Hello Aspirant,

The best way to make it into the Merchant Navy depends on your existing education and goals for your career. There are several options that are highly regarded in the Merchant Navy

1. B.Tech/B.E. Marine Engineering – This option is primarily for individuals wanting to pursue Marine Engineer work.
2. Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) – This is a 1 year pre-sea training program that eventually leads to a B.Sc. Nautical Science. This is the best option for individuals wanting to pursue a career as Deck Officers.
3. B.Sc. Nautical Science – This program has a duration of 3 years.  This is option for individuals wanting to become deck officers or captains.
4. Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) – This program is for individuals with previous engineering degree (Mechanical/EEE).  It has a duration of 1 year, then you will join the career as Marine Engineer
5. ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) Course - This is for candidates with an Electrical/Electronics Background, that would want to work as shipboard electrical officers.

Dear Shivraj, best courses for Merchant Navy

. After 10th:

. GP Rating Course (6 months)- Join as deck/engine crew

After 12th (PCM required)

B.sc. Nautical Science (3 yrs)- Deck Officer path (Captain)

DNS- Diploma in Nautical Sciences (1 yr+ training)

B.tech Marine Engineering

After graduation (B.tech)

GME- Graduate Marine Engineering (1 YR)

ETO- Electro- Technical Officer (4-6 months)

Thanks! BEST OF LUCK

The courses which will be useful towards a career in the Merchant Navy are

- Diploma in Nautical Science: A 1-year program which provides the basics of marine technology, ships operations and safety measures. It qualifies students to work as Deck Cadet, Marine Officer and Deck Officer.

- Diploma in Marine Engineering: A one year program that deals with technical side of ship operation, mechanical systems and ships maintenance.

- (link unavailable) Nautical Science: A 3 year degree course, which offers comprehensive understanding of nautical science and qualifies the student officers position in the Merchant Navy.

- B.Tech Marine Engineering: A 4 year undergraduate program which deals with advanced marine engineering subjects and qualifies a student to work in technical jobs related to the functioning of the ships.

- Graduate Marine Engineer (GME): A 1 year course post-graduate in mechanical or naval architecture engineering, for positions of senior marine engineer.

when selecting course:

- Eligibility: Make sure that you fulfill the course prerequisites, which usually is 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).

- Duration of the courses: These courses can be 6 months to 4 years depending on the course and the institution.

- Reputation of the institution: The best colleges such as Tolani Maritime Institute, Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies and Indian Maritime University have a good reputation.

- Career opportunities: Merchant Navy officers get an opportunity to earn a salary of INR 7.5 lakhs to INR 9.5 lakhs per year, whereas an experienced professional can earn up to INR 37 lakhs or even more.