r/MerchantNavy

Hi , 18M , india.

I will pursue btech in EEE from a tier 1.5 college in india. I will graduate in 2030. After my btech , what do I have to do to join merchant navy as an ETO officer? Kindly guide me.

Note : By ETO, i mean Electro Technical Officer.

Appreciate responses.

Thanks.

So I applied for eto at simti sponsored by MSC

Now today they asked everyone to be ready for online paper at 2pm

I am like ok so I left all the work got ready and was waiting there from 2 sab bakchodi karne ke baad a man from MSC joined at around 3:15 pm and the first thing he said was "sorry for delay" followed by if anyone has ece branch please leave

Mera Jo matha kharab hua ki agar tumhe Lena hi nhi hai to mention kardo ye kya bakchodi hai

Why is MSC not taking ECE.....

and if this was not enough today I got to know ki *aema* ke sept batch me sirf 5 seats hi bachi hai, so even if I get through the interview high possibility hai that I'll be shifted to next year may batch and I can't wait this long cuz you guessed it I am the cockroach

I have no idea which college to join now🫠🫠

Tldr: MSC don't hire ece branch, aema don't have seats for sept batch for ETO

Any advice would be welcome

I am 22F currently in my final year in CS (computer science). I basically do not see a future in this field, and have always had, and want to keep tech related stuff as hobbies, not as a competitive professional mastery. So admittedly, choosing to study CS due to sheer lack of guidance from trusted adults was an unfortunate mistake I made.

Now, I see many people pursue merchant navy degrees even at mature ages, after they had degrees in unrelated subjects. That inspired me to actually consider doing another 3-4 years of diploma or bachelor's degree in marine engineering, instead of completely giving up on life, which I was (still kind of am) on the verge of. This is mainly because on ship jobs that have months on and months off routine sound very appealing to me.

The problem is, in my region, there are strict age and height requirements for admissions in the maritime schools, which makes getting education in my own country unfeasible. Which is why I must seek my education abroad.

My main question is: has anyone pursued a diploma or a bachelor's in marine engineering (or nautical science, any relevant degree as I need to know if doing this is possible) abroad in UK or Singapore, after some unrelated undergrad degree, specifically coming from south/south east asia? And then gotten a job on ships?

I mentioned UK and Singapore since their schools admit international students, as per my knowledge so far.

​

Body: Hey everyone, I am genuinely confused between choosing Merchant Navy and an IT/Tech corporate career. I love the idea of traveling the world, having big chunks of free time (like 3-4 months off after contracts), and exploring new places (inspired by travel vloggers like Passenger Paramvir).

However, the reality check is that I have never traveled alone before (only with family). I want to know the harsh ground reality from professionals:

1. How difficult is the isolation and loneliness on board for a beginner who hasn't experienced staying away from family/friends for long?

2. Is the "travel" aspect actually real nowadays, or do you just work 24/7 with very little port time?

3. Would you recommend this field to someone who values both high income and mental peace?

Hi, my 12th result was recently declared and I scored 185 marks in PCM, which is around 61.66%. Everyone keeps saying that 12th PCM marks matter the most, so I’m really confused about what I should do now. I scored only 5 marks above the eligibility criteria, and honestly, even those 185 marks were somehow managed. I’m also not very confident that even if I get admission, I’ll be able to study properly. So I might have to take a drop year anyway. And regarding giving an improvement exam right now, I know myself well enough to say that I might end up scoring even lower marks. So what should I do?

I am a Deck cadet completed dns with anglo eastern sponsorship.

after course completion I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease peripheral spondylitis.Now I am fully recovered and have no symptoms. Now company have refused to take me onboard ship.

Only option I have left is to go for any other company but I don't know which companies take fresher cadets who had done dns.if anyone got placed after dns please help.

23y, South Korean. career : Sailed for 3 years on self unloading Cement Carriers. Current Rank: 3rd Engineer.

llicenses : Class 2 Engineer (in korea, STCW Reg. III/ 2 - Unlimited) + ETO CoC.

Education : Currently a Junior (3rd yr, transfer student) in Electrical Engineering (B.S.). & expected graduation next year

according to QS, my university's rank is about 100th

Goal: LNGC ETO

First. does having a 3/E background + an EE degree actually make me a strong candidate? Or do companies strictly prefer pure electrical guys?

Second. Since I'm new to gas, I'm willing to swallow my pride and start from scratch as a Trainee ETO or Cadet. Is it weird for an ex-3/E to apply for trainee spots? Would companies even consider someone with my rank for an entry-level role?

Third. Is the LNG sector actually hiring "outsiders" with this kind of profile right now?

Any advice from current ETOs or hiring managers would be super helpful. Ty :)

ps. in korea, ETO not be on board, 3/E & 4/E is in charge of electrical work

​Hey everyone, just wanted to share a weird experience I had today to warn you about the tactics some of these street/mall fundraisers are using.

​I went to watch Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 at Devgn Cinex in Thane. While I was there, a guy approached me representing a foundation for the education of mentally challenged children in Airoli. Now, the NGO itself might actually be legitimate, but the pitch this guy used to pull at my heartstrings was a complete fabrication.

​He gave me the usual pitch, but then tried to lock in the donation by making it personal. He claimed that by volunteering and fundraising for this NGO, he gets an official certificate and "grace marks in his 12th board exams," which he supposedly needs to fulfill his dream of getting into the Merchant Navy.

​The problem for him? I am actually in the Merchant Navy.

​As anyone in the shipping industry knows, this is absolute rubbish. Merchant Navy admissions (IMU-CET, DNS sponsorships, company interviews) do not give a single damn about "NGO grace marks." They care strictly about your actual PCM percentage, your PCM aggregate, medical fitness, and clearing the entrance exams.

​When I called him out on how the industry actually works and asked him basic questions, he completely fumbled, got visibly nervous, and tried to change the subject.

​Why I'm posting this:

A lot of these agencies hire youth on a commission basis to collect donations. To hit their targets, these guys will invent elaborate, highly specific sob stories about their career dreams, exams, or family situations to make you feel guilty and open your wallet.

​If you want to support a cause, donate directly to verified charities online. Don't fall for these emotionally manipulative, fabricated stories from aggressive fundraisers at theatres or malls. Keep your guard up!

Used AI for refinement.

How is Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education and Training (MANET Pune) for B.E. Marine Engineering?

I want honest reviews about:

- placements

- college life

- sponsorship opportunities

- faculty and training

- discipline/on-campus rules

- whether it is worth joining

Would really appreciate replies from current students or pass-outs.

Due to the rise in influence via social media, do you think the field, which is already saturated at junior roles, will saturate more?

Companies have already started outsourcing the Indians and the Phillipinos (Im Indian), Just like the British. I have been researching, and aiming to join the engine side, purely for my interest.

I can only hope when ill finish my studies in 4 years, I wont sit unemployed. I have been preapring to join this profession ever since i was a kid, but im starting to get skeptical, assuming the future, it isnt looking as bright anymore.

I would like to know about your opinions too, any help is greatly appreciated.

​

I'm a jee aspirant however didn't perform well enough to secure IIT OR NIT but got selection in few pvt university like (hain, bml, karnavati) also on 24 may I have my IMUCET exam for naval engeneering

Please consult me what should I take

CSE in software engineering or naval engeneering for my career

Whenever I think for software..then the growing ai and increasing no of software engineering put me in doubt

What will be best for me

If my goals are higher paying job ..job security

And also want to know more about naval engeneering!!

I’ve been dating a merchant navy guy (South Indian, 28) while I’m Bengali, 23. We’ve been together for almost 2 years now. We matched on Tinder, and in the beginning everything seemed really good. We used to talk a lot, and he would text me whenever he got time from work.

After talking for around 4–5 months, he came to my hometown to surprise me. We met, went to watch a movie, and spent a lot of time talking about ourselves. He was caring, fed me food, took care of me, and even brought me a gift from Singapore. I refused to take it at first, but he secretly kept it in my bag. Honestly, he was being really sweet.

But there was one thing that kept bothering me — he was extremely secretive about his phone. At one point, I asked him to show me pictures of his family members, but he refused. I took his phone and asked him to open it, but he said there were some “confidential things” on it that he couldn’t show me. I told him I only wanted to see his family photos, but his hands literally started shaking and he quickly took the phone back from me.

Earlier, he had told me that his mother is Bengali and his father is South Indian. But after that incident, I started doubting everything, and it’s honestly been eating me up from inside.

We’ve been talking since 2024, and after that incident he still keeps asking me to meet him again, but I’ve refused. A part of me feels like I don’t want to continue this relationship, even though he constantly says he loves me, wants to marry me, and build a family with me. But his suspicious behavior stops me from trusting him fully.

So I really want honest opinions — especially from anyone in the merchant navy or people who have dated someone in that profession. Is it normal to be this protective about a phone, especially the photo gallery section? Am I wrong for feeling suspicious, or are my concerns valid?

I finally found a platform where I can say what I truly feel. What are your thoughts on this?

• Also, I have one more question. Can someone work in the Merchant Navy and the Indian Navy at the same time? He says some things that confuse me sometimes, so I genuinely want to understand if that’s even possible or normal.

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i am joining tolani i want to know about the college life of tolani.Is it very hard and tough to survive or is it fun and exciting

pls share your experiences

Hi everyone,

I’m an Indian student considering applying for the BSc Navigation program at Maritime University of Szczecin, Poland.

I wanted to know if anyone here is currently studying there, graduated from there, or knows someone from the Navigation program. I’d really appreciate some honest guidance regarding student life, cadetship opportunities, expenses, and career prospects for international students.

Thank you!

I need some help with the resources

Like what are some good reseources from where he can study for the exam

The exam is in June..

So he needs to prepare accordingly..

If anyone could suggest some resources it would be great

Thank you 🥰

1. Only surface-level, clickbaity videos.
2. Too much LinkedIn-fication of shipboard stories.
3. No in-depth or insightful advice for aspiring seafarers — just AI-like slop content.

He’s just capitalising on the insecurities and ignorance of beginners and, in my personal opinion, doing more harm to the maritime fraternity than good.

Applied for an ETO/LSO officer cadetship with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. I was really keen on RFA specifically so this has been a tough one to take. Got through the process, passed the DAA, submitted all my documents including a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability for my Polish high school leaving certificate and got declined purely because the ENIC statement flags that English was studied as a second language in Poland and therefore doesn't count as a GCSE English equivalent.

The thing is, I have a BA (Hons) from the University of Brighton. Three years, full time, taught entirely in English. Apparently that doesn't count. I also asked whether Functional Skills Level 2 English would be accepted and was told no.

They've offered me a Catering and Support Trainee role as an alternative. I've done years of hospitality and I'm done with it, so that's not really an option for me.

This was genuinely my dream and it's pretty upsetting to be blocked by something like this when I've clearly demonstrated I can operate in English at degree level. The earliest I could sit GCSEs now is May next year which feels like a long way away.

Is there any way in here that I'm missing? Has anyone with a UK degree but no formal GCSE English managed to get onto an ETO or LSO officer cadetship either with RFA or another operator? Wondering if any companies are more flexible on this or if there's a faster route I haven't thought of.

I am almost 18 now and I'm planning to go for merchant Navy mainly for money reasons. Because first, the pay is good and second, it comes with no tax. I just wanna know if there's a catch to it. Like I will get a good pay right ? It's notblike only top companies give good payment and average companies give you very low payment and you're gonna have to work your ass off your entire life then on. Please guide me