Merchant Navy as a career attracts various people for various reasons. One of the main reasons behind seafarers opting for Merchant Navy is the high salary package that it offers. Notably, the global trade has high contribution of this commercial fleet. It has a very important role when it comes to transportation of commodities across international spheres. Moreover, unlike Navy, Merchant Navy contains container vessels, passenger ships, tankers of oil and cargo ships. Although, the salary package is high, there are some factors that influence the pay. For example, the salary also depends on the experience and rank of the seafarers. Furthermore, factors like type of shipment, company also play a role in deciding the pay. In this article, we will talk about Merchant Navy Salary.
About Merchant Navy
Many people misunderstand this career path with “Navy”. However, this is to be noted that Merchant Navy is not a defence force but a commercial group of ships. Basically, Merchant Navy has a role in transportation of goods across the nations. Moreover, people who work in this sector are known as seafarers or mariners. Furthermore, in this career option, there are job positions like cadets and ratings along with higher positions like Chief Engineer and Captain. Additionally, people can take up jobs in different departments like machinery, navigation and catering. Therefore, the salary depends on different positions that seafarers have.
Why People Choose Merchant Navy as a Career
Many people display their interest in this field because of reasons like –
- Usually, salary packages in this career as high. However, it also depends on the rank, position and other contributing factors.
- International travel is also one of the main reasons behind people opting for Merchant Navy.
- In several cases, the income that mariners have is tax-free. Thus, it stands as a strong reason for people getting attracted towards this field.
Merchant Navy Salary – Influencing Factors
The pay of mariners depends upon many factors like –
- Junior positions get lower pay than seafarers at higher position. Therefore, the pay depends upon the experience, post and rank of the person.
- Bigger and reputed companies offer a higher pay to seafarers than other companies. Hence, the salary also depends on the shipping company.
- Different countries have different wage structures. For example, Indian mariners may have a lower salary package than western seafarers. Hence, nationality plays a crucial role in deciding the pay.
- The pay is higher for offshore vessels and tankers. Whereas, container ships and bulk carriers may have lower salary.
Entry Level Positions and Salary
The Ratings and Crew members are included in the entry level positions. These jobs in Merchant Navy require just the basic training according to the role. These positions and their salary are:
- Ordinary Seaman (OS) – INR 25,000 to INR 50,000
- Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) – INR 65,000 to INR 1,00,000
- Wiper – INR 25,000 to INR 50,000
- Oiler – INR 65,000 to INR 1,00,000
Junior Officers and Salary
The monthly salary of junior officers in Merchant Navy ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 65,000. In addition, they may also have perks of getting accommodation, travel and food for free. These job roles include –
- Deck Cadet (Deck Department Trainee)
- Engine Cadet (Engine Room Trainee)
- Electrical Cadet (Electrical Officer Assistant)
Operational Officers and Salary
The responsibility of these officers is to operate, maintain, safeguard and navigate. These officers and their salary are:
- Third Officer/ Fourth Engineer – INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000
- Second Officer/ Third Engineer – INR 2,50,000 to INR 3,50,000
Senior Officers and Salary
The job role of senior officers require high training. This is because they are responsible for major things onboard. Notably, they are highly experienced and possess the qualities of a leader.
- Chief Officer/ Second Engineer – INR 4,00,000 to INR 6,50,000
- Captain/ First Engineer – INR 6,50,000 to INR 12,00,000+
Perks of Working in Merchant Navy
Mariners get some perks of working in this field that contribute to their overall pay. They get free travel, accommodation and food. Therefore, travelling different countries and exploring various cultures becomes easier and cheaper for them. Moreover, during the contract period, medical insurance is provided by the companies to their employees. Furthermore, including India, several countries consider it a tax free income if the mariners spend more than 183 days at the sea. Additionally, they are also offered paid vacation after the completion of contract.
All these additional benefits contribute in attracting people towards commercial fleet. The best part about this is that this career path allows people to manage the work-life balance easily.
Danger Pay
It refers to the special and additional pay that officers might receive when they sail through risky areas. For example, there are some pirate zones at the sea that are not so safe for mariners and the commodities that the ship is carrying. However, if the sailers get to sail in those zones, they receive a decent additional/bonus pay.
Additional Bonuses
Some companies may offer joining bonus. Moreover, performance and loyalty bonuses also may be there. It keeps seafarers motivated to work hard and with dedication.
Conclusion
The main reasons why people choose Merchant Navy as a career option includes it’s high paying feature. All the levels of the jobs in this field earn pretty well when compared to most of the other choices. Experience, ranking, post, job also influence the pay. However, the job offers many additional benefits that contribute to mariner’s overall pay. In addition, the job offers many personal experiences along the way. Therefore, it is absolutely rewarding when it comes to finance as well as personal life.
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