salary for candidates who have completed class 10 board exams ranges from INR 25,000 to 30,000 and the pay scale keeps on changing based on examinations and achievements

Merchant Navy Salary: Rank Wise

The following table discusses in detail the required educational background for each Merchant Navy post.

Ranks Average Annual Salary (INR)
G P Rating post 7.20 L
Trainee Cadet post 10.20 L
Deck Cadet 15 L
2nd/3rd Officer Post 60 L
Chief Officer Post 78 L
Captain 2.40 Crore

2nd Officer Salary in Merchant Navy

The 2nd Officer Salary in the Merchant Navy depends on the shipping companies, the type of ships, and their experience. The job includes a fair salary package along with several chances to increase one’s experience and position level within the organization.

  • 2nd officers are responsible for the navigation of the ships with the help of radar and GPS systems. They also have to monitor the weather reports by listening to the broadcast.
  • Usually, the 2nd officer gets appointed by a training scheme including studying at a nautical college and gathering practical experience to gain the MCA or Maritime and Coastguard Agency Certificate of Competency.
  • With the relevant qualification or Higher National Diploma, some officers are exempt from undergoing specific stages of training.
  • The average 2nd Officer Salary in Merchant Navy is INR 3.4 LPA which can be increased based on the internal examinations and professional experience.
Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
0-4 years 17 L
5-10 years 36 L

3rd Officer Salary in Merchant Navy

The 3rd Officer Salary in the Merchant Navy also depends on the type of company as well as the ships involved. Here are some of the significant details about the 3rd Officer Salary in the Merchant Navy:

  • The third officer’s work often involved overseeing the functions and responsibilities of the crew. In addition to the technical operations, speed, fuel, and use of machinery are also the third officer’s responsibility.
  • Once the training period is completed and upon receiving the MCA Certificate, most of the training will take place on professional grounds while doing the job.
  • With time, the candidates are also given further opportunities to have more practical experience. Gaining more MCA qualifications further brings the candidate opportunities to opt for more senior roles.
  • The average salary of an experienced 3rd Officer in the Merchant Navy is INR 4 - 8 L per month
Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
0-4 years 13 L
5-10 years 21 L
>10 years 36 L

Merchant Navy Salary: Company Wise

India is home to several top merchant navy companies that hire fresher as well as experienced professionals across various positions. Some of the top merchant navy companies in India are CMA-CGM Group, Anglo Eastern Shipping, and  Mediterranean Shipping Company. T

abulated below is the average salary across various shipping companies in India. 

Name of the Companies Average Annual Salary (INR)
Ocean Sparkle 24.55 L
Shipping Corporation of India 33 L
Indian Navy 40 L
Anglo-Eastern Ship Management 42 L
Fleet Management 70 L

Merchant Navy Captain Salary

The average Merchant Navy Captain salary usually ranges from INR 20 L - 40 L per month. However, after gaining experience of more than 20 years, the average Merchant Navy Captain Salary can go up to as much as INR 3 Crores - 5 Crores, with the monthly salary amounting to INR 41.66 L.

Tabulated below is the Merchant Navy Captain Salary across different experience brackets. 

Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
0 - 5 years 20 L - 28 L
6 - 10 years 36 L - 45 L
11 - 15 years 50 L - 60 L
16 - 20 years 75 L - 1 Crore
20 years and above 5 Crores & above

Deck Cadet Salary in Merchant Navy

Deck Cadets are in charge of navigation, tank sounding, maintenance and deck work of a ship. Deck Cadets have to complete a prescribed sea time in order to be eligible for obtaining a certificate of competency as Officer In charge of a navigational watch.

The average Deck Cadet Salary usually ranges from INR 3.36 L - 5 L. The highest and average monthly salary of a Deck Cadet is INR 6.30 L and INR 30,120 respectively. 

Merchant Navy Officer Salary

Merchant Navy basically has 4 categories of officer ranks, namely 3rd Officer, 2nd Officer, Chief Officer and Captain. Each of these designations varies in terms of their job role and their salary structure as well. Tabulated below is the salary structure for the various Merchant Navy Officer positions. 

Job Profile Starting Salary (INR) Average Salary (INR) Highest Salary (INR)
3rd Officer 4 L 7.20 L 22 L
2nd Officer 8 L 20 L 62.8 L
Chief Officer 27.7 L 48 L 89.2 L
Captain 1.38 Crore 3.11 Crore 4.40 Crore

Merchant Navy Salary: FAQs

Ques. What is the salary in Merchant Navy?

Ans. The average salary one can expect after joining Merchant Navy can range from INR 7.80 L - 23 L

Ques. What is the monthly salary of the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The average monthly salary of the Merchant Navy can range anywhere between INR 90,000 - 10,00,000. 

Ques. Which Merchant Navy position has the highest salary?

Ans. Captain, which is the senior designation in Merchant Navy can earn the highest salary ranging from INR 1 Crore - 5.20 Crore, and in certain cases even more.

Ques. What are the qualifications required to join Merchant Navy?

Ans. To join Merchant Navy, candidates must clear class 12 board exams in the Science stream followed by pursuing a bachelor’s degree such as BTech Marine Engineering and BSc Nautical Science.

Ques. What is the age limit to join Merchant Navy?

Ans. Candidates aspiring to join the Merchant Navy, must come between the age bracket of 17.5 - 25 years.

Ques. What is the starting salary of the Merchant Navy?

Ans. The starting salary in Merchant Navy ranges from INR 4 LPA - 12 LPA.

Ques. What is the salary of the Merchant Navy after 12th?

Ans. Candidates who joined Merchant Navy right after clearing class 12 board exams can earn an average annual salary of INR 3 L - 7.20 L.

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