How to become Officer (Deck officer or Marine Engineer) on Merchant Navy ships?

Merchant navy is a very lucrative career and becoming a Merchant Navy officer is a dream of many youngsters in India. Merchant Navy officers are not just decorated officers but are also are very highly paid.
In our other article we have already told you about Merchant Navy Departments, Ranks and Salaries. Please go through the below link in case you have missed it.

Also Read : What are different Ranks & Salaries on Merchant Navy ships?

There are three categories of officers in Merchant Navy

Deck or Navigating Officers
Marine Engineer Officers
Electro Technical Officer

You can choose any department of your choice as per your educational qualifications & interests.

Deck or Navigating Officers

If you want to become Deck officer then you have to join Deck department in Merchant Navy. The entry rank for Deck officers is Deck cadet. Then after experience and promotions you will become Third Officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer and finally you will become Captain of the ship. Captain is the highest rank achieved by Deck Officers.
To Join as Deck Cadet you have to do any of the following courses :

Diploma in Nautical science (DNS) – 1 year Course
Or B.Sc. in Nautical Science – 3 Yrs. Course

After completion of any of the above courses you will be posted as Deck Cadet on Merchant Navy ships.

Also Read : How to become Deck cadet in Merchant Navy. Courses & Educational qualifications details.

Marine Engineer officers

If you want to become Marine Engineer officer in Merchant Navy then you have to join Engine Department on ship. The Entry Point for Marine Engineer Officers is Junior Engineer. Then after experience & promotions you will become Fourth Engineer, Third Engineer, Second Engineer and finally you will become Chief Engineer of Merchant Navy ships. Chief engineer is the highest rank a Marine Engineer can achieve.
To Join as Junior Engineer you have to do any one of the following courses:

B. tech in Marine engineering – 4 years Degree course
Graduate Marine Engineering Course (GME Course) – 1 Year course
Diploma Marine Engineering Course (DME Course) – 2 years course

After completion of any of the above courses you will be posted as Junior Engineer on Merchant Navy ships.

Also Read : How to become Marine Engineer in Merchant Navy. Courses & Educational qualifications details.

Electro technical Officer (ETO)

Electro Technical officer comes under Engine Department of ship. But to become ETO you have to do different course and educational qualification is also different.
ETO is a senior officer on ship and his salary is also very good. But there are NO promotions in this rank. Throughout your career you will serve in the rank of ETO only.
To become Electro Technical officer on ship you have to do following course: