r/MerchantNavy

Hi, I (M 23) want to be a merchant marine officer in deck as that always have been interested to me. I tried once back in 2023 to try get into it but at that time because of miscommunication between me and university and because of a physical injury, I chose IT and have graduated with a bachelor this year in February. I am not planning to go to IT anymore so this time I am finally going to become a merchant marine officer.

So, I am saving money now for the merchant marine officer course. I am currently living in Australia as an immigrant. I have until 2028 and currently using that time to save up money. I have 2 options which I am listing below. I need advice on them.

Option 1: HVL (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences), Norway

I have chosen this one because after researching, I have found that Norway has one of the best maritime fleet and they are also one of the highest paid country for merchant marine. This university in particular offers student with a mandatory sea time. It means i will not have to worry about getting a cadetship. The only problem is I have to learn Norwegian which I am already doing. The tuition fees will be around $80K - $85K for a 3 year course + sea time. So, I am looking at a 4-4.5 years until I can become OOW. And there is a high chance of getting hired.

Option 2: AMC (Australian Maritime College), Australia

Now, AMC has been always my favourite. I applied to AMC back in 2023. I am already familiar with Australia and it is a english speaking country so it won't be a problem. The pay is identical with Norwegian pay. Here I have to find my own sponsor for the cadetship which is hard as Australia hires very little for their cadetship from international. I have to pay around $120K for a 4 year tuition fees and with the sea time it will take me around 6 years to become OOW. There is very little chance of me getting hired and the future does not look very good in case of hiring as an immigrant.

In both cases, I can save up to $65K for now as my current estimation. So, I am not worried about tuition fees. But this will be a very big decision so I want to decide carefully and focus on thing. I have wasted 3 years, I don't want to waste much time again. So I will be very helpful, if you can give me advice. My ultimate target is working in LNG or OIL and GAS and do a 8 month on and 4 month off if possible.

If you guys have any other option, please let me know.

Hi everyone I'm a 23F from Mumbai and I've recently become curious about what it's like to date someone in the Merchant Navy. I know the job comes with long periods at sea, so I'm wondering how relationships actually work in real life.

If you've dated a seafarer or you're in the Merchant Navy yourself I'd genuinely love to hear your experiences. What are the biggest challenges, the best parts, and what should someone know before considering dating a Merchant Navy professional?

Looking forward to hearing your honest stories and perspectives. Thanks!

hey folks, i am 21yo and just completed my graduation in btech cse. I want to join merchant navy, is it possible and will it be a good idea.... ik about the type of profession it is like loneliness and all and i don't have any problem with that

I'm interested in joining after 12th, but I've heard mixed opinions about long periods away from home, job security, and work-life balance. For experienced seafarers, would you still recommend it? Why or why not?

Hello guys I passed class 12 my pcm is 60 and I thinking to do mechanical engineering with 3tier college is ugc and aicte approved after completing my engineering I am preparing for gme sponsorship can i eligible or please tell me does my 12th marks matter in gme sponsorship interview and merit list if matters then tell me should I do electrical engineering and choose eto line please sir help me

1. Reporting Date is 17 July, 9 am. I is it mandatory to be there at 9 am or does they allow to come anytime after 9 am

2. Are parents mandatory to be present on reporting date

3. when will classes start?, like I want to ask that from 17 july we have to stay there right?...as in bring all our belongings that we have to carry to tmi

Will add more questions if any

Do officer cadetship always have a return of service? How enforceable is it? If you get sponsored but decide not to work with them after you have qualified, what would be the consequences?

I’m starting my Engineering Cadetship with HX Expeditions this September, i did a 'pre-cadetship' course last year and really enjoyed it and successfully received sponsorship with them so I was just wondering if there were any engine or even deck cadets who could tell me how their experiences with the company was throughout or so far on your cadetship and how your sea phases went? Anything like that

Thanks :)

I wanted to join the RFA as catering and support rating, but I got given a 1 year ENG1 certificate because I need regular blood tests. The RFA only accepts certificates valid for 2 years.

I don't want to do a sponsored cadetship and be trapped in a long return of service. I can't find any seafarer apprentiships, and it sounds like there's not a lot of opportunities available for apprentiships in the UK anyway?

What are my options? I'd be happy to be a seafarer or do hospitality on ships but I don't know how to start or where to apply.

I passed Class 12 this year with 58.67% PCM and 70% in English. I couldn’t qualify IMU-CET, and I really don’t want to waste another year. I’m eligible under the SC relaxation criteria, so I’m looking for DGS-approved B.Tech Marine Engineering colleges.
Which colleges would you recommend based on placements and reputation? If anyone has been in a similar situation or is already in the Merchant Navy, I’d really appreciate your advice.

Anyone know when would MSC teo july batch start?

Hey! If you want any guidance related to Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy or how to get sponsored, I can help you.

I recently completed my Semester 1, and I can guide you from scratch through a one-on-one session. I'll explain the entire sponsorship process, interview preparation, and also provide my personal notes.

The interview is actually quite easy if you prepare the right way. I charge ₹500 per one-on-one session.

PCM 97.67%

12Th boards 98.25%

Tolani bsc secured

yaar pilot ke liye bhi ek flying school ka exam and interview diya tha usme bhi ho gaya clear, ab main confuse hu, kya karu tolani chala jau ya waha admission cancel karwa ke yaha chala jau, ye government flying school hai naam hai IGRUA pls give your opinion!

pilot ki 10-12 lakhs max jaati hai monthly which is the same if not greater than that of a captain which ill be since im going for bsc. Ab pilot ki job all year hoti hai which doesnt bring a lot of comfort to me, poore saal kon kaam kare and festival holidays nahi milte hai and aapko month mein 25 days toh karna hi hai fly. Level of responsibility is the same too in both cases.

yaar 1.5 crore ka loan (80 lakhs course fee + 8.5% interest rate on education loan) chukate chukate toh zindagi nikal jayegi, starting mein toh poori salary jayegi loan ke monthly installment mein. Pehle 2-3 saal ill have no practical income as ill be a junior officer jiski max monthly salary is 2 lakhs. Plus pilot ka mera koi khas sapna nahi tha mere papa ne form bhar diya tha toh I went along with it and gave tests and interview and got in.

Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some advice from current cadets or Marine Engineer Officers. I’m 23 years old, a Portuguese citizen, and I’m currently living and working in Ireland in a manufacturing job. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (6.6 CGPA). I’m hoping someone can help me with a few questions:
Is becoming a Marine Engineer Officer a realistic goal with my background?
How do most people actually find sponsorships?
I’d really appreciate any advice from current cadets or Marine Engineer Officers. Thanks!