The Merchant Navy is an exciting career choice, full of adventure and great opportunities. For a long time, it was mostly seen as a career for boys. But now, things are changing. Many girls are joining the Merchant Navy and doing well.
With more support from the government, shipping companies, and training institutes, girls now have more chances than ever to build a successful career at sea. This blog is written to help girls understand how to join the Merchant Navy. We have explained everything in simple words so that it’s easy to understand.
Why Should Girls Join Merchant Navy?
Girls should consider the Merchant Navy not just as a job, but as a path to independence, strength, and adventure. Here’s why:
Equal Pay:
The Merchant Navy offers a level playing field. Unlike many traditional land-based jobs where pay disparity between men and women still exists, the Merchant Navy ensures equal pay for equal work. Your salary is based on your rank and role, not your gender. Whether you’re a male or female officer, your paycheck will reflect your position and experience equally.
Career Growth:
Promotions in the Merchant Navy are purely performance-based. There is no gender bias in evaluations or ranks. With hard work, dedication, and completing required certifications and sea time, a girl can go from a cadet to a captain or chief engineer just like any male colleague.
Global Exposure:
Working in the Merchant Navy gives you the chance to travel the world, dock at major international ports, and experience a range of cultures. It offers a truly global working environment. You meet crew members from different countries, work with international companies, and gain experiences that are not possible in most traditional jobs.
Breaking Stereotypes:
Every girl who joins the Merchant Navy becomes a role model. You challenge old beliefs and show society that women are equally capable of performing tough, technical, and leadership roles at sea. You don’t just build a career, you become an inspiration.
The Merchant Navy is not the same as the Indian Navy. It deals with commercial ships that carry goods and sometimes passengers from one country to another.
If you love travelling, want to earn a good salary, and enjoy learning new skills, the Merchant Navy is a great choice. For girls, it’s also a way to break barriers and prove that they can do any job as well as boys.
The Eligibility Criteria to join the Merchant Navy?
Girls need the same qualifications as boys to join the Merchant Navy. Here’s what you need:
Educational Qualification:
- Deck Cadet: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM) with at least 60% marks.
- Marine Engineering: 10+2 with PCM and English. You must score at least 60% in PCM and 50% in English.
- DNS Course: 10+2 with PCM, or a B.Sc degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Maths with Physics in at least one year.
Age Limit:
- Usually between 17.5 to 25 years. Some relaxation may be given in special cases.
Medical and Physical Fitness:
- Good eyesight (6/6 without glasses for deck officers).
- No color blindness.
- Fit according to DG Shipping medical rules.
Step-by-Step Process to Join the Merchant Navy
Choose Science After 10th If you are in school, take the Science stream with PCM in 11th and 12th. This will make you eligible for most Merchant Navy courses.
Appear for IMU-CET Indian Maritime University conducts a common entrance test called IMU-CET. You need to pass this exam to get into top maritime colleges for courses.
- Pick the Right Course Depending on your interest, you can choose:
- B.Sc in Nautical Science (3 years)
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years)
- DNS Course (1 year) leading to a degree
Apply to Approved Colleges Make sure the college is approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India.
Get Sponsorship from a Shipping Company Many companies take exams and interviews before giving sponsorships. A sponsorship means the company will assure you On-Board Training (Job/Placement) after your Course.
Complete Pre-Sea Training This training teaches you the basics before you go on a ship.
Do Sea Training After the course, you will go on a ship as a trainee and learn practically.
Appear for CoC Exam After your sea training, you will take an exam to get your Certificate of Competency. This allows you to become an officer.
Career Options for Girls in the Merchant Navy
- Deck Officer
- Marine Engineer
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
- Catering or Support Staff
After gaining experience at sea, many women choose to transition into shore-based job roles. The maritime industry offers a wide range of onshore career opportunities they can pursue.
Companies Offering Scholarships to Female Candidates
Many shipping companies and colleges are now offering full scholarships (100%) for deserving girl students. This means you can study for free if you have good marks and need financial help. Here are some of the options:
BW LPG India & Indian Maritime University
- Full scholarship for B.Tech, B.Sc Nautical Science, and DNS courses
- Stipend, placement, and certifications are also included
Wilhelmsen Ship Management with MANET Pune
- 100% sponsorship for 20 girl cadets from low-income families
- Includes coaching, training, and guaranteed job support
Maersk Women Cadet Program
- Works with AMET University
- Scholarships, global training, job placement, and leadership sessions
HIMT College Scholarships
- Rs. 25,000 scholarship for girl cadets
- Additional support of Rs. 1,00,000 from Maritime Training Trust (MTT)
These scholarships are helping girls achieve their dreams without worrying about money.
Top Maritime Colleges That Welcome Female Students
- Indian Maritime University (all campuses)
- Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
- Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy
- Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies
- International Maritime Institute (IMI), Noida
- HIMT College, Chennai
- AMET University, Chennai
All these colleges are approved by the government and offer excellent training for girls.
Notable Women Seafarers Who Are Role Models
Many women in India and around the world have already made their mark in the Merchant Navy. Here are a few who are true inspirations:
- Captain Radhika Menon: She made history by becoming the first female captain of the Indian Merchant Navy. In 2016, she also received the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. Her leadership and courage during a life-saving rescue operation in the Bay of Bengal set a global example.
- Reshma Nilofer Naha: India’s first woman marine pilot, she expertly navigates some of the largest and most complex vessels through the hazardous waters of the Hooghly River. Her sharp skills and precision have earned her national recognition and admiration.
- Captain Surekha S: Among India’s pioneering female captains, she commanded international vessels at a time when very few women were seen at sea. She has also been instrumental in training and mentoring new cadets, actively promoting women’s inclusion in maritime careers.
- Captain Nidhi Sharma: One of the youngest Indian women to attain the rank of captain, she is also a vocal advocate for gender equality in shipping. Her powerful presence on social platforms and in conferences inspires young girls to consider maritime careers.
- Shilpa Bhosale: A trailblazing Chief Engineer, she climbed up the ranks in the engine department, traditionally dominated by men. She has become a beacon for girls interested in engineering, showing that women can excel in technical maritime roles.
- Captain Preeti Sinha: An alumna of TS Chanakya, she has served on various international ships and currently mentors aspiring cadets. Her guidance and commitment to sharing knowledge make her a valued figure in the maritime community.
- Ankita Nandwani: The first Indian woman to become a Third Engineer aboard Maersk Line vessels. She shares her journey and daily experiences onboard via social media, helping demystify maritime careers for many young women.
- Aishwarya Borde: Among the youngest Indian women to complete her mandatory sea time and ascend the deck officer ranks swiftly, she proves that determination and discipline can lead to rapid career advancement at sea.
These women have not only broken barriers but have also opened doors for the next generation of female seafarers. Their journeys reflect courage, perseverance, and a deep passion for the sea. They continue to inspire countless girls to pursue careers once thought to be beyond their reach.
Tips for Girls Who Want to Join the Merchant Navy
- Be Mentally Ready: Life at sea is exciting but also requires mental strength. You may be away from family for long periods.
- Work on Communication: English is the main language on ships. Practice speaking and writing well.Stay Fit: Start a fitness routine early. A strong body helps you pass medical exams and perform duties onboard.
- Talk to Female Seafarers: Try to connect with other women who are already in the Merchant Navy. They can guide and motivate you.
- Keep Checking for Opportunities: Follow shipping company websites, YouTube videos, and forums for the latest updates and scholarship announcements.
Our Final Thoughts
The Merchant Navy is no longer just a man’s world. Girls all over India are joining ships and making their mark. With hard work, the right information, and proper guidance, you too can become a successful officer or engineer at sea. There are more scholarships, safer working environments, and equal opportunities now than ever before.
If you are a girl who wants a career full of travel, a good salary, and respect, the Merchant Navy might be the perfect choice for you. Join the movement, break the stereotypes, and become a part of a strong community of women at sea.
