What Do I Need to Start a Merchant Navy Career?

As a beginner, the baseline requirements include a Good high school Score although As a beginner, you need strong high‑school grades—at least 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), though 70%+ is highly recommended to stand out in sponsorship

PCM Criteria of Important Companies

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Company Name

PCM Criteria

English Criteria

Anglo‑Eastern Ship Management (AEMA)

70%+ in PCM

50%+ in English (Class 10 or 12)

Great Eastern (GEIMS)

60% in PCM

50%+ in English

Synergy Maritime

60% in PCM

50%+ in English

What Entrance Exams Do I Need to Clear?

📌 Entrance Exams You Must Clear

• Company Sponsorship Written Exams   Each reputed shipping company (Anglo‑Eastern, Great Eastern, Synergy, TORM, etc.) conducts its own written test. These exams check your aptitude, reasoning, and subject knowledge.
  

• Company Interviews   After clearing the written, you’ll face interviews that assess communication skills, confidence, and awareness of life at sea.
  

• IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)   A mandatory national‑level exam for admission into IMU‑affiliated institutes. It evaluates PCM knowledge, reasoning, and English.
  

  
  

⚕️ Medical & Physical Standards for Merchant Navy Eyesight

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• Must have 6/6 vision in each eye (without glasses for Deck Cadets).

• No color blindness; Ishihara test is mandatory.

• Hearing

  • Normal hearing ability, tested through audiometry.

• General Fitness

  • No chronic illnesses (like asthma, epilepsy, heart disease).

  • BMI should be within healthy range; obesity is disqualifying.

• Physical Strength & Endurance

  • Ability to handle shipboard tasks, climb ladders, and work long hours at sea.

• DG Shipping Approved Medicals

  • Must pass medical examination by a DG Shipping‑approved doctor before sponsorship is confirmed.

• Age Limit

  • Typically 17–25 years at the time of admission.
    

🛳 Career Path After Training Cadet Phase (Deck/Engine)

• Start as a Deck Cadet or Engine Cadet after completing your course and sponsorship.

• Learn practical ship operations under senior officers.
  

• Junior Officer (Third Officer / Fourth Engineer)

  • After completing required sea time + exams, you rise to officer level.

  • Responsible for navigation watch (Deck) or machinery maintenance (Engine).
    

• Mid‑Level Officer (Second Officer / Second Engineer)

  • Greater responsibility in cargo operations, safety, and technical management.

  • Acts as the backbone of ship operations.
    

• Senior Officer (Chief Officer / Chief Engineer)

  • Manages the entire department (Deck or Engine).

  • Handles planning, crew management, and critical decision‑making.
    

• Captain / Master or Chief Engineer

  • The highest rank onboard.

  • Full responsibility for the ship, crew, cargo, and compliance with international laws.