“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are…” –E.E. Cumming

Trade encourages the exchange of ideas new inventions. 90% of international trade by volume is due to shipping.

The standard of living in the present scenario and the jobs and livelihood of billions depend on ships and shipping.

Water transport is the cheapest form of transportation as compared to others. But at the same time ships happen to be extremely expensive constructions.

It is not surprising that people who handle these vehicles and sophisticated machinery should be very much competent.

The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with transporting cargo and passengers by sea.

There are different types of vessels such as Passenger Vessels, Cargo liners, Oil tankers as well as other special types of vessels.

Merchant navy is a career full of adventure and long voyages to different beautiful places. In spite of a lot of hard work and long absence from home, the Merchant navy professionals must have a professional ability, competence, and dedication to the duty onboard the ship.

It is the Mariner’s responsibility to protect the Cargo, Passengers, the environment and ensure the commercial success of the enterprise.

They have to keep abreast with the ever-changing technology, laws of different countries and also the customs and traditions followed in other countries.

Also, they earn a high salary, with other numerous benefits and promising promotional opportunities. This makes the merchant navy a lucrative and exciting career.

The ships may belong to various private and Government Shipping companies. The Merchant Navy is the backbone of International Trade carrying mainly cargo across the Globe

The ships may belong to various private and Government Shipping companies. The Merchant Navy is the backbone of International Trade carrying mainly cargo across the Globe

**Important Points**

• Over 90% of world trade is carried by Shipping.

• It is the cheapest and safest way of transportation.

• It is the most environment friendly way of transportation.

• There are around 53000 ships registered around the world providing employment to over a million seafarers.

• International Maritime Organization has managed to create a relatively effective organizational structure and regulations for the International Shipping.

• Merchant Navy is also called as “Second line of defense”

• India ranks 15^th in the world  in terms of total DWT.

• India currently supplies around 12.8% of officers and around 14.5% of Ratings to the world Seafaring Community.

• Merchant Navy is also known as Backbone of International Trade.

Nature of Job:

Earlier, Merchant Navy was considered the second most dangerous profession in the world.

Dangers of drowning, Hypothermia, fire, explosion, poisoning by toxic gases, asphyxiating, bodily injury, and loss of health were the main dangers in this profession.

Even no trained medical help was available onboard Now many changes in technology, law, regulation, procedures, and practices have made a career in the Merchant Navy safe, rewarding, and satisfying.

To carry cargo from one port and deliver it unalerted and undamaged at the destination port in time and ensuring the safety of life, environment and cargo is the priority that can be ensured by ensuring the safety of the ship.

Difference between Merchant Navy and Indian Navy