Sailors-Guide.com

Eligibility to be a Sailor

Educational qualification: The minimum eligibility for courses in Nautical science and Marine engineering is 10+2 or an equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and mathematics.

Candidates wishing to enter the navigational and engineering fields of Merchant Navy need to complete a Bachelors degree in Nautical Science or Marine engineering.

Direct entry to Merchant Navy is also possible - students who have completed their 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) are eligible to join as Deck Cadets and a student holding a bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Technology Engineering could also join the Merchant navy as a Engine Cadet/ Fifth Engineer/ Junior Engineer.

Health: Excellent health is expected for any seafarer and should be free from any ailments. He should also pass a medical fitness test for sea service under standard norms. Deck cadets are expected to be free from colour blindness and have a vision of 6/6. For engine cadets spectacles are allowed but the eyesight should not be weaker below a particular level as prescribed by the company. Along with this a new test to be passed is known as the Psychometric test which determines ones mental ability and psychology towards living the tough life on ship

Personal attributes: A career in the merchant navy requires people with strong inner self and tough physical form, along with a sporting, adaptive and adjustable attitude. Willing to take on responsibility, love for adventure and challenges; have the urge to strive for higher positions; be able to work as well as study for examinations in between. Candidates need to be intelligent, intuitive, willing to work as a team, flexible, patient; have a liking for solitude, willing to live apart from loves ones for long stretches of time. Those opting for this career may also feel sea sick at the beginning which gets alright later on.

Engineers need to be resourceful and practical have in-depth knowledge about the workings of the different machines after availing training. One should be willing to learn new ways and work with modern technology; and able to work in the deck department as well if need arises.