Revealing Merchant Navy Salary in India for Entry Level to High Level Roles

  •  Content Writer : Gurleen Kaur
  • 06-05-2024

Have you completed your 12th? Want to join the Merchant Navy? Are you selectively looking for the salary packages offered to the officials on different levels? Do you need to know accurate details for merchant navy salary in India

Merchant Navy is a specialised field within the maritime industry that deals with commercial shipping and transportation of goods as well as passengers by sea. It opens wide opportunities for the employees as its primary objective is to facilitate international trade and commerce through maritime transportation. 

To streamline the process, this industry hires aspirants based on their capability, and education and gives salaries and other accommodation facilities based on their ranks and years of experience. This blog uncovers everything you are curious to know about the merchant navy salary. 

Merchant Navy Salary in India Based on Different Job Profiles 

From entry-level roles for fresh graduates to higher-ranking positions for experienced seafarers, understanding the salary ranges is crucial in planning your career trajectory in this dynamic and rewarding field. Here is precise and detailed information about the salary packages offered to officials at various levels in India’s Merchant Navy industry. 

  1. Captain:

The captain is the highest-ranking officer on board, responsible for the overall management of the ship. They oversee navigation, crew activities, and cargo operations and ensure compliance with maritime laws and regulations. Captains typically have extensive experience and expertise in ship handling, safety protocols, and emergency response. Their salary ranges from INR6.60 lakhs to INR12 lakhs per month, depending on the size of the vessel and their experience.

  1. Chief Engineer:

The Chief Engineer is in charge of the ship’s engine department, ensuring the smooth operation of machinery, maintenance, repairs, and compliance with safety standards. They lead a team of engineers and technicians, oversee engine room operations, and ensure the efficient functioning of all systems. Chief engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the vessel’s propulsion, power generation, and mechanical integrity. Their salary range is also INR6.60 lakhs to INR12 lakhs per month.

  1. 2nd Engineer: 

The second engineer assists the Chief Engineer in engine room operations, maintenance, and repairs. They manage engine room activities, conduct routine checks, and troubleshoot technical issues. Their salary ranges from INR5.40 lakhs to INR8 lakhs per month.

  1. 3rd Engineer: 

It is an entry-level engineering position responsible for assisting senior engineers in engine room operations, maintenance, and repairs. They learn about engine systems, perform routine tasks, and gain practical experience. The salary range for a 3rd engineer in the Merchant Navy typically ranges from INR3.30 lakhs to INR4.16 lakhs per month.

  1. 4th Engineer: 

The role of a 4th Engineer in the Merchant Navy revolves around supporting the engineering team with maintenance tasks, machinery inspections, and troubleshooting in the engine room. They assist in engine room operations, conduct equipment checks, and follow maintenance procedures. The salary range for this position typically ranges from INR2 lakhs to INR3.50 lakhs per month, varying based on factors such as experience, company, and qualifications.

  1. Junior Engineer: 

It is an entry-level engineering position with responsibilities in training and learning engine room operations. They work under the guidance of senior engineers, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to maintenance tasks. The salary for this job profile ranges from INR30,000 to INR70,000 per month.

  1. Engine Cadet: 

An Engine Cadet in the Merchant Navy plays a pivotal role as an entry-level trainee in marine engineering, gaining hands-on experience and knowledge essential for engine room operations. Their responsibilities include assisting senior engineers in daily tasks, learning about engine components and systems, following standard procedures, and contributing to a safe working environment. Their salary ranges from INR25,000 to INR50,000 per month.

  1. Bosun: 

The Bosun in the Merchant Navy holds a vital role in overseeing the activities of the deck crew and ensuring the smooth functioning of deck operations. Their responsibilities encompass a range of duties focused on maintaining deck safety, coordinating cargo handling, and managing deck equipment. The salary of a bosun ranges from INR1 lakh to INR1.60 lakh per month.

  1. Able Seaman (AB): 

An Able Seaman (AB) in the Merchant Navy is a seasoned deckhand with a pivotal role in ensuring smooth deck operations, efficient cargo handling, and general maintenance tasks onboard. Their responsibilities include assisting officers in navigation tasks, such as anchoring and watchkeeping, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the vessel’s course and safety protocols. Its salary ranges from INR1 lakh to INR1.24 lakh per month.

  1. Ordinary Seaman (OS): 

An ordinary seaman is an entry-level deckhand assisting ABs and learning deck operations. They perform deck cleaning, assist in mooring operations, and support deck officers. Their salary range is typically from INR60,000 to INR75,000 per month.

  1. Trainee OS: 

It is an entry-level trainee position in the deck department. The trainees learn basic deck operations, and safety procedures and gain practical experience. Its salary ranges from INR30,000 to INR45,000 per month.

  1. Electrical Engineer: 

An electrical engineer in the merchant navy has an important role as it manages the electrical systems of the ship. Its primary objective is maintenance and timely repair of the electrical components of the ship. They ensure electrical safety, troubleshoot issues, and oversee electrical installations. The salary of an electrical engineer ranges from INR2 lakhs to INR4 lakhs per month.

  1. Electrical Cadet: 

An Electrical Cadet in the Merchant Navy is a trainee position focused on learning and gaining practical experience in electrical engineering aspects related to maritime operations.  Cadets assist electrical engineers, learn about electrical systems and perform maintenance tasks. The salary range of an electrical cadet is from INR25,000 to INR40,000 per month.

  1. Chief Officer: 

The chief officer assists the Captain in deck operations, navigation and safety management. They lead deck crew, oversee cargo operations and ensure compliance with maritime regulations. The merchant navy officer salary in India ranges from INR5.40 lakhs to INR8 lakhs per month.

  1. 2nd Officer: 

The second officer in the merchant navy assists in navigation, deck operations and safety management. They handle navigation equipment, maintain navigational charts and assist senior officers. Their salary ranges from INR2.25 lakhs to INR4 lakhs per annum.

  1. 3rd Officer: 

It is an entry-level officer role that assists senior officers in deck operations and safety procedures. They handle watchkeeping, perform safety drills and assist in navigational tasks. The salary ranges from INR2 lakhs to INR3.50 lakhs per annum.

  1. Deck Cadet: 

The deck cadet is a trainee officer who learns deck operations, navigation and safety procedures. These cadets undergo structured training, gain sea experience and work towards officer ranks. The salary of deck cadets ranges from INR30,000 to INR70,000 per month.

  1. Fitter: 

Fitters in the Merchant Navy are skilled tradespeople responsible for mechanical maintenance and repairs aboard ships. Their role involves conducting inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues and performing repairs on engines, pumps, valves and other mechanical equipment. The salary ranges from INR1 lakh to INR1.60 lakhs per month.

  1. Motorman: 

The motorman assists engineers in engine room operations, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. It operates machinery, conducts routine checks and assists in repairs. Its salary ranges from INR1 lakh to INR1.24 lakhs per month.

  1. Wiper: 

A wiper assists in the cleaning and maintenance of engine room machinery. It performs routine tasks, assists engineers and maintains cleanliness in the engine room. The salary of a wiper ranges from INR60,000 to INR75,000 per month.

  1. Trainee Wiper: 

It is an entry-level trainee position in the engine department. The trainees learn basic engine room operations, assist in maintenance tasks and gain practical experience. Their salary ranges from INR30,000 to INR45,000 per month.

  1. Chief Steward: 

The role of the Chief Steward in the Merchant Navy is pivotal in overseeing catering and housekeeping operations aboard ships. They manage the menu planning, preparation and serving of meals, ensuring quality and compliance with dietary needs. The salary range of a chief steward is from INR1 lakh to INR1.6 lakhs per month.

  1. Cook: 

A cook prepares meals, manages galley operations and ensures food quality and safety. It handles kitchen equipment, food storage and menu execution. The salary range of a cook ranges from INR60,000 to INR80,000 per month.

In Conclusion, 
The Merchant Navy salary in India can vary based on factors such as experience, type of vessel, company policies, additional certifications and industry demand. It’s essential for individuals considering a career in the Merchant Navy to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for each job profile. To stay updated for more content, follow Guide Me Career!