Overview

The Merchant Navy offers a career distinct from all others. Not only does it offer excellent remuneration and promotional opportunities, but also tremendous scope for adventure and travel.

The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with transporting cargo and, occasionally, passengers, by sea Its fleet is therefore composed of passenger vessels, cargo liners, tankers, carriers, as well as other special types of vehicles.

Professionals employed in the Merchant Navy include Navigating Officers, Radio Officers and Marine Engineers. They are usually employed by shipping companies on a contractual basis, which is generally of six to nine months duration.

Modern vessels are now equipped to minimize the tedium of weeks on board a ship with little companionship other than crewmembers. Most ships have spacious lounges, TV room’s facilities for a variety of leisure activities, and family accommodation for those who are allowed to bring along their families.

So far there are no openings for women in the Merchant Navy, but there are moves to induct women as Radio Officers and Ship Doctors. More and more women are now opting for training in marine engineering, which will eventually lead to their employment in the Merchant Navy.