Which is better, The Indian Navy or The Merchant Navy ?
In this article we will discuss about the topic which is better, The Indian Navy or The Merchant Navy ? by comparing the different aspects of both.
Distinguishing points between Indian Navy and Merchant Navy :
We will discuss the major distinguishing points on this topic, which will help the aspirants to decide better.
(1) Purpose of the Indian Navy and Merchant Navy :
Both the navy’s serve different purposes.
Indian Navy is the defence wing of the Indian Government, whose responsibility is to safeguard the water borders of the country.
Merchant Navy on the other hand is commercial shipping. It deals with the transport of goods from one country to another country.
(2) Areas of operations of the Indian Navy and Merchant Navy :
The operational areas of both the navy’s are different.
Indian Navy operates in India’s waters only whereas the commercial ships operates in coastal as well as in international waters.
(3) How can one join Indian Navy and Merchant Navy :
For joining Indian Navy the candidate must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board, with physics, chemistry and mathematics as his main subjects.
The age limit for joining Indian Navy is 16.5 years to 19.5 years.
After 10+2 the candidates can join National Defence Academy for 3 years.
After this three years training in NDA, the candidates are sent to Kerala for one year training and then they get ready to serve the country.
For joining Merchant Navy, 10th pass candidates can join merchant navy by doing a GP rating course.
10+2 pass candidates can join merchant navy by doing a four year marine engineering course.
Mechanical Engineering graduates can also join merchant navy by doing a one year GME course.
10+2 pass can also become deck officers by doing either a one year diploma course in nautical science or by doing a three year Bachelor’s degree course in nautical science.
Electrical engineering graduates can also become a part of merchant navy by doing ETO training course.
(4) Salary in Indian Navy and Merchant Navy :
The salary structure of the Indian Navy is decided by the Government of India.
The salary structure of the Indian Navy officers changes from time to time.
The Indian Navy personnel also gets post retirement pensions, family accommodation during service , subsidies on the ration and free medical treatment for their families.
The salary in merchant navy is between USD 300 to USD 13000, depending on the rank.
Also read : What is the salary in Merchant Navy ?
(5) Retirement and Post Retirement benefits :
The retirement age for Indian Navy personnel varies between 52 years to 62 years depending on the rank.
The Indian Navy personnel gets post retirement pensions, subsidies on the ration and free medical treatment for their families.
There is no particular age of retirement in Merchant Navy, as long as you are fit you can work in merchant navy.
There is not any post retirement benefit in merchant navy, it all depends on your savings and investments.
Conclusion :
Which is better amongst both the navy’s, by reading this post you can decide yourself.
The passion and priorities of each individual are different.
Hello. This is Alkesh Patil. I am a Marine Engineer with 10+ years of experience in Merchant Navy. In this blog, I will try to provide some basic information about merchant navy and life onboard ship.
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