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The Merchant Navy is a critical component of the world trade chain, transporting commodities and goods across the seas of our planet. For those who opt for this profession, it has the additional advantage of adventure and travel, along with lucrative monetary compensation. In 2025, the merchant navy salary in India remains a powerful incentive for young recruits as well as seasoned professionals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the merchant navy salary in India 2025, breaking it down by rank, role, and associated responsibilities. We’ll also delve into various factors that influence the merchant navy salary per month, including experience, ship type, and certifications.

Why Choose the Merchant Navy?

Selecting the Merchant Navy as a career option is best suited for those who desire open seas, global exposure, and good pay. Unlike conventional 9-to-5 jobs, the Merchant Navy provides professionals with the opportunity to be paid in US dollars or foreign money and have long vacation periods after concluding contracts.

Above all, the merchant navy salary in India continues to be among the best-paying in the industry, particularly for those who become senior members of the rank.

Merchant Navy Salary Structure in India 2025

Monthly salaries in the Merchant Navy depend on rank, experience, type of vessel, and shipping company. Nevertheless, the total merchant navy salary for a month is impressive even at the junior level.

Here’s how the main ranks look, along with their approximate salaries in 2025:

1. Deck Cadet  

A Deck Cadet is the starting rank in the deck department. Cadets help senior officers and learn their tasks on board.  

Salary: ₹25,000 to ₹60,000 per month  

The salary for cadets in the merchant navy can go up after they complete their sea time and certifications.  

2. Third Officer  

After completing mandatory training and sea service, a cadet is promoted to Third Officer. This role involves handling safety equipment and managing navigation watches.  

Salary: ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per month  

At this level, the salary in the merchant navy in India becomes competitive with other international jobs.  

3. Second Officer  

The salary for a second officer in the merchant navy is higher because of more responsibilities. These include planning voyages, correcting charts, and navigation.  

Salary: ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,00,000 per month  

Reaching this rank is a significant point in one’s career. It offers opportunities for faster promotions and better salary packages.

4. Chief Officer

The Chief Officer is the second-in-command on a ship who is in charge of the cargo and deck crew.

Salary: ₹4,00,000 to ₹6,00,000

As having one of the most senior board positions, the merchant navy salary per month can be one of the highest pay grades.

5. Captain (Master)

The salary of a merchant navy captain can be the highest potential earnings in the market. The captain is the person with the highest authority on a vessel. They can take charge of everything on board, including the safety of the crew, cargo, and compliance.

How much does a merchant navy captain earn? 

Salary: ₹6,00,000 to ₹10,00,000+

With some merchant navy captains in India making more than ₹1 crore in a year, this mostly depends on the shipping company and what kind of vessel you work on.

Engineering Department: Salary & Roles

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In addition to the deck department, engineers are important to the ship in various operations. The engineering department’s salary is just as enticing.

  • Fourth Engineer: ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,80,000
  • Third Engineer: ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,50,000
  • Second Engineer: ₹3,50,000 to ₹5,00,000
  • Chief Engineer: ₹5,00,000 to ₹9,00,000 

In addition to the merchant navy captain’s salary, the Chief Engineer’s salary is so appealing to many because they have to manage and operate all machinery and propulsion on the ship.

Factors Affecting Merchant Navy Salary in India

A few factors decide the merchant navy salary per month in 2025:

  • Category of Vessel: Tankers for oil, LNG vessels, and container ships tend to pay more compared to bulk carriers or cargo ships.
  • Experience and Rank: With each promotion, there is a remarkable increment in salary.
  • Shipping Company: Multinational companies pay higher salaries compared to local companies.
  • Tax Advantages: Sailors who remain outside of Indian waters for more than 183 days receive NRI status and tax benefits on income.

The merchant navy remuneration in India is designed to balance both experience and expertise.

Benefits and Privileges Additional to Salary

In addition to the lucrative salary, Merchant Navy professionals have other advantages, like:

  • Free board and lodging on board
  • Global travel exposure
  • Payment for leave after contracts
  • Medical coverage
  • Exemption from tax (on condition of NRI status)

These factors all contribute to the increasing popularity of the merchant navy salary in India among students and working professionals.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a profession with travel, responsibility, and money, the Merchant Navy is a great choice. Whether you are looking to make a merchant navy second officer salary or are vaguely imagining the merchant navy captain salary, there is a structured and rewarding path to success in this industry.

In 2025, the merchant navy salary in India is still one of the highest salaries available across industries. With enough dedication, training, and experience, this is about much more money; it’s about a lifestyle like no other. 

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