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Careers At Sea

Be equipped for life

No matter how fast the world changes, a career at sea will stand you in excellent stead. It starts with funded learning and specialist training, both at sea and on-shore. Along the way you'll work with cutting-edge technologies, developing a raft of practical and technical skills. And find yourself equipped with the confidence to lead a team, take charge and enjoy living life to the full. Because, with a career at sea, time off is measured in weeks and months — not days.

Sound good so far? Take a look at the opportunities and pathways to careers in the Merchant Navy. And find out where a job at sea could take you.

Start here...

Whether you see yourself as a Deck or Electro-technical Officer, an Engineer or part of a cruise ship crew, we'll show you the way. Merchant Navy training blends hands-on learning on board a shipping industry vessel, and university- or college-based study. With course fees and living costs covered by your sponsor.

At every step there's support to make the best of your talents. You'll come away with professional seafaring certificates, an educational qualification and technical skills — the start of a maritime career full of international travel and incredible journeys. Where will a career at sea take you?

Inspiring a new generation

Being part of 21st-century seafaring turns everyday work into extraordinary adventures. But don’t just take our word for it. Speak to one of our lively and inspirational ambassadors at your school or youth group by requesting a visit.

Where do you see yourself?

From prestigious cruise liners to high-tech bulk carriers - every ship is different. Along with the range of roles on board. You could be a Navigation (Deck) Officer or an Engine Room Rating, a member of a catering crew or an engineering team.

Time to find out more?

Worldwide travel. A close-knit team. Skills to last a lifetime. These are just some of the things that inspire people to embark on a career at sea. Read the stories to find out more about life and work in the Merchant Navy, at every level.

Deck Officer Cadet

Engineering Officer Cadet

Third Officer

Careers at sea are delighted to announce the following awards:, 'to sea or not to sea', careers at sea ambassadors, our careers at sea ambassadors were shortlisted for:, international association awards 2017, seatrade awards: investment in people.

This site was recreated with thanks to Trinity House Maritime Charity funding.

The Ultimate Guide To Join Merchant Navy

This page will provide you with all the information that you will need to join the merchant navy. We have tried to answer all the questions a person willing to join merchant navy will have. If you still have any specific question regarding joining this field, please send us a mail at [email protected].

• 1 What is Merchant Navy?
• 2 What Are Different Careers in Merchant Navy?
• 3 What Are Different Ranks In Merchant Navy?
• 4 What is Merchant Navy Uniform Like?
• 5 What Type of Ships Merchant Navy Professionals Work On?
• 6 What Is Lifestyle In Merchant Navy Like?
• 7 What Are The Requirements for Joining Merchant Navy?
• 8 What Are The Different Courses To Join Merchant Navy?
• 9 What Is the Fees Structure In Merchant Navy Course?
• 10 How Much Salary Does One Earn in Merchant Navy?
• 11 Deck Department Or Engine Department – What To Choose?
• 12 How To Join As Rating In Merchant Navy?
• 13 What Are the Duties Of A Marine Engineer?
• 14 What Are the Duties Of A Deck Officer?
• 15 What are the duties of different positions in the ship’s rating/crew members?
• a. Are merchant navy professionals allowed to go out on every port? Or what is shore leave?
• b. How does a ship’s engine room look like?
• c. Is it difficult to get a job in the merchant navy?
• d. How many people are there on a merchant navy ship?
• e. What are eligibility criteria for the merchant navy?
• f. Can you bring your wife or family on a ship in the merchant navy?
• g. Is merchant navy a good career option for girls?
• h. Can a person with spectacles join merchant navy?
• i. How can I join merchant navy after 10th and 12th?
• j. How can I join merchant navy as Electro Technical Officer?
• k. Are Tattoos allowed in merchant navy?
• l. How to get sponsorship in the merchant navy?
• m. What Are The Basic STCW Courses Required For Maritime professionals?
• n. What Are Future career prospects in the merchant navy?
• o. What options do I have if I want to study further after merchant navy?

What is Merchant Navy? 

Merchant navy is a specialized industry that is fully engaged in commercial activities involving the transportation of cargo and passengers through sea routes. Also termed as “Merchant Marine” in some countries, the field of the Merchant Navy is an important part of the global shipping sector and is an integral component of any nation’s economical development. As the majority of the world’s commercial activities are carried out through the sea routes, the field of merchant navy has far more prominence across the globe.

The term “merchant navy” means a fleet of commercial ships that are not used for military purposes. The ships and the crew of the merchant navy are a part of the country’s commercial shipping.

The professionals working on these commercial ships are called mariners or sailors or seafarers or seamen.

The modern shipping industry has come a long way from the olden days of ships with sails. The modern cargo ships are massive in size and are equipped with the latest and highly advanced technology systems. This invisible industry and its unsung heroes play a great role in the development and progress of the global economy.

The merchant navy is a global industry with several nationalities working together on different types of vessels. The industry offers excellent career opportunities both at sea and onshore.

8 Things To Know Before Joining Merchant Navy

8 Myths You Shouldn’t Have Before Joining Merchant Navy

What Are Different Careers in Merchant Navy?

Merchant Navy is a global industry that provides some of the best career opportunities on different types of ships (and on land as well). Unlike any other field, Merchant Navy offers jobs that not only require specialized knowledge and training but also require a great amount of mental and physical strength.

If you want to know what a career in the merchant navy is like, then read:

10 Reasons Career In Merchant Navy In Unlike Any Other

Merchant navy jobs mainly involve working on a variety of ships as officers, engineers, or ratings. These are the main three departments on almost all types of ships and they work in coordination to ensure a smooth running of the ship and its operations.

If you are looking forward to a career in the merchant navy, you will be required to choose from any of these three departments:

1. Deck Department

2. Engine Department

3. Crew Ratings

A course in any of the above departments will be the “stepping stone” to a successful career at sea.

Every country will have its own entrance exam for joining the merchant navy; for e.g. in India, it is the IMU CET Exam .

To join the engine department, you will need to take up a course in marine engineering, which is a 4-year degree course or a diploma course (as provided in your country). If you are a mechanical engineer, you can become a marine engineer after doing the necessary course and training (Graduate Mechanical Engineering or GME course).

You can also join a marine engineering course after doing one year of mechanical engineering or equivalent. (This facility will depend on the country you belong to)

On completion of marine engineering degree, you will join a ship as a Trainee/Fifth engineer and then move ahead in the ranking system as = the fourth engineer -> third engineer -> second engineer -> chief engineer.

To join the deck department , you will have to take up a course in BSc. in nautical science, which is basically a 3/4 years course. A course in nautical science will pave the road for becoming a deck officer on a ship.

On completion of the nautical science course, you will join a ship as a trainee/deck cadet and then move ahead in the ranking system as =  third officer/mate -> second officer/mate -> chief officer/mate ->> captain.

You can also join a ship as ETO (electro-technical officer) if you have a background of electrical or electronics. You will be required to take up pre-sea training followed by mandatory onboard training.

Apart from deck officers and marine engineers, a ship also requires a supporting staff that would assist the officers and carries out various other important tasks. Such job opportunities fall under ratings.

To join a ship as ratings, various job opportunities are:

In Engine Department 

In Deck Department

• Able Seaman (AB)
• Ordinary Seaman (OS)

You can also join the saloon department as

The number of positions/ranks available on a ship depends on the type of the ship, the size of the ship, and company policy.

What Are Different Ranks In Merchant Navy?

As mentioned earlier, there are three main departments onboard ships:

• Deck department

Engine department

Professionals from each of these departments are classed into a hierarchy system.

For the Deck department, a general overview of the ranking system is:

• Chief officer/ mate
• 2nd officer/mate
• 3rd officer/mate

Apart from officers, each depart also has ratings (also called deck ratings). Their ranking is as below:

• Bosun (head of the rating staff)
• Welder/Fitter (this rank renders his services to both the deck and engine department)
• Able-Bodied Seaman (AB)

For the Engine department, a general overview of the ranking system is:

• Chief / First engineer
• 2nd engineer / First assistant engineer
• 3rd engineer / Second assistant engineer
• 4th engineer / Thirst assistant engineer
• 5th engineer / Engine Cadet
• Electrical officer (ETO)

Just like the deck department, the engine department also has ratings. Their ranking is as below:

• Trainee Fitter / Trainee Wiper

Saloon department:

• Trainee cook

Note : Though Captain comes at the top of the ranking system of the deck department, technically, the Ship Captain is above everyone on board.

A detailed explanation of merchant navy ranks can be found here.

What is merchant navy uniform like? Do they have to wear the uniform all the time? 

Merchant navy officers mainly wear a white shirt and black trousers, along with epaulettes according to the rank on the ship. The uniform is accompanied by black formal shoes and a pullover or sweatshirt during cold climate conditions. The cap (P-cap) is a black hood with a white top having an anchor symbol.

However, while working on ships, the crew usually wears a boiler suit along with personal protective equipment (PPE). The personal protective equipment will change according to the type of ship and the kind of work that is to be performed.

Officers are supposed to wear the uniform when on the ship’s bridge, mess room or as asked by the ship’s captain.

Needless to say, the merchant navy uniform is of great importance and pride and maritime professionals are required to keep the uniform up-to-date and clean at all times.

You can read a detailed explanation of merchant navy uniform here. 

What Type of Ships Merchant Navy Professionals Work On?

Merchant navy professionals mainly work on cargo ships or commercial vessels. Some of the main types of ships they work on are:

• Container ships
• Bulk carriers / Bulkers
• Tanker ships
• Passenger ships/cruise ships
• Ro-R0 ships (Roll-On Roll-Off vessels)
• Offshore vessels

Do note that there are different types of each of the ships mentioned above.

The type of work, schedule, and life on board will vary according to the kind of ship one sails on.

Check out these 42 websites for finding merchant navy jobs

What Is Lifestyle In Merchant Navy Like?

Considering the nature of work, maritime professionals have a lifestyle that is quite different from those of landlubbers.

This is not the usual 9-to-5 kind of job. As a maritime professional, you would be usually working in 4-hours shifts, twice a day, in addition to extra hours.

Maritime professionals usually have a contract with a shipping company. The contract period can last from 4 – 9 months depending on the rank and type of ship.

After you sign a contract with a shipping company, you will be asked to board the ship from a convenient port on the ship’s sailing route. Most of the time you will take a flight (all expenses are borne by the shipping company) to the concerned port to board the vessel. While signing off as well, most of the time, you will be taking a flight back to your home country from the sign-off port.

Some of the main aspects of a merchant navy professional are:

• Travel the world – Though a lot of restrictions are there as far as shore leaves are concerned, the fact remains that maritime professionals do get a chance to see the world, no matter to what extent and way it would be
• Major savings of income – Most of the time, the income seafarers earn is tax-free. Also, as food, accommodation, and transfers are taken care of by the companies, seafarers can save a lot of their hard-earned money
• Adventurous life – As mentioned earlier, this job is not like any other out there in the world. No doubt it is tough, but at the same time, it is highly challenging and adventurous. There is a lot to learn at sea, both professionally and personally.

Having said that, there are also certain other things you should know about life at sea:

• Limited Social Life – As maritime professionals work onboard ships at sea, they have to stay away from their families for an extended period of time. Though the internet and connectivity have made communication much easier and frequent, the distance from loved ones often takes a toll on seafarers. Working among a limited number of people and in a confined environment means limited social life.
• Harsh Working Conditions – Working at sea in a hostile environment is not only difficult but dangerous as well. You are expected to work during rough weather conditions, extreme weather and temperature, around heavy machinery and toxic substances. Most of the jobs need to be done manually. During an emergency, one would be required to work for long hours with less or sleep. Also, there are other hazards such as piracy, war-torn countries etc.
• Regular examinations and upgrades – After completing the required sea time, maritime professionals have to give examinations at regular intervals of time to attain promotion and move ahead in their careers. They are also required to do several upgrades and supplementary courses as required by the company and the type of ship are they work on.

These are some of the main factors you should consider before joining the merchant navy.

What Are The Requirements for Joining Merchant Navy?

Not everyone can join the merchant navy. You need to have the minimum qualifications required for a particular job onboard ship. You also need to be physically fit and fulfil the basic medical requirements to join the merchant navy. However, do note that the requirements will differ according to the country you belong to.

For e.g. in India, in order to become an officer in the deck or engine department, you will need Physicals, Chemistry, Maths (PCM) as your main subjects. You will also be required to have the English language as a separate subject.

Some important points:

• Merchant navy is a physically and mentally challenging job. Make sure you are prepared for it. Try to do as much research as possible about life at sea. Try asking people who are sailing and have a good amount of experience. You can go through several articles in our life at sea category or ask questions at the forums
• Don’t join just for the money. No doubt the merchant navy is famous for offering the best salaries but that is because of the nature of the job. Don’t fall for the money trap. Join only if you are genuinely interested in learning and ready to work with your bare hands. This is not a desk job and it might require you to “get dirty” from time to time. If you think this is not something you can do for a long time, then rethink your decision
• Be ready to struggle in the start. The number of jobs available for fresh maritime graduates is limited. Be ready to take up whatever opportunity you get at the start and complete your training period. Don’t fall for fake promises of agents.

For more about the requirements for joining each department on ships, scroll down to the “frequently asked question” section.

How to identify fake maritime agents and institutes?

How to do marine engineering after doing mechanical engineering 

What Are The Different Courses To Join Merchant Navy?

One can join merchant navy by taking up courses by –

• Becoming a marine engineer by pursuing a degree course in marine engineering

You can opt for a marine engineering degree or diploma course from one of the DG shipping approved colleges in India (Check the official website of your country for necessary details).

You can also do B.Tech./B.E in marine engineering after doing mechanical engineering or equivalent. (Check FAQ section below for more details)

2. Become a deck officer by pursuing a degree in Nautical science

You can become a deck officer either by doing DNS (Diploma in nautical science) or by doing BSc. in Nautical science from DG shipping approved college (Check the official website of your country for necessary details).

3. Join as GP rating or Saloon rating

You can join a pre-sea GP rating course after the 10th or 12th (In India) in order to join as a rating. This is a one year course followed by mandatory training on ships.

What Is the Fees Structure In Merchant Navy Course?

The fees would depend on the course you are planning to take, the college and the country where you plan to take it in. No matter what maritime training institute you choose it is important to note that that college is recognised by the government of that country (e.g. in India, it needs to be recognised by the DG shipping of India and the IMU or Indian Maritime University).

The fees of government maritime colleges will differ from that of private colleges and therefore it is important to go through the website of each individual college.

According to the DG shipping website/IMU of India, the course fees of maritime courses for governmental institutes are as followed:

• 4 year BE/B.Tech Marine Engineering course – Approx. INR 225,000 / year ; i.e. INR 10,00,000 for 4 years course
• 3 year BSc. Nautical Science course                   –  Approx. INR 225,000 / year ; i.e. INR 600,000 for 3 years course
• 1 year Diploma in Nautical Science                    –  Approx. INR 225,000 – 300,000  / year
• 1 year Graduate Mechanical Eng. GME Course  – Approx  INR 200,000 / year
• 6 months GP Rating / Saloon course                   – Approx INR 150,000
• ETO course                                                               –  Approx INR 150,000 – 300,000

However, the fees of private colleges vary greatly as there are no guidelines on the same.

The range of fees for different maritime courses in private colleges ranges in:

• 4 year BE/B.Tech Marine Engineering course – Approx. INR 17,00,000 – 20,00,000 (Total)
• 3 year BSc. Nautical Science course                   –  Approx. INR 14,00,000 – 17,00,000  (Total)
• 1 year Diploma in Nautical Science                    –  Approx. INR 400,000- 600,000  / year
• 1 year Graduate Mechanical Eng. GME Course  – Approx  INR 300,000 – 500,000 / year
• 6 months GP Rating/ Saloon Rating course        – Approx INR 200,000 – 300,000
• ETO course                                                                – Approx INR 300,000 – 500,000

Please do note that the information provided above is just for educational purposes. The fees may vary according to a lot of factors and it is prudent to make a thorough enquiry from the institute you plan to join, along with seeking information about placement history.

How Much Salary Does One Earn in Merchant Navy?

There is no one answer to how much a maritime professional will earn as it depends on several factors such as nationality, company, type of vessel, rank, qualification, experience etc.

The merchant navy is famous for offering attractive salaries to professionals, however, a lot differs from country to country and company to company.

However, to give a general overview of how much on average a seafarer earns, we will consider the average salaries of Indian seafarers across various departments and ranks.

Below is a very general range of salaries in USD ($):

Junior engineer or deck cadet –  350- 1000 USD

4th Engineer / 3rd officer – 2400 – 4200 USD

3rd Engineer/ 2nd officer – 4000-5000 USD

2nd Engineer/Chief officer – 5500-11000 USD

Chief engineer/ Captain – 8000 – 15000 USD

Electrical Officer – 2500 – 4000 USD

Pumpman – 1000-2400 USD

Bosun – 1350 – 1800 USD

Ordinary Seaman – 800-1100 USD

Able Seamn – 1000-1400 USD

Fitter – 1000 – 1500 USD

Oiler – 800 – 1300 USD

Engine Rating/ Wiper – 600-1000 USD

Chief Cook – 1400-2500 USD

Steward – 600-1500 USD

Note: This is just a rough estimate of the salaries that are earned in the merchant navy. The salaries would change according to the company, the type of ship, seniority, loyalty, experience, skills etc.

How much does an Indian seafarer earn?

Deck Department Or Engine Department – What To Choose?

A common confusion among students wanting to join the merchant navy is to choose between the deck department and the engine department. Technically, it is a very subjective thing as a lot depends on the liking of an individual.

Difference between nautical science and marine engineering

As an engineer on board, be ready to do a lot of work using your hands, no matter what rank you are. Don’t be hesitant to “get dirty” and use a lot of physical strength. Unlike engineers in other fields who always have people to assign jobs to, marine engineers on board have to perform a lot of jobs on their own, many times without any assistance, as the manpower on board is limited. Maritime professionals belonging to the engine department are responsible for maintaining and operating machinery on ships, both in the engine room and on deck. Engine personnel will be in “boiler suit” most of the time.

As a deck officer, one will be responsible for navigation, cargo operations and other deck jobs on ships. As the main jobs of a deck officer will be navigating the ship and handling cargo operations, be ready for long hours of work both at sea and onshore (Someone joining the engine department should also be ready for the same). A deck officer will be in uniform most of the time.

However, needless to say, both deck and engine departments need to work as a team for the safe and smooth operation of the ship.

Read here to read a more detailed article on choosing between deck department and engine department.

10 Common Questions Aspiring Merchant Navy Professionals Ask

What is the difference between the merchant navy and defence navy

How To Join As Rating In Merchant Navy?

In case you want to join the merchant navy as a rating, then you can do so by joining as a GP (general purpose) rating or Saloon rating.

The requirements to join as a rating is pretty basic. For e.g. in India, you can join after the 10th or 12th, provided you pass the medical examination.

You are required to do a GP rating course in order to be eligible to join any foreign going vessel.

After joining a GP rating course, you will have to sail on a foreign going vessel for minimum of 36 months to become eligible to apply for a watch-keeping certificate, after which, you can join a ship as a third officer.

After doing a GP rating course, you will join a ship as a trainee in the deck or engine department.

If you belong to the deck department, you will be responsible for deck maintenance jobs such as chipping, painting,  etc. You will also be required to assist in watchkeeping along with the duty navigation officer.

If you belong to the engine department, you will mainly assist the duty engineer office in watchkeeping and maintenance jobs or work during daytime in unmanned ships or as asked by the chief engineer/2nd engineer.

So technically in the start, you will join as an ordinary seaman. After nine months (or depending on the company), you will be promoted as Able Seaman, whose main job is to manage OS.

Most of the companies have a 9-month contract for ratings and it can take about 6-7 years to become an officer.

What Are the Duties Of A Marine Engineer?

If you join a ship as an engineer, your job will mainly deal with the operation and maintenance of various machinery systems on board. The jobs will differ according to the rank but it will involve taking care of some form of machinery, either in the engine room or on the deck. Each engineer is designated with one or more machinery systems and is responsible for the overall working and maintenance of them. However, all engineers and crew of the engine department work as one solid team to keep the ship and cargo operations running at all times.

The duties and responsibilities in the engine room are distributed according to rank and experience. The main ranks and their common duties are:

• Chief Engineer – He is the head of the ship’s engine department. Being the overall in charge of the engine room, the chief engineer decides and allocates jobs to the 2nd engineer, who further distributes them among the lower ranks. He is at par with the rank of Captain but technically comes under him according to the ship’s hierarchy system.
• 2nd Engineer  – The second engineer delegates duties to other engineers and crew. He is the one responsible for allocating daily jobs and monitoring the work performance of everyone in the engine room department. Everyone reports to the 2nd engineer and he is responsible for addressing their concerns and complaints. The second engineer is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the main engine, boilers and steam system, steering gear, ship safety systems and equipment, deck crane, lifeboat and lifeboat engine etc. The second engineer usually has the knowledge and skills equivalent to that of the Chief Engineer and is capable of handling any situations without him. Apart from being in a managerial position, the second engineer is also a watch-keeper.
• 3rd Engineer – The 3rd engineer is mainly responsible for auxiliary engines, pumps, freshwater generators, air conditioning and refrigeration system etc. He/she is also a watch-keeping engineer.
• 4th Engineer – He/she is responsible for fuel and lube oil purifiers, air compressors, bunkering operations, etc. He is also a watchkeeping engineer.
• TME (Trainee marine engineer) or 5th engineer – As the name suggests, he/she is not a licensed watch-keeping engineer and is on board as a trainee. His/her main job is to learn as much as possible from everyone in the engine room. Usually, the fifth engineer is required to assist 2nd engineer at all times, however, he/she can be asked to assist anyone in the engine room. The fifth engineer is the “jack of all trades” and sometimes know more about the engine room than any other rank.

The above-mentioned description and duties are for educational purposes only. Do note that the duties and machinery assigned to each rank can vary according to the type of the ship, experience and knowledge of the person, company policy, decision of the 2nd/chief engineer etc.

What Are the Duties Of A Deck Officer?

If you are planning to join a ship as a deck officer, then you will be responsible for ship navigation, deck operations, and cargo operations. Just like in the engine department, the job distribution in the deck department also depends on the rank of the personnel.

The duties and responsibilities of each rank in the deck department are:

• The Captain (Master) – The captain is the final authority and the head of the ship. He/she holds command of the ship and oversees all operations. The total responsibility of the ship, cargo and the crew is on his/her shoulders. The decisions made by the captain are final and are to be obeyed by everyone on the ship. The captain keeps an eye on all operations on a ship and ensures all crew members are carrying out their duties responsibly. In case the captain is not present on the ship, the Chief Officer is assumed to be in charge of the ship.
• Chief Officer – The chief officer is the one responsible for assigning duties and jobs (as directed by the captain)  to other ranks in the deck department. He /she overlooks all deck operations and supervises the crew in a smooth and efficient workflow. He/she also takes care of cargo operations when the ship is at the port and ensures the overall safety of the ship and its crew.
• Second Officer – The second officer is a watchkeeping officer responsible for navigational charts and publications onboard. He/ she is also assigned the responsibility of the ship’s medical officer and services related to the same. He keeps watches both at sea and at the port.
• Third officer – The third officer is responsible for upkeep and maintenance of all firefighting appliances (FFA) and life-saving appliances (LSA) on a ship. As a watchkeeping officer and safety officer of the ship, the third officer keeps watches, both at sea and at a port. He/she is also responsible for all port documents required by the master and managing of the bond store.
• Deck Cadet – Deck cadet is not a licensed professional on board. He/she is a trainee who is there on the ship to learn as much as possible. Usually, the deck cadet has to assist the chief officer at all times, however, the chief can assign him/her according to the situation. The cadet can be asked to perform jobs such as taking sounding, painting, ballasting/de-ballasting, cargo watches, navigational watch, paperwork, maintenance jobs etc. Technically, the deck cadet is the “jack of all trades” and sometimes know more about the ship than the rest of the crew members.

The above-mentioned description and duties are for educational purposes only. Do note that the duties and responsibilities assigned to each rank can vary according to the type of the ship, experience and knowledge of the person, company policy, decision of the chief officer/captain.

What are the duties of different positions in the ship’s rating/crew members?

Both deck and engine departments are comprised of important crew members who work along with the officers to ensure smooth and efficient sailing. They are a vital part of the team and their contribution is highly important.

Let’s take a look briefly at the duties and responsibilities of each of these:

Bosun – Bosun is the head of the deck crew and performs various deck operations/jobs along with the rest of the crew and as directed by the chief officer. He is also the spokesperson of the crew department and is responsible for supervising the crew and bringing their concerns and complaints to the chief officer.

Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) – Able-bodied seaman performs deck jobs such as chipping, painting, cleaning etc. He also assists the duty officer in ship navigation watch. Able-bodied seaman, after gaining the necessary experience, becomes Bosun.

Ordinary Seaman (OS) – The ordinary seaman assists the AB and Bosun in deck jobs such as chipping, painting, cleaning etc. He cannot keep a watch with the watch-keeping officer on the bridge as he doesn’t have a watch-keeping certificate. With proper experience and after gaining a watch-keeping certificate, he/she become AB.

Motorman – The motorman assists the duty officer is watch-keeping by taking readings of various machinery and systems and keep a contact watch on them. He also assists the engineering officer during maintenance and overhauling jobs.

Oiler – The oiler works in the engine room with the engine officers and helps in overhauling and maintenance of machinery. He also helps in cleaning, painting, etc. and as directed by the 2nd officer. An oiler goes ahead to become a motorman.

Fitter – Fitter, as the name suggests, is someone who is an expert in welding, gas cutting, grinding, operating lathe machines etc. He/she assists the 2nd engineer in the engine room and performs tasks assigned by the latter. Depending on the job requirement, he/she might be sometimes called by the deck department to carry out certain tasks. Fitter is an important rank on board ships.

Wiper – Wiper helps the engine room crew during maintenance jobs and as directed by the second engineer. He/she also keeps the engine room cook and assist during overhauling jobs. With experience, a wiper becomes an oiler.

Chief Cook –  Chief is a man/woman of great importance as he/she prepares food for all the people on board.  The chief cook also assists the master in planning and ordering provisions on a ship. Depending on the size of the ship and the number of crew members, the chief cook will have an assistant cook to help in duties. The job of a chief cook is a tough one as he/she has to ensure that crew members from different nationalities are liking the food prepared on board.

Steward –  Steward mainly helps the chief cook for preparing and cooking food for the people on board. He/she is also responsible for cleaning the mess and the accommodation area. He/she also cleans officer cabins, washes linen, dishes etc. He/she serves food to the officers and is always present in the officer’s mess during meal hours. Steward gains experience and progresses to become the chief cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) are merchant navy professionals allowed to go out on every port or what is shore leave .

It depends on several factors. As a maritime professional, you will surely be travelling to a lot of new countries around the world. However, if you will be allowed to go on shore by granting “shore leave” will depend on factors such as the type of ship, the country you are visiting, the ship’s captain/chief engineer etc.

Because of technological advancements, the amount of time a ship stays at the port has reduced greatly, and therefore the chances of getting a decent shore leave.

For e.g. most of the container ships usually stay at ports for max 6-10 hours, leaving no time for the crew to go out whereas the bulker ships will stay at a port for 2-4 days so there is some time to go out.

Crude oil or chemical tanker might go to a port depending on the route and schedule. However, the time they stay onshore is also very limited.

A Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) might not even come to port because of their huge size, and therefore won’t even get a chance to go out for shore-leave in your full contract.

Though most of the ports around the world are welcoming for seafarers, several countries have become a bit cautious in giving shore leave because of threats from terrorism.

Thus, as a merchant navy professional, you will surely have a chance to go out onshore, but do understand that a lot has changed because of the increase in competition, rising costs and security concerns around the world.

Q) How does a ship’s engine room look like? 

A ship is like a floating city with several machinery systems supporting it. These machinery and systems are located in the ship’s engine room, which is located on the lowermost decks. The engine room is a complex place with a matrix of pipelines and systems located on every level with the main engine sitting in the centre. The engine room also has a control room from where all systems are monitored and controlled.

Q) Is it difficult to get a job in the merchant navy? 

Just like any other industry, the maritime industry also has its own share of ups and downs. It might be a bit difficult to get a job during the early phase of one’s career because of the rising competition, thanks to the dozens of new maritime institutes that have come up in the last few years, producing more maritime professionals than required. This huge gap between supply and demand has been the main reason for fresh maritime professionals to get a job.

Having said that, if you are good in your academics and display the necessary skills, landing a job with a decent shipping company won’t be that difficult. Always try and grab whatever opportunity you get at the start of your career, but never fall into the trap of fraudulent agents who would promise you jobs in return for the hefty sum of money.

Note: This answer is by no means an attempt to demotivate students who want to pursue a career in the merchant navy. There is always a demand for qualified maritime professionals around the world. The opportunities a career in the merchant navy offers are unlike any other. 

Q) How many people are there on a merchant navy ship?

The number of people on a merchant navy ship mainly depends on the type, size and category. The crew is divided mainly into two groups – operational and safety.

The operational crew is required to carry out normal operations of a ship.

The safety crew is necessary to meet the manning requirements for a ship’s muster list.

Normally, a general cargo ship will consist of:

Deck Department

2nd Officer

3rd Officer

Chief engineer

2nd engineer

3rd engineer

4th engineer

5th engineer/ engine cadet

Electrical Officer

Trainee Electrical Officer

Ordinary seaman (OS)

Able seaman

Generally, there are 18-24 crew members on a ship. Sometimes there will be more than one crew member of the same rank depending on the size and requirement of the ship.

Today, most shipping companies are cutting down the size of the crew in order to reduce operating costs. So there are chances that you might not see some of the lower ranks on a few vessels.

The number of crew members totally depends on any particular type of ship totally depends on the company.

Q) What are eligibility criteria for the merchant navy?

The eligibility criteria vary according to the course you want to join and the country you belong to.

For students in India who want to join the merchant navy, the eligibility criteria are as follows:

Note: If you want to join as an officer, you will be requiring a minimum PCM average (Physics, Chemistry, and Maths) of 60%.

You will also require to have English as a separate language no matter what course you join.

The medical requirements needed to join any of the courses are mentioned in MS Medical examination rules 2000, which can be found on the DG Shipping website.

For joining deck department:

• DNS – Diploma in Nautical Science

Duration of the course – 1 Year

You will need to have passed 12th with an average PCM score of 60% and 50% in the English language.

After the 1st year course at the academy, there will be 18 months of training on ships.

On completion of the sea-time, one can give the 2nd mate examination – certificate of competency. (This will also require 4 months preparatory course and other modular courses)

On clearing the examination, the candidate usually boards the ship as a 3rd officer and is then promoted to 2nd on basis of performance.

2. BSc in Nautical Science

a. You can do BSc in Nautical Science after completion of DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) affiliated to Indian maritime university

b. You can do BSc in Nautical Science if you have BSc in either Physics, chemistry, mathematics or electronics.

c. If you have a BE/BTech degree from a college recognized by AICTE

3. 3 year – BSc Nautical Science

You will need an average PCM in (10+2) of 60% with a 50% minimum in the English language.

After completing the 3-year degree course, 12 months of onboard training and modular courses, one can appear for second mate exams.

4. 4 year BS in Nautical Technology

There is also a four-year course in nautical technology for those interested. This also requires a minimum PCM average of 60% and 50% minimum in the English language

For Joining Engine Department

•  4 Year Marine Engineering

The course duration is of 4 years with a minimum PCM average required 60% with 50% in the English language.

If a candidate has done 1st of degree engineering course of mechanical or electrical engineering from an AICTE approved college, he/she can directly join 2nd year of the marine engineering course with a minimum of 60% average marks.

Those who have passed 3 years diploma course in electrical, mechanical, marine, or electrical and electronics, from an AICTE (or any government) approved college with 55% average marks can also join the 2nd year of the marine engineering course.

Candidates who have passed 4 years diploma in shipbuilding engineering from AICTE approved college can also join the 2nd year of marine engineering course with a minimum of 55% average marks.

2.  Graduate Marine Engineering Course (GME)

This is a 1-year duration course for engineering graduates with a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering/ naval architecture

A minimum average of 50% in PCM is required along with 50% in the English Language.

3. 2 years marine engineering for diploma holders

This course is for diploma holders from mechanical, marine, naval architecture, electrical, electrical and electronics.

For Joining As Electro-Technical Officer

The pre-sea certification course for an electrotechnical officer if of 17 weeks followed by mandatory onboard training of 6 months.

You can join the course if:

• You have passed 10+2 with physics, chemistry, maths, and English (minimum 50%)
• Passed 3 years diploma with 60% marks
• Passed 4 years degree in either electrical, electronics, electrical and electronics, electronics and telecommunication, electronics and instrumentation or equivalent

Q) Can you bring your wife or family on a ship in the merchant navy?

It depends on the company. Generally, most of the companies allow only the top four ranks ( 2nd engineer, chief officer, chief engineer and captain) to bring wife/family onboard, i.e. on the company expenses. However, if are of a lower rank and wish to take your wife/family along with you, you can do so at your own expense. You can ask your shipping company about its policy regarding the same.

It is also to note that the number of people allowed on board ships also depends on the number of lifeboats and their capacities. This means that there might be a restriction to bring the family of all four ranks simultaneously onboard the ship. The captain will inform the same company and then a decision will be taken mutually.

The decision to bring a wife on board also depends a lot on the captain. He/she assesses the situation, the route (most of the companies do not allow family on board if the ship’s route includes piracy areas), etc. Depending on that he/she will make a decision.

You will not be able to take your girlfriend along with you as there is no legal proof of your relationship.

Q) Is merchant navy a good career option for girls?

The merchant navy is traditionally viewed as a male-dominated industry. However, a lot has changed in the last decade with many female students not only joining the industry but also reaching greater heights and having successful careers.

Technically, there is no distinction between genders while enrolling for any merchant navy course provided you meet the educational and medical standards required by the course.

However, do keep in mind that a career at sea is a highly challenging job both physically and mentally and you must be prepared for the same.

We highly encourage female students to join the merchant navy and explore the different opportunities provided by the industry.

Q) Can a person with spectacles join the merchant navy?

Yes, you can join the merchant navy with spectacles but then there are some limitations (which will depend on the country you reside in).

For e.g., in India,  you cannot join the merchant navy if you have colour blindness.

For deck department personnel –  Distance form vision (unaided 1.0 *(6/6) in better eye and 0.67*(6/9)  in another eye

For engine department personnel – Distance form vision (unaided 0.5 *(6/12) in each eye or 0.67*(6/9)  in better eye and 0.33 *(6/18) in other eye

For saloon and GP rating (Not assisting in navigation) –  Distance from vision (unaided 0.33 *(6/18) in each eye or 0.5*(6/12)     in better eye and 0.25*(6/24) in another eye

For radio officer/ ETO – Distance form vision (unaided 0.5 *(6/12) in each eye or 0.67*(6/9)  in better eye and 0.33*(6/18) in other eye

Many students go for LASIK eye surgery to correct their vision; which is accepted for joining a ship.

Q) How can I join the merchant navy after the 10th and 12th?

The requirements to join the merchant navy will vary from country to country.

For e.g. in India, if you want to join a ship as an officer ( i.e. you want to pursue nautical science or marine engineering) then you must have a PCM score i.e. physics, chemistry and maths. Therefore you will have to do the 12th.

However, if you are planning to join the merchant navy after the 10th, then you have the following options to join as Rating on the ship:

6 months pre-sea course for General Purpose Rating

6 months pre-sea course for Saloon Rating

6 Month Pre-Sea Course for General Purpose Rating for Fitters/Petty Officers.

Do note that each of these above courses will also have its own basic requirements in order to qualify.

Q) How can I join the merchant navy as Electro-Technical Officer?

As an electro-technical officer onboard ships, you need to have a thorough knowledge of electrical circuits and systems onboard ships. This job is suitable for those with electrical or electronics background and who want to join the merchant navy.

The requirements might vary from country to country. For e.g. in India, those with a diploma or degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, electronics and telecommunication, or electronics and instrumentation engineering etc. are eligible to take up ETO courses from institutes approved by the Directorate General Of Shipping.

The Electro-Technical Officer course is a four-month Pre-sea course, completing which, you can join a ship as a trainee ETO officer. According to company policy, one can then join as an assistant Electro-technical officer and then get promoted to senior ETO after gaining sufficient experience.

Do note that, as an electro-technical officer on ships you cannot become a chief engineer or captain.

Q) Are Tattoos allowed in the merchant navy?

Technically, there is no rule in the merchant navy against tattoos. In fact, historically nautical tattoos have been a cultural thing among sailors since the start of sailing. Even today, you will find several seafarers flaunting tattoos without any problem.

However, sometimes it might not be perceived in the right way especially during placement or academic interviews. Though no one is going to deny you a job or admission for having a tattoo, it is recommended to get in such places that can be easily hidden when required.

Q) How to get sponsorship in the merchant navy?

Yes, there are always shipping companies that offer sponsorship to interested students. Sponsorship can be for courses such as Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) or Graduate Marine Engineering (GME).

Sponsorship would mean that a shipping company would pay for your course and assure you of the training and job in return for signing a contract.

Some companies also conduct GME courses of their own and would guarantee you a job placement if you take up the course at their institute.

After the pre-sea training, you will be required to join their ship and complete the necessary sea time in order to appear for the competitive exams.

Q) What Are The Basic STCW Courses Required For Maritime professionals?

STCW stands for Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping. This training program is one of the basic requirements needed to begin a career aboard a ship. The basic STCW training course consists of 5 modules:

• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• Proficiency in Security Awareness

Out of the above STCW courses, except Proficiency in Security Awareness, the rest all have an expiry date of 5 years, i.e. candidates need to do a refresher course. Proficiency in Security Awareness certificate has lifetime validity.

Once a candidate completes the five basic courses, he/she may go for other types of “ship specific” technical courses like:

• Passenger Ship Familiarization course (for joining passenger or RORO ships)
• Oil tanker familiarisation course (OTFC)
• Gas Tanker Familiarization Course (GTFC)
• Chemical Tanker Familiarization Course (CTFC)

After doing all the relevant safety courses for ships carrying dangerous cargo, the candidate needs to apply for the endorsement of the certificate at a particular country’s marine regulatory department (for India- MMD); post that, a level 1 Dangerous Cargo (DC) endorsement will be issued, which is valid for five years.

Q) What Are Future career prospects in the merchant navy?

Future career prospects in the merchant navy will depend on what department you belong to i.e. – deck, engine or rating.

Maritime professionals with a degree (BSc in Nautical Science or B.Tech/BE in Marine Engineering) can opt for further studies by doing masters in their desired subject.

If you have certain years of experience, you can do a master in business administration (MBA).

You can also choose to pursue maritime law and naval architecture if that interests you.

One can also become a surveyor or shipbroker.

Many maritime professionals after working at sea for certain years decide to settle onshore by positions offered by shipping companies.

Certain seafarers have also become successful entrepreneurs in different fields.

Q) What options do I have if I want to study further after merchant navy?

There are a variety of options in case you want to study further.

You can do courses to explore areas such as maritime law, ship brokering and chartering, maritime surveyor, maritime instructor etc.

If you have gathered a good amount of experience at a managerial level, you can pursue a degree in masters in business administration (MBA) or MSc in shipping, logistics and finance.

You can also pursue courses in ship design and naval architecture.

You may also like to read –  How To Become a Cruise Ship Captain: Qualification, Lifestyle & Responsibilities

Disclaimer:  The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

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Salary of a Merchant Navy Captain: A Comprehensive Analysis

The salary of a merchant navy captain is a subject of much intrigue and speculation among those interested in maritime careers. Commanding a vessel is a position of great responsibility and prestige, which is reflected in the compensation these professionals receive. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of merchant navy captain salaries, drawing on recent data and trends to give an accurate and comprehensive picture.

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Introduction.

The merchant navy plays a crucial role in international trade, transporting goods and commodities across the world’s oceans. At the helm of these vessels are the captains, whose expertise and decision-making skills are vital for the safe and efficient operation of the ship. The salary of a merchant navy captain reflects the significant responsibilities that come with the role, including overseeing the vessel’s crew, cargo, and navigation.

Factors Influencing Captain Salaries in the Merchant Navy

Experience and seniority.

• Data Point : According to industry reports, a captain with over 20 years of experience can earn up to 50% more than one with 5 to 10 years of experience. For instance, an experienced captain might earn upwards of $150,000 annually, compared to $100,000 for their less experienced counterpart.

Type of Vessel

• Data Point : Salaries vary significantly with the type of vessel. Captains of LNG carriers and oil tankers are among the highest earners, with annual salaries ranging from $120,000 to $200,000, reflecting the specialized skills and higher risk levels. In contrast, container ship captains might earn between $70,000 and $130,000.

Geographic Location

• Comparison : Captains working in the United States and Northern Europe often have higher salaries due to stringent regulatory environments and higher operational costs. For example, a captain in the US might earn between $110,000 and $220,000, while in Southeast Asia, the range might be $70,000 to $140,000.

Shipping Company

• Industry Trend : Major shipping corporations with a global presence tend to offer salaries on the higher end of the spectrum to attract the best talent. Reports indicate a variance of up to 30% in captain salaries between top-tier companies and smaller, regional operators.

Market Demand and Economic Trends

• Global Trade Impact : A surge in global trade volumes typically leads to increased demand for shipping, pushing up captain salaries. Following a 10% increase in global trade volumes, a corresponding increase of approximately 5-8% in captain salaries was observed, showcasing the direct impact of market demand on compensation.

Salary of a Merchant Navy Captain: Average Range

The average salary for a merchant navy captain in the United States is reported to be around $34,963 annually , with significant variations based on experience, vessel type, and company. However, in forums and discussions among maritime professionals, figures can range significantly higher, with some claims of salaries up to $65000 per month for captains with extensive experience and in certain segments of the industry, such as oil tankers or luxury cruise ships.

Base Salary

• Data Point : The base salary constitutes the majority of a captain’s income, varying widely based on experience, vessel type, and company. For instance, on average, a captain’s base salary ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. In more specialized sectors, such as LNG transportation, this figure can exceed $200,000.

Bonuses and Incentives

• Performance Bonuses : Many shipping companies offer bonuses tied to the performance of the vessel and its crew, efficiency in fuel usage, and successful completion of voyages without incidents. These bonuses can add an additional 10% to 20% to the base salary.
• Hazard Pay : For navigating through high-risk areas, such as pirate-infested waters, captains may receive hazard pay, potentially increasing their compensation by an additional 5% to 15%.

Benefits and Allowances

• Travel Allowances : Captains often receive allowances for travel to and from the ship, which can amount to $1,000 to $3,000 per annum, depending on the company’s policies and locations of operation.
• Health Insurance : Comprehensive health insurance is a standard benefit, with companies covering premiums, which, if quantified, could add a value of $5,000 to $10,000 annually to the compensation package.
• Retirement Plans : Contribution to retirement plans is a common practice, with companies often matching the captain’s contributions up to a certain percentage. This benefit’s monetary value can vary but significantly impacts the total compensation package over time.
• Leave and Vacation : Paid leave is another critical component, with captains typically entitled to 4-8 weeks of paid vacation annually. The value of this benefit depends on the base salary but provides significant additional worth to the overall package.
• Training and Certification : Companies frequently cover the costs of required ongoing training and certification renewals for captains, which can represent an investment of $2,000 to $5,000 per year.

Real-life Example

Consider a captain with a base salary of $140,000, working for a large international shipping company. They might receive a performance bonus of $14,000 (10% of base salary), hazard pay of $14,000 for specific voyages (10%), travel allowances worth $2,000, health insurance valued at $7,000, and a company match for retirement contributions amounting to $7,000. When totaled, the comprehensive compensation package can exceed $184,000 annually, excluding the intrinsic value of paid leave and covered training costs.

Career Path and Progression in the Merchant Navy

Entry-level positions: cadet to third officer.

• Starting Point : Individuals begin their careers as deck or engine cadets, undergoing rigorous training onboard and acquiring the necessary sea time to qualify for their first certification.
• Certification and Salary : Upon successful completion of training and exams, cadets can rise to the position of Third Officer or Junior Engineer. The starting salary for these positions can range from $30,000 to $40,000 annually, varying by the type and size of the vessel, as well as the shipping company.

Mid-Level Positions: Second Officer to Chief Officer

• Progression : With additional experience and further certification, Third Officers can advance to Second Officers, responsible for navigation and watchkeeping. This position sees a salary increase, with ranges typically between $50,000 and $70,000 annually.
• Chief Officer/Chief Engineer : The next step is becoming a Chief Officer (on the deck side) or Chief Engineer (on the engine side), with responsibilities including cargo operations and overall maintenance of the vessel. Salaries for these roles can significantly jump, often situated between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on the vessel type and the company.

Senior-Level Position: Captain/Master

• Climax of Career Path : The pinnacle of a maritime career is the position of Captain or Master of the vessel. Achieving this rank requires extensive experience, proven leadership abilities, and comprehensive knowledge of maritime laws and operations.
• Salary and Benefits : Captains enjoy the highest salaries in the Merchant Navy, with annual earnings ranging from $90,000 to over $200,000, influenced by factors such as the vessel’s size, the shipping company, and the trade routes. In specialized sectors like LNG or oil tankers, salaries at the upper end of this range are common.

Additional Considerations

• Incremental Experience : Progression from one rank to the next typically requires 2-5 years at each level, accumulating the necessary experience and skills.
• Continuous Education : Advancement also necessitates ongoing education and certification, with courses in advanced navigation, safety, and specialized cargo handling.
• Variable Factors : It’s important to note that salary ranges can vary widely based on the shipping company’s size and reputation, the economic environment, and global shipping demand.

Real-World Example

Consider an individual who starts their career as a deck cadet at a large shipping company. Over 10-15 years, through continuous education, skill acquisition, and successful completion of duty assignments, this individual could progress from cadet to captain. Along this journey, their salary would incrementally increase from the entry-level range of $30,000-$40,000 to the senior-level range of $90,000-$200,000, not accounting for bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation tied to specific assignments or hazardous duties.

The salary of a merchant navy captain is influenced by a range of factors, including experience, vessel type, and geographical location. Despite the challenges, the role offers substantial financial rewards, reflecting the significant responsibilities captains bear. With the maritime industry evolving, those who adapt to changes and specialize in emerging areas may find themselves at the top end of the salary spectrum.

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How to Join Merchant Navy ships?

How to join cruise liners and oil rig, how to join merchant navy in various fields.

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Latest Blog

Ships in Merchant Navy

• By Praneet Mehta
• November 23, 2021

Commercial ships are various kinds of ships that transport cargo and passengers to different destinations. Commercial ships come in a range of sizes and shapes, to enable them to complete their intended purpose or duty. From freight liner ships to oil tankers, these ships are all designed to serve different purposes.

Different types of commercial ships can be classified on the basis of three properties: cargo capacity, weight, and size. The number of canal locks a ship may pass through is limited by its maximum dimensions, such as length and beam (beam); water depth (draught) is a constraint for canals, shallow straits, and ports; and height is a restriction for going under bridges. Ships are often custom-built for the operation, including cranes and other loading and unloading equipment, and come in a wide range of sizes.

If you want to know about the life of Officers and Engineers and want to be one of them but do not have a clear idea about how to join the Merchant Navy then fret not as Merchant Navy Decoded offers various free courses like How to Join Merchant Navy for beginners and paid packages like COMBO Packag e for professionals.

Types of Merchant Navy Ships-

We have attempted to describe a few forms of merchant vessels, to thoroughly address and answer the question- “What are the different types of ships?” However, these are not limited to them.

1) Crude Oil Tanker

Crude Oil Tankers transport an enormous amount of crude oil from the extraction site to refineries, where it is further processed. Generally, a Crude Oil Tanker carries one cargo grade at a time. Crude oil is categorized into different varieties (crude grades). A crude oil ship normally transports just one cargo grade at a time. These tankers are substantially bigger than all the other types of oil vessels, ranging in size from 50,000 to over 500,000 tonnes deadweight, and hence they frequently load and unload at offshore buoys and terminals. An extensive global fleet of Crude Oil Tankers forms the backbone of the global economy.

2) Shuttle Tanker

A Shuttle Tanker is a type of ship that delivers oil from offshore oil fields to land-based refineries, and it is widely used as a substitute for pipelines. It comes equipped with dynamic positioning to keep its location about the field, off-loading system of pipelines, and several safety measures to ensure that crude oil is handled safely. Shuttle Oil Tankers have also proven to be much safer than traditional crude oil tankers. Operators choose them because they are more flexible than pipelines that are attached to a single receiving point. Additionally, they possess the option to segregate the oil, unlike pipelines which need the entire network to be shut down. Shuttle tankers are relatively easy to maintain.

3) Product Carrier

Product tankers are smaller tankers with a capacity of up to 35,000 tonnes that are usually built to carry chemical cargoes, necessitating special design and equipment such as stainless steel cargo tanks, corrugated bulkheads, deep well pumps, and more complex piping systems. Product tankers transport refined oil (of various grades) to a location near the final market. Epoxy is used to coat the tanks, which protects the cargo while also making the tank easier to clean. Among the products carried are petroleum, jet fuel, diesel, asphalt, lubricating oil, and tar. Smaller tankers are also used to transport non-petroleum bulk liquids like molasses and palm oil.

4) Chemical Tanker

The deadweight of chemical tankers ranges from 5,000 to 40,000 tonnes, and they frequently incorporate specialized cargo systems, tailored to transport a variety of liquid chemicals. Chemical tankers are built to maintain the uniformity of the chemicals they transport. Coatings of particular compounds sprayed on these tanker ships influence the type of payload that may be transported. To guarantee that the cargo retains its purity when placed into a multi-purpose tank, these systems may also contain heating or cooling apparatus, as well as modern cleaning systems.  

5) Liquified Gas Carrier      

Gas tankers are tankers that are specifically intended to transport various types of gases in bulk. These tankers are more technologically advanced than any other form of vessel, including bulkers, containers, and other types of tankers. Gas carriers can be divided into five groups based on the type of cargo transported and the conveyance situation. The distribution of these alternative energy sources to clients all over the globe helps to meet the worldwide market demand for energy and therefore contributes to the global energy supply chain. Cargo tanks are normally spherical for robustness, since they are used to transport Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) under pressure. IMO’s International Code for building and outfitting of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk, specifies design and construction standards to ensure the ships’ safety.

6) Container Ship

Container ships are among the largest boats on water, and are mostly employed on liner routes. Containers have become a primary mode of transport for manufactured products throughout the world, and are of a standard size to make shipping easier. The containers are inserted onto vertical frames or guides in their cellular holding. Containers are often loaded either by specialized cranes, or general-purpose cranes equipped with container lifting accessories. While self-loading and unloading is possible on some small cargo ships. Container ships are different from other dry boats, in the way that they are frequently rented on long-term charters by big liner firms, who then let the end clients set the fees for each container. Large container ships are limited to specific ports across the world due to their size, and they are also unable to pass through some locations due to drought, or in the case of canals, beam limits.

7) Reefer Ships

Refrigerated goods and perishable commodities that require particular climatic conditions, such as fruit or meat, are transported in “Reefer Vessels.” A reefer ship has specially insulated holds, into which cold air is piped at the correct temperature for the cargo.

Most traditional reefer boats have now been replaced by the use of chilled containers carried on board Container Ships. Reefer ships have different construction, power generating, and electrical distribution systems than regular cargo ships.

8) Bulk Carrier

Bulk carriers carry unpackaged dry goods having a high weight-to-cost ratio, such as coal, grain, and ore. A bulk carrier has no walls, yet the middle deck is installed to keep the cargo from being pressed. To keep the cargo from tilting to one side, it contains a topside tank and a hopper tank. These ships are separated into multiple different holds, each of which is protected by a hatch. Cargo is loaded at the port using a conveyor and spouts, or a crane and grab. Some bulk carriers are outfitted (typically with a crane between each hatch) to allow goods to be loaded and unloaded at ports, without the need for shore equipment. A Vast fleet of Bulk Carrier acts as an important indicator of global trade.

9) Break-Bulk Carrier

Break-Bulk Carriers are used for transporting bulk cargo without putting the cargo into shipping containers. These ships may use other storage mediums like pallets, etc. Although specific handling facilities for such things may exist, the majority of loading and unloading is done with cranes, straps, or slings. Whereas, when hauling loose and irregular cargo, the crew and port stevedores pack the cargo. They do not require the availability of a specific berth or terminal. They can be further classified into Single Decker, Tween Decker, and Box Holds, to name a few. General cargo boats are still in use across the world, despite being mostly superseded by the revolution brought down by containerization. The ‘Freight Ton’ or ‘Revenue Ton’ method is used for computing freight rates for breakbulk shipments.

10) RO-RO Vessels

RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) ships are cargo ships that transport wheeled products such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railway carriages. These ships allow freight to be driven right on and off, making it a conducive mode of transportation. Their classifications include PCC (Pure Car Carriers) and PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carriers), all of which fulfil the same purpose. In contrast to shipping cargo, which is determined by multiplying the cargo length in meters by the number of decks and lanes, Ro-Ro freight is measured in lane meters.

11) Offshore Vessels

Offshore Vessels are support ships, that are primarily designed to serve the offshore oil and gas sector, by performing certain specialized tasks on the high seas. These are used for several tasks, including oil exploration and drilling, as well as transporting supplies to excavation and construction units on the high seas. These may also assist in the transit of crewing people to and from the high seas’ operational venues as required. Offshore operators may also deploy lodging, construction, service, production, or storage units in addition to drilling units. Offshore boats are among the most technologically advanced vessels, and are required to carry out precise tasks in extreme circumstances while also assuring the safety of all individuals involved.

12) Cruise Ships

Cruise Ships are designed to provide customers with housing and entertainment, while specifically focussing on onboard amenities and comforts. Cruises are designed to transfer guests between ports according to a holiday itinerary, rather than from one location to another. The largest cruise ship can accommodate over 6,500 guests alongwith 2,000 crew members, making the cruise business a major source of employment generation in the Marine Industry.

The cruise business is quickly expanding all over the world. Since 1990, the total number of passengers has increased by 7.5 percent each year, from 3.7 million to 32 million, which means it has grown at double the rate of the worldwide tourism business. 

Tugs are small but strong ships, that aid in navigating bigger ships. Harbour tugs are used in ports all around the globe to help in berthing, unberthing, and moving huge or difficult-to-move boats, as well as transporting barges, floating cranes, and personnel within port boundaries. As deep-sea rescue and salvage tugs, larger tugs are stationed at strategic locations. Tugs are also employed to transfer large structures from one port to another, such as offshore platforms and floating storage units.

Following were the different types of ships that are used for commercial purposes in merchant navy. In this blog, we covered all the major types of merchant vessels that one can come across.

Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.

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Joining the Merchant Navy – What is the Merchant Navy?

What is the merchant navy.

The merchant navy is a term used to refer to the commercial sector of the maritime industry. The merchant navy has no involvement in military service, but rather the shipping of cargo and people across sea routes aboard cargo ships, tankers, and cruise liners.

The maritime industry stands at the heart of global connections and economy as much of the world trade between nations is still carried out marine trade routes. 

Positions aboard merchant ships can typically be broken down into four departments; deck department/ navigation, engineering department, electro-technical department, and stewards department/ hospitality.  

All departments operate under the orders of the ship’s captain, the highest responsible acting on behalf of the ship’s owner.

When joining the merchant navy, it is essential to have a basic understand each of these departments, their core responsibilities.

Below is an overview of each department and their roles aboard merchant navy vessels.

Departments in the Merchant Navy

Deck Department

Deck Officers head up the overall running of the ship, handling navigation, communication and the crew. On cargo ships they will oversee the cargo and aboard a cruise ship they would take care of passengers and be present for onboard social events.

There are different positions available as you gain more experience as a deck officer, starting with Third Officer. This would be your first position after training and would give you responsibility over safety equipment and lifeboats as well as assisting the Second Officer and carrying out watch duties. 

The Second Officer gains more responsibility as they have more experience; they preside over the computer systems and navigation, including using satellites and radars. They also monitor the vessels speed and direction as well as weather conditions whilst still carrying out watch duties whether the ship is docked or at sea.

You can begin your training to become a deck officer through our cadetships with us at Chiltern, where anyone over the age of 18 may apply to begin their course as a Chiltern Maritime Deck Officer Cadet .

Electrical Department

Modern ships are based on very modern complex electrical technology, and a wealth of electrical equipment is on board at any given moment. This is why the electrotechnical work within the engineering department to maintain the electrical control boards, a navigation system, radios, and propulsion control for the ship.

More and more ships crews are specifically employing an electro-technical officer as ships are becoming increasingly reliant on complex electrical equipment. Almost all engineering departments have ETO’s, and they tend to report to the chief engineer.

Chiltern’s Maritime Electro-Technical Cadetships offer a fantastic way into this career path, with full training and support throughout our comprehensive course.

Engineering Department

The Engineering department maintain the machines that keep the ship moving, from the propulsion machinery, the engine room refrigeration units, ship air conditioning, and deck machinery. They monitor all of these machines through keeping watches in the engine rooms and repair any problem arises efficiently so that the ship may carry on the important journeys the Merchant Navy demands.

This department is hierarchical, and officers may progress with experience. After cadetship, you will typically enter a ship as Third Engineer and your responsibilities will be assisting the Second Engineer and maintaining the electrical systems and machinery. 

Second Officers supervise the day-to-day duties of the staff and engine crew, whilst the First (or Chief) Engineer is the highest authority in the department for allocating tasks and planning engineering tasks aboard the ship.

Take your first steps into this career by applying for a Chiltern Maritime Engineering Cadetship .

Stewards Department

Stewards aboard the ships focus on the other people aboard, both passengers and crew. They are in charge of helping to prepare and serve the food and maintain all aspects of the living and eating quarters including linens and furniture. On passenger ships, they are the staff that most closely work with the guests and see to their needs.

There are many routes into stewardship, and this open and diverse career allows you to travel the world with very few previous requirements needed. Look for opportunities to suit you through the Viking Crew jobs portal to find jobs in hospitality or kick start your career by training with Maritime Skills Academy .

Joining the Merchant Navy

The Merchant Navy offers a wide range of opportunities that lead to lucrative and exciting careers. Through Chiltern’s incredibly successful Maritime Cadetships you could enter into a bright new future where you do challenging but rewarding work whilst traveling the world by Sea.

At Chiltern Maritime, we provide for deck officer , electrotechnical (ETO) and engineering cadetships . We pride ourselves on providing great career opportunities and incredible experiences to our cadets with continual career development support during your cadetship and beyond in partnership with our sister companies; Maritime Skills Academy and Viking Crew . 

If you’re considering a maritime cadetship, we’ve made it easier than ever to apply. Simply follow our online application process and we’ll be in contact to get you started with your career at sea. 

Make sure you have what you need to apply for a maritime cadetship .

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Merchant Navy

A career at sea offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for anyone looking for adventure and a job away from the normal humdrum of a desk job.

The Merchant Navy is the collective term for commercial shipping and includes a variety of vessels from cruise ships to tankers and cargo ships of all description.

This fast moving and technologically advanced industry requires highly trained seafarers working across navigation, engineering, electro-technical and on-board services disciplines at both officer and rating levels. There are a variety of entry routes available to start a career at sea within the Merchant Navy, which includes fully sponsored training programmes and apprenticeships.

With world- class institutions and a robust training system, UK seafarers are sought after all across the world and the range of skills they acquire during their training enables them to thrive in a competitive industry.

Those who decide to pursue a career at sea by following the officer training route will, on completion, be in a management position ensuring that the vessel and its crew are safe, all the machinery is maintained and the cargo reaches its destination on time and intact. Ratings are the ‘support staff’ working on vessels and directed by the officers to ensure the running of the ship is a safe and efficient operation. There are also roles for those interested in on-board services and hospitality, on vessel such as cruise ships and passenger ferries. 

More information

For more information on a career in the Merchant Navy visit the dedicated, national careers website, Careers at Sea.

Careers at Sea

Reviewed June 2023

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5 Jobs on a Cruise Ship Requiring No Prior Experience

Embarking on a career working aboard a cruise ship can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. It offers you the chance to travel the world while gaining valuable skills and experience. In this article, we will explore five entry-level job opportunities available on cruise ships that require no prior experience. 

From customer service roles to hospitality positions, we will delve into the various job options. Plus all the potential growth opportunities for individuals seeking to start a career at sea. you could be passionate about providing exceptional guest experiences or eager to be part of the entertainment team. It’s important to remember that there are roles available for beginners looking to kickstart their careers in the maritime industry!

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship

Ahoy, future sailors! Ever dreamed of working on a cruise ship and sailing the high seas? Well, you’re in luck! That’s because there are plenty of opportunities available for you to embark on a new career adventure. You might be looking to escape the daily grind or simply want a change of scenery. What we’re sure about is that working on a cruise ship can offer a unique and exciting experience.

Overview of Working on a Cruise Ship

Working on a cruise ship is like being part of a floating city. This is where you’ll meet people from all walks of life and travel to exotic destinations. You could be providing top-notch customer service to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of guests. As we said, there are a wide variety of roles available for eager job seekers .

Benefits and Challenges of Cruise Ship Employment

Imagine waking up to stunning ocean views every day and enjoying free room and board. Couple that with getting the chance to explore different ports of call and it Sounds like a dream job, right? While working on a cruise ship comes with its perks, it also poses challenges like long hours and being away from friends and family for extended periods.

Entry-Level Positions Available

Not sure where to start your cruise ship career? No worries! There are plenty of entry-level positions that require no prior experience, making it easier for newcomers to break into the industry.

Cruise Ship Job Requirements

Most entry-level positions on a cruise ship only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Other than that, all you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. While prior experience may be beneficial, it’s not always necessary. That’s because cruise lines often provide training to help you succeed in your new role.

Training and Onboarding Process

Once you land a job on a cruise ship , you’ll undergo training to familiarize yourself with ship operations. These include safety procedures and guest service protocols. Don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. The cruise line will guide you through the onboarding process and ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Customer Service Roles on Cruise Ships

If you have a knack for making people smile, customer service roles on a cruise ship might be right up your alley. You could assist guests at the front desk and even serve up delicious drinks as a bartender. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your hospitality skills.

Front Desk and Guest Services

As the face of the ship, the front desk and guest services staff play an important role in ensuring guest satisfaction. Whether it’s answering questions, or resolving issues, these roles require strong communication skills and a friendly demeanor.

Restaurant Servers and Bartenders

Food and beverage staff, are responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences to guests onboard. You could be serving up delicious meals or crafting creative cocktails. These roles require a passion for hospitality and a flair for customer service.

Hospitality and Food Service Opportunities

Maybe you have a knack for keeping things neat. You might also love working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Hospitality and food service positions on a cruise ship offer a chance to showcase your skills! Plus, you get to contribute to a memorable guest experience.

Housekeeping and Cabin Steward Positions

Housekeeping and cabin steward positions are vital on a ship. They’re responsible for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for guests during their cruise. From tidying up cabins to replenishing amenities, these roles require attention to detail. They also require a strong work ethic to ensure guest satisfaction.

Galley Staff and Kitchen Helpers

Behind every delicious meal served onboard is a dedicated team of galley staff. There are also kitchen helpers working tirelessly to prep, cook, and plate up culinary delights. If you have a passion for food and want to work hard, these roles may be a perfect fit for you.

Retail and Sales Positions for Beginners

So you fancy yourself a sales whiz but haven’t yet landed your big break? Cruise ships offer fantastic opportunities for those looking to dip their toes into the retail world. Enter the realm of duty-free shop sales associates. This is where you can charm guests with your product knowledge and maybe even sneak in a sales pitch or two. 

If you have a keen eye for capturing memories, consider joining the ranks of photographers and photo sales staff. Snap some shots, make some sales, and have a whale of a time cruising the high seas.

Entertainment and Activities Staff Roles

Are you a natural-born entertainer? Do you thrive on making people laugh and have a good time? Then onboard entertainment hosts might just be the job for you. From leading game nights to hosting karaoke showdowns, you’ll be the life of the party. 

If you’re more of the sporty type, consider becoming an activity coordinator or sports instructor. Lead yoga sessions at sunrise, organize shuffleboard tournaments and bask in the glory of being everyone’s favorite activity guru.

Housekeeping and Cleaning Jobs

For those who find solace in cleanliness and order, housekeeping and cleaning roles on a cruise ship could be your calling. Join the cleaning crew and laundry attendants to ensure cabins are spick and span, or enlist in the public area sanitation team to keep shared spaces sparkling. 

It may not be glamorous, but hey, someone’s got to do it. Besides, who better than you, with your meticulous attention to detail and knack for making things shine?

Before you cast off, spruce up that resume and polish those cover letters. Show off your skills and experiences, even if you haven’t worked on a ship before. When it comes to interviews, be yourself. Follow up after your interview to stay on the recruiter’s radar. Who knows, you might just find yourself on the next big cruise ship extravaganza!

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A New Pacific Arsenal to Counter China

With missiles, submarines and alliances, the Biden administration has built a presence in the region to rein in Beijing’s expansionist goals.

By John Ismay ,  Edward Wong and Pablo Robles April 26, 2024

U.S. officials have long seen their country as a Pacific power, with troops and arsenals at a handful of bases in the region since just after World War II.

U.S. military or partner bases

But the Biden administration says that is no longer good enough to foil what it sees as the greatest threat to the democratic island of Taiwan — a Chinese invasion that could succeed within days.

The United States is sending the most advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan and has established a new kind of Marine Corps regiment on Okinawa that is designed to fight from small islands and destroy ships at sea.

The Pentagon has gained access to multiple airfields and naval bases in the Philippines , lessening the need for aircraft carriers that could be targeted by China’s long-range missiles and submarines in a time of war.

The Australian government hosts U.S. Marines in the north of the country, and one of three sites in the east will soon be the new home for advanced American-made attack submarines. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Potential submarine bases

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, and other officials in Beijing have watched the U.S. moves with alarm. They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival.

Since the start of his administration, President Biden has undertaken a strategy to expand American military access to bases in allied nations across the Asia-Pacific region and to deploy a range of new weapons systems there. He has also said the U.S. military would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.

On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95 billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. And Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Shanghai and Beijing this week for meetings with Mr. Xi and other officials in which he raised China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, calling it “destabilizing.”

Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken on Friday that the United States should not play a “zero-sum game” or “create small blocs.” He said that “while each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other,” according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting.

Earlier in April, the leaders of the Philippines and Japan met with Mr. Biden at the White House for the first such summit among the three countries. They announced enhanced defense cooperation, including naval training and exercises, planned jointly and with other partners. Last year, the Biden administration forged a new three-way defense pact with Japan and South Korea.

President Biden held a trilateral meeting earlier this month with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House.

Yuri Gripas for The New York Times

“In 2023, we drove the most transformative year for U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region in a generation,” Ely S. Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said in a statement following an interview.

The main change, he said, is having American forces distributed in smaller, more mobile units across a wide arc of the region rather than being concentrated at large bases in northeast Asia. That is largely intended to counter China’s efforts to build up forces that can target aircraft carriers or U.S. military outposts on Okinawa or Guam.

These land forces, including a retrained and refitted U.S. Marine littoral regiment in Okinawa, will now have the ability to attack warships at sea.

For the first time, Japan’s military will receive up to 400 of their own Tomahawk cruise missiles — the newest versions of which can attack ships at sea as well as targets on land from over 1,150 miles away.

The Pentagon has also gained access rights for its troops at four additional bases in the Philippines that could eventually host U.S. warplanes and advanced mobile missile launchers, if Washington and Manila agree that offensive weaponry can be placed there.

The United States has bilateral mutual defense agreements with several allied nations in the region so that an attack on the assets of one nation could trigger a response from the other. Bolstering the U.S. troop presence on the soil of allied countries strengthens that notion of mutual defense.

In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. Mr. Xi has said his nation must eventually take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary.

“We’ve deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” Kurt Campbell, the new deputy secretary of state, told reporters last year, when he was the top Asia policy official in the White House.

What Deters China?

Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, said in an interview in Taipei that the strengthened alliances and evolving military force postures were critical to deterring China.

“We are very happy to see that many countries in this region are coming to the realization that they also have to be prepared for further expansions of the P.R.C.,” he said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

To some Chinese military strategists, the U.S. efforts are aimed at keeping China’s naval forces behind the “first island chain” — islands close to mainland Asia that run from Okinawa in Japan to Taiwan to the Philippines.

U.S. military assets along these islands could prevent Chinese warships from getting into the open Pacific waters farther east if conflict were to break out.

Leaders in China’s People’s Liberation Army also talk of establishing military dominance of the “second island chain” — which is farther out in the Pacific and includes Guam, Palau and West Papua.

First Island Chain

Second Island Chain

philippines

But several conservative critics of the administration’s policies argue that the United States should be keeping major arms for its own use and that it is not producing new ships and weapons systems quickly enough to deter China, which is rapidly growing its military .

Some American commanders acknowledge the United States needs to speed up ship production but say the Pentagon’s warfighting abilities in the region still outmatch China’s — and can improve quickly with the right political and budget commitments in Washington.

“We have actually grown our combat capability here in the Pacific over the last years,” Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr., the incoming commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said in an interview. “But our trajectory is still not a trajectory that matches our adversary. Our adversaries are building more capability and they’re building more warships — per year — than we are.”

Mr. Paparo said new American warships were still more capable than the ones China is building, and the U.S. military’s “total weight of fires” continued to outmatch that of the People’s Liberation Army, for now.

Warplanes on the flight deck of U.S.S. Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier, during a joint U.S. and Japanese military exercise in the Philippine Sea in January.

Richard A. Brooks/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , a Cold War-era arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, prohibited land-based cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 311 miles and 3,420 miles. But after the Trump administration withdrew from the pact, the United States was able to develop and field a large number of small, mobile launchers for previously banned missiles around Asia.

Even with the deployment of new systems, the United States would still rely on its legacy assets in the region in the event of war: its bases in Guam, Japan and South Korea, and the troops and arms there.

All of the senior U.S. officials interviewed for this story say war with China is neither desirable nor inevitable — a view expressed publicly by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. But they also insist that a military buildup and bolstering alliances, along with diplomatic talks with China, are important elements of deterring potential future aggression by Beijing.

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, told Mr. Blinken on Friday in Beijing that “the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building, and the relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions.” He warned the United States “not to interfere in China’s internal affairs, not to hold China’s development back, and not to step on China’s red lines and on China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”

U.S. military or

partner bases

The new deterrent effort is twofold for American forces: increasing patrolling activities at sea and the capabilities of its troop levels ashore.

To the former, the Pentagon has announced that U.S. Navy warships will participate in more drills with their Japanese counterparts in the western Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan and with Filipino ships in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard has harassed ships and installations controlled by the Philippines .

A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Jes Aznar for The New York Times

To the latter, Marine Corps and Army units already in the Pacific have recently fielded medium- and long-range missiles mated to small, mobile trucks that would have been prohibited under the former treaty.

These trucks can be quickly lifted by Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or larger cargo planes to new locations, or they can simply drive away to evade a Chinese counterattack. A new flotilla of U.S. Army watercraft being sent to the region could also be used to reposition troops and launchers from island to island.

In an interview last year with The New York Times, Gen. David H. Berger, then the Marine Corps’ top general, said the service had begun analyzing strategic choke points between islands where Chinese forces were likely to transit throughout the Pacific. He said the service had identified sites where Marine assault forces like the new Okinawa-based littoral regiment could launch attacks on Beijing’s warships using these new weapons.

Philippines

Partner bases

The Pentagon announced in February last year a new military base-sharing agreement with Manila, giving U.S. forces access to four sites in the Philippines for use in humanitarian missions, adding to the five sites previously opened to the Pentagon in 2014. Most of them are air bases with runways long enough to host heavy cargo planes.

Plotting their locations on a map shows the sites’ strategic value should the United States be called upon to defend their oldest treaty ally in the region , if the Philippines eventually agrees to allow the U.S. military to put combat troops and mobile missile systems there.

One, on the northern tip of Luzon Island, would give missile-launching trucks the ability to attack Chinese ships across the strait separating Philippines from Taiwan, while another site about 700 miles to the southwest would allow the U.S. to strike bases that China has built in the Spratly Islands nearby.

In 2023, the United States committed $100 million for “infrastructure investments” at the nine bases, with more funds expected this year.

The Pentagon has forged closer military ties with Australia and Papua New Guinea , extending America’s bulwark against potential attempts by the Chinese military at establishing dominance along the “second island chain.”

The Obama administration moved a number of littoral combat ships to Singapore and deployed a rotating force of Marines to Darwin, on Australia’s north coast, giving the Pentagon more assets that could respond as needed in the region.

Last year, the Biden administration greatly elevated its commitment to Australia, which is one of America’s most important non-NATO allies.

The U.S.S. North Carolina, a Virginia-class submarine, docking in Perth, Australia last year.

Tony Mcdonough/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A new multibillion dollar agreement called AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States — will permanently transfer some of the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack subs to Canberra . The location of the new bases for those subs has not been announced, but the first group of Australian sailors who will crew them graduated from nuclear power training in America in January.

These stealthy submarines, which can fire torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, will potentially add to the number of threats Beijing faces in case of a regional war.

Just north of Australia, an agreement in August gave U.S. forces more access to Papua New Guinea for humanitarian missions and committed American tax dollars to update military facilities there.

To Admiral Paparo, this growing network of partnerships and security agreements across thousands of miles of the Pacific is a direct result of what he calls China’s “revanchist, revisionist and expansionist agenda” in the region that has directly threatened its neighbors.

“I do believe that the U.S. and our allies and partners are playing a stronger hand and that we would prevail in any fight that arose in the Western Pacific,” the admiral said.

“It’s a hand that I would not trade with our would-be adversaries, and yet we’re also never satisfied with the strength of that hand and always looking to improve it.”

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See the UK destroyer crew that scored the Royal Navy's first missile kill since the Gulf War

• A UK warship on Wednesday destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile likely targeting a commercial ship.
• It marked the Royal Navy's first such kill since the Gulf War, according to a report.
• A 1991 engagement marked the first time ship-launched anti-air missiles successfully destroyed an enemy missile in naval combat.

A UK warship on Wednesday shot down a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis in Yemen, marking the Royal Navy's first such kill since the Gulf War more than 30 years ago.

The HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, used its advanced Sea Viper missile interceptors to down the deadly Houthi threat while the warship was protecting a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, according to a new report.

US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said on Wednesday that a coalition vessel had "successfully engaged" an anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden earlier in the day, marking the first confirmed Houthi attack in over a week.

The missile was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a US-flagged, owned, and operated merchant vessel with American and Greek crew members aboard, CENTCOM noted in a statement . There was no reported damage or injuries, it added.

The coalition vessel has since been identified as the Diamond by The Times, which reported new details of the engagement on Thursday. Grant Shapps, the UK defense secretary, confirmed the incident and told the outlet that it was the first time a missile was intercepted in combat by a Royal Navy warship since 1991.

Related stories

During the Gulf War, the Type 42 destroyer HMS Gloucester used Sea Dart missiles to destroy an Iraqi silkworm anti-ship missile that was targeting an American warship. That engagement marked the first time anti-air missiles successfully destroyed an enemy missile threat during a battle at sea.

It is not immediately clear what type of missile the Houthis used on Wednesday. The rebels are confirmed to have employed a variety of missiles and drones of Iranian origin since they started attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden last year.

The UK Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Business Insider's queries on the engagement.

The Diamond first deployed to the region in December as part of a US Navy-led task force that has been squaring off against relentless Houthi threats off the coast of Yemen. The warship spent several weeks back home earlier this year to receive maintenance and additional supplies, but it has since returned to the region.

During these deployments, the Diamond has used its Sea Viper missiles and 30mm gun to destroy a handful of Houthi drones on multiple occasions. Several other European warships have also destroyed Houthi threats in the air, alongside American vessels .

Meanwhile, shortly after the Diamond's engagement on Wednesday, which ended a period of relative calm in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that lasted a little more than a week, US forces destroyed four drones over Yemen.

CENTCOM said it was determined that the Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile and drones presented "an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region."

"These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels," CENTCOM added.

Watch: See the hectic flight deck of a US warship fighting Houthis in the Red Sea

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Retired US Navy captain killed by police in child sex predator sting

Navy Capt. Bruce Meneley of Task Force Medical- South and NATO Role 3 Multinational Hospital commander, gives a “Combat Hospital” hat to Army Secretary John McHugh at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on Dec. 14, 2011. “Combat Hospital” was a Canadian television show that featured medical units in the warzone. Meneley, who retired in 2016 as a Navy captain having earned dozens of awards and commendations, died when he was shot multiple times by police at a DoubleTree hotel in a suburb south of Seattle. (Amanda M. Mills/U.S. Army)

Bruce Coval Meneley was a teenaged seaman in Reno the year after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. He rose to ensign, graduated medical school, served in Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan and commanded a Navy hospital at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. By the time he retired in 2016 as a Navy captain, he had earned dozens of awards and commendations, including a Bronze Star and two Legions of Merit.

His life ended on the afternoon of April 17, when he was shot multiple times by police at a DoubleTree hotel near Seattle in a child sex sting operation. Police video shows a man authorities later identified as Meneley pulling a gun on officers trying to arrest him after he showed up at a room where he planned to meet two underage girls. Police said Meneley had come to the attention of authorities in previous sex crime investigations.

The Seattle Police Department, which leads a statewide Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, said they set up a sting in Room 1513 of the Doubletree Hotel near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

“Officers were waiting to arrest the 67-year-old white man when he arrived at the hotel room, where he thought he was meeting two young girls, seven and 11 years old,” Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz said in a statement.

The three Seattle police officers waiting for the suspect in the room each wore body cameras and black uniforms that clearly identified them as police.

At 3:13 p.m., a man appeared on the hallway of the atrium-style hotel, according to videos posted by police on YouTube.

The officers answered the door, and within 15 seconds, Meneley was dead, police said. One officer was wounded as guests hid from a fusillade of up to 30 bullets above the open-air lobby.

The shooting

Police posted videos of the shooting on YouTube on April 19 — two days after the shooting — with an introduction by Chief Diaz.

“For our officers, these situations are dangerous, unpredictable, and can escalate rapidly,” Diaz said. “We want to warn you what you’re about to see is disturbing.”

A few moments into the videos, the picture switches to inside the hotel room. The shooting unfolds three times from the body cams of the three officers involved.

The videos show officers opening the door to Room 1513. Outside is a man in a baseball cap, dress shirt, jeans, and a light green jacket standing in the entryway with his right hand across his chest and inside his coat. Police blurred the man’s face.

Seattle police officers start to identify themselves, but the man backs up and pulls a handgun from his pocket. Officers grapple with him and grasp the pistol to turn the muzzle back towards the man.

There is a single gunshot.

“Gun!” the officer shouts, holding the man’s hand, then firing what appears to be two shots from his gun. Officers flanking the man pull their pistols and fire several shots — television station Fox 13 counted about 30 — that explode and echo through the high atrium.

The last video shows the third officer who unloads the full magazine of his semi-automatic pistol into the blurred body before quickly reloading. Down the hall is another officer, apparently grazed by a bullet, who seeks cover behind the wall.

An officer is heard reporting on a radio, “Shots fired, shots fired,” then saying, “Suspect down, help the officer.”

Navy Capt. Bruce Meneley, then-Guantanamo Bay Navy Hospital commanding officer, far right, with Navy Capt. Steven Blaisdell, U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay commanding officer, far left, and Navy Rear Adm. Dave Thomas, Joint Task Force Guantanamo commander, middle, place a Memorial Day wreath at Cuzco Wells Cemetery, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, May 25, 2009. (U.S. Navy)

According to Meneley’s personnel file obtained from the Navy Personnel Command, he enlisted in the Navy and served nearly seven years at the Navy Reserve Center in Reno, Nev. In 1982, he was assigned to the Naval Reserve Service until 1986, during which time he received a medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.

After short stints at the Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command in Bremerton, Wash., he was transferred to Port Hueneme in California, then to Naval Support Forces at Munro Sound in Antarctica for nearly a year.

In December 1989, he reported to Long Beach for service aboard the World War II battleship USS Missouri, which had been converted into a cruise missile launched platform. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Meneley served aboard the ship off the coast of Saudi Arabia.

From April 1992 to September 1998, he was assigned to medical command roles at Navy and Marine units in San Diego and Twentynine Palms in California.

Promoted to captain in July 2003, he was sent to the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center in Newport, R.I., before a three-year stint at Naval Readiness and Training Command in Quantico, Va.

Meneley was then dispatched at the end of June 2007 to the high-profile job of hospital director at the Navy base at Guantanamo, Cuba.

After leaving Cuba, he was sent to San Diego with Naval Surface Force Pacific and was later deployed to Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, commanding a new medical facility staffed by an international NATO contingent.

On June 30, 2016, he retired after just over 40 years in service.

The suspect

Few records were available for his life after Meneley retired. He was recently living in Hansville, a small town at the top of the Kitsap Peninsula on Puget Sound, about 32 miles north of Bremerton.

The peninsula is home to the carrier USS Nimitz and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton. Across the peninsula at Bangor is the submarine base where 10 Ohio-class nuclear ballistic or guided missile submarines and two Seawolf-class nuclear submarines are stationed. The Pentagon has about 15,000 active duty personnel, primarily Navy, spread around the 12,000-acre base that is the third largest Navy installation in the United States. It’s also home to a large number of retired personnel.

In 2017, police records show Meneley was arrested in a Bremerton Police prostitution sting, and a telephone number connected to him was noted as having called at least two separate prostitution houses. Meneley told authorities he was married and had been arrested for soliciting prostitution in Texas, where he had retired the year before.

Local news agencies in the Seattle area reported this week that Meneley was put into an offender diversion program and attended classes instead of court charges in the prostitution case.

No records of any infractions or disciplinary issues were available from his time in the Navy.

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