IKON
Captain Radhika Menon, the first woman captain of the Indian Merchant Navy, will be honored with the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, according to a government announcement.
Captain Menon, master of the oil products tanker Sampurna Swarajya, will receive the 2016 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Award for her heroic rescue of seven fishermen from a sinking boat in the Bay of Bengal in June of the previous year. The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for maritime safety, security, and the prevention of marine pollution.
According to the shipping ministry, Captain Menon was nominated by the Government of India for her bravery in rescuing all seven fishermen from the fishing boat Durgamma. The boat had lost its engine power and anchor and was adrift in severe weather conditions. The fishermen, who had lost their food and water to the storm, were surviving on ice from the boat’s cold storage.
On June 22, despite wave heights exceeding 25 feet, winds over 60 knots, and heavy rain, the second officer on the Sampurna Swarajya spotted the distressed boat 2.5 kilometers off the coast of Gopalpur, Odisha. Captain Menon immediately initiated a rescue operation, deploying the pilot ladder and preparing life jackets and buoys.
After three challenging attempts amid fierce winds, rain, and heavy swells, all seven fishermen—ranging in age from 15 to 50 years—were successfully brought aboard the ship and brought to safety.
What is the job all about?
• Captain: The Captain and their crew are responsible for navigating the ship to its designated destination. They ensure the vessel’s safe and efficient journey.
• Chief Engineer: The Chief Engineer and their team handle the maintenance and smooth operation of the ship’s machinery and systems.
• Radio and Wireless Team: This team maintains communication with external parties, ensuring continuous contact with the world.
• Seamen: Reporting to the Chief Engineer, seamen are involved in the maintenance and cleaning of the ship.
• Catering Team: The Catering Team is responsible for preparing and managing meals for the crew on board.
Types of Jobs on the Ship
• Captain of the Ship: Progress through ranks starting as a Deck Officer. The typical path is Third Officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer, and ultimately, Captain of the Ship.
• Chief Engineer: Begin as a Cadet, then advance through the ranks of 4th Engineer, 3rd Engineer, 2nd Engineer, and finally, Chief Engineer.
• Radio & Wireless Communications: Manage and maintain communications systems on the ship.
• Seamen: Work in various roles including on the deck or in the engine room.
• Catering/Allied Services: Handle food preparation and other support services for the crew.
Can you go for it?
Depending on your abilities and interests, you can aim for any of the above roles.
On Indian Vessels: The remuneration might not be as high compared to foreign vessels. However, working on foreign vessels often involves extended periods at sea. It’s essential to consider this aspect, especially if you have a family or plan to start one.
1. Captain of the Ship
To pursue a career as a ship captain, follow these steps:
1. Education Requirements:
• Complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
• Ensure you are physically fit and have excellent eyesight.
2. Admission to Degree Courses:
• Admissions for degree courses in nautical science are managed by the Indian Maritime University (IMU). Key institutes include T.S. Chanakya in Navi Mumbai, the National Maritime Academy in Chennai, and the IMU-Visakhapatnam Campus. You can find more information here: IMU Admission – www.imu.edu.in
3. Program Details:
• The Navigation Program, leading to a B.Sc. Degree in Nautical Science from Bombay University, has 90 seats available.
4. Training and Promotion:
• Promotion through the ranks requires passing competency exams conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport.
• Each phase of training takes approximately 18 months.
• With successful completion of all exams and required service periods, you could become a captain around the age of 28.
2. Chief Engineer
To become a Chief Engineer, follow these steps:
1. Education Requirements:
• Consider studying at the Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI) in Bombay or Calcutta for a 4-year program. There are 120 seats available.
• Alternatively, you can enroll at the Indian Maritime Institute (IMI) in Chennai.
2. Career Progression:
• Begin as a 4th Engineer or Junior Engineer.
• Progress to 3rd Engineer, then 2nd Engineer, and finally Chief Engineer.
3. Admission and Applications:
• Apply online through the Indian Maritime University (IMU), which administers all maritime programs in India, including those at MERI Mumbai, MERI Kolkata, the National Maritime Academy in Chennai, and IMU Visakhapatnam Campus. For more details, visit: IMU Admission – www.imu.edu.in
• Additional details can be found at APM Singapore – www.apmaritime.com
4. Popular Programs:
• The IMI Chennai program is well-regarded and approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, India. It has a tie-up with A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, which recruits and sponsors 250 candidates each year. The program includes both academic and practical seamanship training, with a focus on character development.
• The curriculum includes modular courses such as PST, BFF, PSSR, and Elementary First Aid (approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India).
5. Eligibility Criteria:
• Minimum marks: 60% individually.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
• Age: Maximum 20 years, or 22 years for graduates.
• Vision: 6/6 without aids.
6. Alternative Pathway:
• You can also pursue a Two-Year Pre-Sea Training Course in Marine Engineering at the Institute of Maritime Studies, I.S.B.T. Complex, Bogda, Vasco da Gama, Goa. More details are available on IMS Goa – www.imsgoa.org
• Eligibility: Diploma in Mechanical/Shipbuilding/Electrical/Marine Engineering/Naval Architecture with at least 55% marks and age not exceeding 22 years.
• The program is residential, with 25 seats available. The annual fee is Rs. 1,52,500, payable in installments.
7. Other Options:
• Consider other institutes or companies offering similar training, such as Tolani Shipping or the Shipping Corporation of India.
Alternate Training Scheme for Marine Engineers
The Directorate General of Shipping has approved an Alternate Training Scheme for Marine Engineers offered by Don Bosco Maritime Academy in Kurla, Mumbai. This program is designed for Engineer/Officers in Charge of a Watch. For more details, visit the Don Bosco Maritime Academy website – www.dbma.in
The course is very intensive and requires hard work and serious study. Only those students who are genuinely interested in Marine Engineering as a career should apply.
The Alternate Training Scheme is divided into five phases:
Phase 1: One year of training at the academy.
Phase 2: Nine months of training on board seagoing ships as Engineer Cadets.
Phase 3: Approximately 12 months of additional training at the academy, covering all subjects as per the syllabus from Modules 19 to 30. Engineer Cadets must pass the examination conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), which covers subjects included in the Class IV, Part ‘A’ Examination.
Phase 4: Six months of seagoing service as Assistant Engineer Officer on Watch.
Phase 5: Three months of preparatory courses, including Engine Room Simulator, Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSC), and Medical First Aid.
After completing these phases, Engineer Officers must pass the Class IV, Part ‘B’ examination before returning to roles such as Assistant Engineer or Engineer Officer on Watch.
Additional Information
• The ATS course is a certificate program, not a degree or diploma. It is recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping and qualifies candidates for the Class IV Part Examination of Competency conducted by the Mercantile Marine Department.
• Salary Levels: Starting salaries on Indian ships range from ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per month. With experience and expertise, salaries can exceed ₹1 lakh per month.
3. Radio Officer
A Radio Officer is responsible for managing and maintaining communications equipment on board. They also handle tasks related to examining the underwater parts of the ship, conducting nautical surveys, and preparing charts.
• Education: Complete 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• Training: Pursue a 3-year training program at a marine institution. Alternatively, complete initial training as described for Captains or Marine Engineers.
4. Seamen i.e. At the Deck, Engine Room.
Seamen are junior-level positions on ships for those who prefer not to pursue further studies. Their duties vary depending on their area of work:
• Engine Room: Responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of the engine room, performing routine tasks such as oiling and greasing machinery, and assisting officers in monitoring and ensuring the safe operation of the main plant and auxiliary equipment. With experience, they help with repairs and maintenance of onboard machinery.
• Deck: Duties involve chipping rust, painting, cleaning, sweeping, and polishing. Seamen are also involved in loading and unloading cargo.
Educational Requirements:
Pass Standard X with a minimum of 40% overall and 40% in English. Alternatively, complete a government-approved ITI course in engineering trades with a minimum of 50% overall marks in the final year and 40% in English in Standard X.
Age:
17 to 19 years.
Physical Requirements:
Eye Sight: 6/6 in both eyes.
Height: Minimum 5 ft. 2 inches (158 cm).
Weight: Minimum 50 kg.
Training and Institutes:
• NUSI Maritime Academy, Chinchinim, Goa: Offers General Purpose (GP) and Catering programs.
Fees: ₹70,000 for GP and ₹65,000 for Catering.
For more details, visit NUSI Maritime Academy: www.nusiacademy.edu.in
Application form and CET Brochure is on website: www.seafarers.edu.in
• Sea Scan Maritime Academy, Airport Road, Chicalim, Goa.
• Agnel Maritime Academy, Verna, Goa.
Career Progression:
• GP (General Purpose) Program: Trains students for roles both in the engine room and on the deck.
• Engine Room: Starts as an Ordinary Seaman (OS), progresses to Able Bodied Seaman (ABS), Wiper, Motorman, and eventually to Bosun or Supervisor with experience and merit.
• Deck: Begins as an Ordinary Seaman (OS), advances to Able Bodied Seaman (ABS), and then to supervisory roles such as Bosun or Supervisor.
5. Catering & Allied Services
• Junior Catering Jobs: Responsible for maintaining cleanliness in accommodation areas, assisting the cook with meal preparation, cleaning galleys and cooking utensils, serving meals to officers and crew, and managing the storage of the ship’s consumable supplies.
• Senior Catering Jobs: Opportunities include positions such as Chef, Cook, or Baker. These roles require at least one year of formal training from a recognized catering institute. Senior positions offer potential for career advancement and promotions, unlike junior roles.
Documentation:
• Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC): Essential for all crew members. Issued by the Directorate of Shipping after satisfactory completion of training and examinations conducted by the academy. The CDC is issued by the Shipping Master in Mumbai, who verifies the Academy Certificate, Qualification Certificate, and Medical Certificate.
Employment Avenues:
• Many training institutions have partnerships with major shipping companies, which conduct campus interviews for recruitment. Jobs are generally accessible, as foreign companies often prefer Indian crew for their diligence and work ethic.
Salary:
• Ordinary Seamen: Salary is approximately ₹14,000 per month. On foreign vessels, this can rise to around USD 700 per month.
• Promotions: With career progression, salaries can increase to approximately ₹16,000 per month or USD 1,200 per month.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government jobs: please check : www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024