Hi friends, today I am sharing Merchant Navy Salary Per Month my real life experience. If you had told me 6 years ago that one day I’d be sailing across oceans and earning lakhs per month, I would’ve laughed. I was just a small-town boy, unsure about his future. But today, as I sit on the bridge of a massive container ship, watching the sunset over the sea, I look back with pride.
Yes, I joined the Merchant Navy right after 12th with nothing but hope, a seafarer’s heart, and a dream to earn well and explore the world. And now after 5 years, life has changed completely — financially, mentally, and emotionally.
Merchant Navy Salary Per Month
Let me share my journey, my real Merchant Navy salary per month, and how the growth has been in these 5 years.
Year 1: Life as a Deck Cadet – Starting from Zero
I still remember my first day onboard. Everything felt massive — the ship, the responsibility, even the ocean. I was a deck cadet, which basically means the lowest rank on the ship’s navigation side.
- Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000/month (varies by company)
- Contract: 6 to 9 months onboard
I wasn’t earning much, but for a 19-year-old, living on the sea, visiting ports like Singapore, Dubai, and Rotterdam — it felt amazing. Plus, no rent, no food expenses — everything was provided.
My role? Assisting officers, keeping watch, cleaning, painting, learning navigation — all while staying alert 24/7.
Year 2: Clearing Exams & Becoming a Third Officer
After completing my sea time, I appeared for my Certificate of Competency (COC) exams. I studied hard, survived on instant noodles, and finally cleared it.
Now, I was a Third Officer — an officer rank!
- Salary: ₹1.5 to ₹2.2 lakhs/month
- Role: Safety officer, navigation watchkeeper, and more responsibility
Getting my first real officer salary was surreal. I sent my entire first salary to my parents — their smiles were priceless. My work hours were intense, but I was finally earning what I had dreamed of.
Year 3: Second Officer – The Work Got Tougher, So Did I
In my third year, I was promoted to Second Officer. I was now responsible for planning the ship’s entire route, charts, GPS systems, and communication.
- Salary: ₹2.5 to ₹3.5 lakhs/month
The money was good, but so was the pressure. I had to be accurate and alert. One mistake in navigation could cost millions.
That year, I bought my first bike. I also started saving and investing. My mindset shifted — I wasn’t just earning, I was building a future.
Year 4: First Officer – Living the Life I Once Dreamed Of
This year changed my life. I cleared another set of exams and was promoted to Chief Mate or First Officer.
- Salary: ₹4 to ₹5.5 lakhs/month
Now I was second in command after the Captain. I was handling cargo operations, crew management, paperwork, and overall discipline onboard.
I was still young, but my bank account finally had 7 digits. I traveled to Europe, ate in Paris, watched whales in Norway, and video-called my family from the Atlantic. I was living a life I had once only seen in travel vlogs
Year 5: Preparing for Captain – The Final Climb
Currently, I am studying and preparing to become a Captain. It’s the final step in my deck department career.
Even though I took a break for exams, many of my batchmates who cleared are now earning:
- Captain Salary: ₹6 to ₹10 lakhs/month (yes, per month!)
The responsibility is huge — you’re the master of the ship, legally and practically. But the rewards match the risk.
I’ll hopefully clear my exams soon and wear that fourth stripe on my shoulders — the ultimate dream of every seafarer.
Related Topic: Anesthesiologist Salary Per Month – My Real Journey from ₹80K to ₹4 Lakhs+
Salary Growth in 5 Years (Deck Side)
| Rank | Monthly Salary (INR) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Cadet | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 | Year 1 |
| Third Officer | ₹1.5L – ₹2.2L | Year 2 |
| Second Officer | ₹2.5L – ₹3.5L | Year 3 |
| Chief Mate | ₹4L – ₹5.5L | Year 4 |
| Captain | ₹6L – ₹10L (goal) | Year 5–6 |
Perks Beyond Salary
The Merchant Navy salary per month is great, but the lifestyle adds even more value:
- Tax-Free Income (if you stay at sea for 183+ days)
- Free Food & Accommodation
- Travel the World
- Short Working Contracts (4–9 months)
- High Savings Potential
No EMI, no rent, no daily bills. You earn, you save, you grow.
My Honest Thoughts
People think Merchant Navy is all about big money. Yes, it pays well. But it also demands discipline, long months away from home, tough weather, and mental strength. You miss weddings, festivals, even birthdays.
But every time I stand on deck, looking at the endless ocean, I know I chose a life that’s not ordinary. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
I helped build my house, funded my sister’s college fees, and brought pride to my parents—all before turning 25.
- To Anyone Dreaming of This Career
If you’re in 12th and wondering what to do, and you love adventure, discipline, and the sea, give the Merchant Navy a serious thought. The salary is only one part of the journey. The transformation it brings in you is priceless.
I’m still learning, still growing, but today, I can say it with pride — I’m a sailor, and the sea has given me more than I ever imagined.
eshtwsvsfgvtolmwntnwkegtztmijr