Nautical Science Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2026 & Future Scope

Updated on Aug 2, 2023 04:43 IST

The Nautical Science career focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of this field. After graduating, students can join Merchant Navy.

The career scope offers a lot of options. options are Deck Officer, Nautical Surveyor, Superintendent, Marine Engineer, etc. The average salary  is around Rs. 2.2 LPA to Rs. 43.5 LPA.

Merchant Navy Jobs

Candidates can see table below for jobs - 

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

Candidates can see table below for salary -

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

Candidates can see table below for experience wise 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

Best Recruiters

Candidates can see table below for recruiters -

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 see table below -

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 see table below -

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 see table below -

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 see table below -

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 see table below -

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

Best Colleges for Merchant Navy

Candidates can see table below -

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

Types of Merchant Navy Officers

Candidates can see table below -

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

Q:   Is Merchant Navy a good career option?
A:

Merchant Navy is a good choice if you like sea and want experience in it. 

This career gives many benefits that make it a desirable option. Salaries are also good and even tax free if you spend a good amount of time at sea.

It also offers good promotion!

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Q:   What is the qualification for Merchant Navy?
A:

Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below: 

Age: 17 years to 25 years 

eyesight: 6/6

Should not have night blindness, colour blindness

Physically fit

Note: The information is taken from other sources and can be different.

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Q:   Is it risky to join the Merchant Navy?
A:

Yes Merchant Navy jobs are a little risky. 

Working in 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 also exposure to hazardous substances)

An ongoing concern in merchant navy is threat of piracy and maritime security. Seafarers working in merchant navy must adapt to unpredictable working conditions. Merchant navy operates under strict international regulations and legal frameworks.

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Q:   Does height matter in the Navy?
A:

Yes height does matter to join Merchant Navy. Merchant Navy is popular for its strict physical prerequisites which often raise questions about role of height in this branch of military.

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Q:   What is the job of a Merchant Navy?
A:

Following are job responsibilities -

Working on cargo ships, tankers, container ships, etc.

make sure of the cargo safety

Navigate ship

Maintaining ship machine and tools.

Look after loading & unloading 

Make sure there is good storage

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Table of contents
  • 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

1 Course
30 K

#29 NIRF

6 LPA
10.5 L
4.9

#78 NIRF

10 L - 22.24 L

#149 NIRF

3 Courses
5.1 L - 12.6 L
3.6 LPA

Popular Private Nautical Science Colleges in India

3 L - 3.28 L

#38 NIRF

Nautical Science Applications open. Apply Now

3 Courses
5.73 L - 7.14 L
4.9
14.85 L
1 Course
30 K

#29 NIRF

6 LPA
10.5 L
4.9

#78 NIRF

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.

3 Jan ' 26 - 30 Jan ' 26

CUET 2026 Application Process

11 May ' 26 - 31 May ' 26

CUET 2026 Exam

28 Jan ' 26 - 30 Jan ' 26

CUET PG 2026 Application Correction Window

Feb '26

CUET PG 2026 Advance City Intimation Slip

TENTATIVE

27 Jan ' 26

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Round 4 Counselling: Seat Allo...

28 Jan ' 26

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Round 4 Counselling: Verificat...

15 Dec ' 25

Rajasthan JET 2025 Counselling 2nd Provisional Li...

13 Dec ' 25

Rajasthan JET 2025 Counselling 2nd Provisional Li...

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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