Nautical Science Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Updated on Aug 2, 2023 04:43 IST

The Nautical Science career scope focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of navigation, seamanship, and maritime operations. After graduating from Nautical Science courses, students can opt to join the Merchant Navy since it is the most popular job option.

The career scope offers a lot of options for those who are passionate about the sea and adventure. Some of the popular job options are Navigation or Deck Officer, Engineering Officer, Nautical Surveyor, Marine Superintendent, Marine Engineer, etc. The average annual salary that one can earn is around Rs. 2.2 LPA to Rs. 43.5 LPA.

Top Merchant Navy Jobs

It offers so many exciting career options for those interested in a maritime career. Here are some of the top careers in the Merchant Navy -

Job Profiles

Job Description

Navigation or Deck Officer

This role is responsible for safely navigating a ship and ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and cargo on board. The Navigation or Deck Officer is an integral part of the ship's crew, working closely with other officers and crew members to ensure smooth operations.

Engineering Officer

Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy is a crucial role responsible for the smooth operation and maintenance of the ship's machinery and systems. They are highly trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of the vessel's engineering department.

Electro-Technical Officer

This role requires individuals with a strong technical background and specific knowledge of electrical and electronic systems. The ETO is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all electrical and electronic equipment onboard a ship.

Marine Superintendent

It is a vital position that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of maritime vessels. This position holds significant responsibility and requires a high level of expertise and knowledge in various aspects of ship management.

Marine Engineer

It is a specialized field that involves the design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of the machinery and systems used in ships and other marine vessels. A marine engineer is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the ship's propulsion systems, power generation, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment on board.

Merchant Navy Salary

Merchant Navy salary can differ on the basis of several factors like rank, experience and the type of vessel one is employed on. Students can check the Merchant Navy salary in the table given below.

Job Profiles

Annual Salary 

Navigation or Deck Officer

INR 2.2 LPA

Engineering Officer

INR 10.7 LPA

Electro-Technical Officer

INR 19.4 LPA

Marine Superintendent

INR 43.5 LPA

Marine Engineer

INR 10.7 LPA

Merchant Navy Salary: Experience Wise

The experience-wise Merchant Navy salary in India differs on the basis of rank, experience and type of vessel. Students can look at the table below to have an idea of the experience-wise Merchant Navy salary.

Years of Experience

Average Salary 

0 – 5 years

INR 7.50 LPA and above

6 – 10 years

INR 17 LPA and above

11 – 15 years

INR 30 LPA and above

16 – 20 years

INR 54 LPA and above

20 years & above

INR 1 Crore and above

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Top Recruiters

The Merchant Navy career presents exciting job options for students who are passionate about working at sea.

Candidates can find the Merchant Navy top recruiters that employ passionate youth in the table below.

Top Recruiters

Boston Putford offshore safety Ltd.

Carisbrooke Shipping

Carnival UK

Foreland Shipping Ltd

Condor Ferries

P&O Cruises

Global Marine

Jubilee Sailing Trust

Saga Cruises

Rio Tinto Marine

Princess Cruises

-

Merchant Navy Jobs in Bangalore

Candidates can look at the table below which mentions top recruiting companies in Bangalore that offer well-paid Merchant Navy jobs along with their monthly package.

Company

Average Starting Salary Per Month (INR)

Vision placement services

70,000

Seaspan

60,000

Msc cruises

70,000

R G Technosolutions

1.50 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Pune

Candidates can look at the table below which mentions top recruiting companies in Pune that offer well-paid Merchant Navy jobs along with their monthly package.

Company

Average Monthly Salary (INR)

Royal marine services

1.75 L

RCM- marine

3.75 L

Lilly maritime

1.80 L

BSM ship management company

1.80 L

Blue Whale

2 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Hyderabad

Candidates can look at the table below which mentions top recruiting companies in Hyderabad that offer well-paid Merchant Navy jobs along with their monthly package.

Company

Average Monthly Salary (INR)

Shri Maritime

80,000

S S placement services

65,000

Dynacons systems and solutions

70,000

MSC ship management

70,000

Ac Mechanical services

1.20 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in Chennai

Candidates can look at the table below which mentions top recruiting companies in Chennai that offer well-paid Merchant Navy jobs along with their monthly package.

Company

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Maritime smart services

4.50 L

Imates Consultants

8 L

Confidential

5 L

Nidhi maritime consultancy

9.50 L

Dhanaj construction

12 L

Merchant Navy Jobs in New Delhi 

Candidates can look at the table below which mentions top recruiting companies in New Delhi that offer well-paid Merchant Navy jobs along with their monthly package.

Company

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Fleet management

7.60 L

Anglo-eastern group

4.60 L

Ocean sparkle

9 L

Pacific international lines

17.30 L

Nyk ship management

9 L

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Top Colleges for Merchant Navy

To pursue a successful Merchant Navy career, it is essential to receive quality education and training from reputable institutions. Candidates can check the table below to explore some of the top colleges for the Merchant Navy.

College Name

Total Fees (in INR)

Amity University, Noida

3 Lakh - 3.3 Lakh

Chitkara University, Chandigarh

10.5 Lakh

Tamil Nadu Fisheries University

32,000

IMU Chennai 

2.3 Lakh - 6.8 Lakh

The Neotia University

4.5 Lakh

Indian Maritime University

2.2 Lakh - 6.6 Lakh

Tolani Maritime Institute

5.3 Lakh - 5.4 Lakh

Academy of Maritime Education and Training

10.4 Lakh

IMU Kochi

4.4 Lakh - 6.8 Lakh

Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training

7.7 Lakh

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Types of Merchant Navy Officers

Merchant Navy officers are responsible for the smooth operation and management of ships and vessels engaged in commercial activities. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of crew members, passengers, and cargo. 

Candidates can check the different types of Merchant Navy officers in the table below along with their average annual salary.

Type

Average Salary

Trainee Cadet

INR 10.20 LPA

Deck Cadet

INR 14 LPA

Chief Officer

INR 72 LPA

Captain

INR 2.4 Crore PA

Engineer

INR 50 LPA

 

Nautical Science Career FAQs

Q. Is Merchant Navy a good career option?

A. Merchant Navy is widely considered a lucrative and promising career option for individuals who are passionate about the sea and seek an adventurous lifestyle. With its global presence and diverse job opportunities, the Merchant Navy offers a range of benefits and advantages that make it a desirable choice for many.

  • Merchant Navy salaries are typically generous, and with the possibility of tax-free income for those who spend a certain amount of time at sea, it can be financially rewarding. 
  • Another advantage of pursuing a career in the Merchant Navy is the opportunity for travel and exploration
  • Moreover, the Merchant Navy career offers excellent progression opportunities
  • The Merchant Navy jobs can be promising for those who are passionate about the sea and willing to embrace its challenges. 

Q. What is the qualification for Merchant Navy?

A. The basic requirements for eligibility that every candidate should fulfil to get into a Nautical Science program are:

  • The candidate should be of age ranging from 17 years to 25 years at the commencement of the program.
  • The eyesight of the candidate should be 6/6.
  • The candidate should not suffer from night blindness.
  • The candidate should not suffer from colour blindness.
  • The candidate should be physically fit to carry out the operations at sea efficiently. 

Q. Is it risky to join the Merchant Navy?

A. Yes, Merchant Navy jobs are a little risky. To join Merchant Navy is an appealing career choice for many individuals who are drawn to a life at sea. 

  • Working in the merchant navy involves various occupational hazards that seafarers must be prepared to face such as Accidents and Injuries, Health Risks (physical strain, isolation, mental health issues, and exposure to hazardous substances)
  • An ongoing concern in the merchant navy is the threat of piracy and maritime security. Seafarers working in the merchant navy must adapt to unpredictable working conditions. 
  • The merchant navy operates under strict international regulations and legal frameworks

Q. Does height matter in the Navy?

A. Yes, height does matter to join Merchant Navy. The Merchant Navy is renowned for its rigorous physical requirements, which often raise questions about the role of height in this branch of the military. 

  • From rigorous training exercises to combat situations, individuals serving in the Navy must be physically fit and capable
  • The Merchant Navy's physical fitness assessments primarily focus on strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health, rather than height alone.

Q. What is the job of a Merchant Navy?

A. The job of a Merchant Navy involves the operation and management of commercial ships that transport goods and passengers across the world's oceans and waterways. 

  • Merchant navy professionals work on a variety of vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger liners, and ferries. 
  • Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of cargo and passengers
  • One of the key roles of merchant navy personnel is to navigate the ship
  • Merchant Navy professionals are responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's machinery and equipment
  • Another aspect of their job involves cargo handling. Merchant navy professionals oversee the loading and unloading of goods, ensuring proper stowage and securing of cargo to prevent damage during transit. 

Q. Can I join the Merchant Navy without an exam?

A. Joining the Merchant Navy without an exam is not possible. To become a part of the Merchant Navy, one must pass the required exams and meet the necessary qualifications. These exams are designed to ensure that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the Merchant Navy, which involves various responsibilities and challenges.

Some of the popular entrance exams for joining the Merchant Navy include IMUCET, WBJEE, GATE, JEE Main, TNEA, and CUET.

Q. What are the exams for Merchant Navy?

A. The popular exams for joining Merchant Navy after completing Class 12 are given as follows.

Entrance Exams

Details

IMUCET

IMUCET, also known as the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test, is conducted by the Indian Maritime University (IMU) for various UG and PG programs in the field of maritime education and training.

WBJEE

WBJEE, which stands for West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination, is specifically held in the state of West Bengal to select eligible candidates for undergraduate courses

GATE

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a prominent examination to pursue higher education in various Engineering and Science disciplines

JEE Main

Joint Entrance Examination (Main) is a highly competitive Engineering entrance exam conducted to pursue UG programs in Engineering and Architecture at prestigious institutions across the country

TNEA

Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions is an exam conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering courses in colleges and universities across Tamil Nadu

Q. Is Merchant Navy a permanent job?

A. No, the Merchant Navy is not a permanent job. Employment in the Merchant Navy is typically based on contracts. Seafarers are hired for a specific duration, which can vary from a few months to several years, depending on the nature of the job and the type of vessel. These contracts are renewable, allowing seafarers to continue their employment after the initial contract period expires.

To ensure operational efficiency and the well-being of seafarers, the Merchant Navy often follows a rotation system. This means that seafarers work for a certain period, known as a "tour of duty," and then get a designated period of leave. This rotation system allows for a balance between work and personal life.

Q. What is the highest post in Merchant Navy?

A. The highest post in the Merchant Navy is that of a Captain. A Captain is responsible for commanding and operating a merchant vessel. They have the ultimate authority and are in charge of ensuring the safety, efficiency, and profitability of the ship and its crew. The average salary of a Captain in India is abpit INR 47.8 LPA.

The role of a Captain in the Merchant Navy is significant and demanding. They are responsible for planning and executing the ship's routes, making decisions regarding cargo handling, and overseeing the maintenance and repair of the vessel. Captains also have the authority to enforce discipline and ensure compliance with maritime regulations.

Q. Does Merchant Navy have scope in future?

A. The Merchant Navy, also known as the commercial shipping industry, plays a vital role in the global transportation of goods. With the increasing demand for international trade, the scope for the Merchant Navy in the future looks promising.

The Merchant Navy is responsible for transporting various types of cargo, including raw materials, consumer goods, and energy resources. As the world's population continues to grow, so does the need for goods and resources. 

Table of content
  • Popular Nautical Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Nautical Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Nautical Science UG Courses
  • Popular Nautical Science PG Courses

Popular Nautical Science Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Nautical Science Colleges in India. Learn more about these Nautical Science colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 L - 3.28 L

#38 NIRF

Nautical Science Applications open. Apply Now

10 L - 22.24 L

#124 NIRF

6 LPA
2 Courses
2.75 L - 8.25 L
3.8
3 Courses
5.1 L - 12.6 L
3.6 LPA
1 Course
30 K

#29 NIRF

Popular Private Nautical Science Colleges in India

1 Course
3.57 L
2.55 LPA
3 L - 3.28 L

#38 NIRF

Nautical Science Applications open. Apply Now

10 L - 22.24 L

#124 NIRF

6 LPA
2 Courses
2.75 L - 8.25 L
3.8
3 Courses
5.1 L - 12.6 L
3.6 LPA

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Nautical Science. Students interested in pursuing a career on Nautical Science, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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UPCATET Counselling 2025: Campus Reporting UG Can...

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OUAT 2025 Campus Reporting for MVSC Courses for ...

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Popular Nautical Science UG Courses

Following are the most popular Nautical Science UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Nautical Science PG Courses

Following are the most popular Nautical Science PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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