Indian Navy V/S Merchant Navy – What is the difference?
WHY THE CONFUSION?
Hello everyone, my name is Rishabh Sinha and I am a Trainee Navigating Officer Cadet in Merchant navy in the SHIPPING CORPORATION OF INDIA(SCI).
As the founder of Leaearns, a dedicated career counseling company focusing on careers in defense and the Merchant Navy, I am passionate about guiding our youth towards informed career choices. It’s disheartening to see that many young people aren’t aware of the critical distinctions between the Merchant Navy and the Indian Navy, often perceiving them as the same.
This lack of clarity can hinder individuals from exploring fulfilling paths that align with their interests and ambitions. Both fields serve unique and invaluable roles – the Merchant Navy in international trade and the Indian Navy in national defense and security. Leaearns is here to address these gaps, offering insights and guidance so that today’s youth can make empowered choices with confidence.
Today, let’s clear all your doubts and bring clarity to the paths that can lead to extraordinary careers in both the Merchant Navy and the Indian Navy.
OWNERSHIP-GOVERNMENT,PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
- Private Company: Owned by private individuals, groups, or non-government organizations. The shareholders are typically limited in number and include private investors, founders, or family members.
- Public Company: Owned by shareholders who can be anyone in the public, as shares are traded on public stock exchanges. This allows the general public to invest and own part of the company.
- Government Company: Majority-owned (51% or more) by the government. The government controls the operations, management, and policies. These companies often aim to serve public interests and provide essential services.
MERCHANT NAVY?
The Merchant Navy is not a government entity; rather, it encompasses a network of private and public sector shipping companies that operate commercial vessels. These companies, both Indian and international, own and manage ships that transport goods, passengers, and other cargo across global trade routes. While the government oversees and regulates the Merchant Navy through maritime laws and standards, the ships and operations are primarily privately owned and run for profit.
India has government-owned shipping companies, such as the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), which is a public sector undertaking under government control. However, the majority of merchant vessels are privately owned by companies involved in global shipping and trade.
SHIPPING CORPORATION OF INDIA(SCI)
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is a government owned public sector company. It was established in 1961 and is majority-owned by the Government of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Although SCI operates as a commercial entity, it primarily serves national interests in maritime transportation and trade.
Historically, the Indian government has maintained control over SCI, given its strategic importance in maritime logistics, energy transportation, and international trade. However, there have been discussions and moves toward partial divestment, aiming to reduce government ownership and invite private investment while retaining strategic control.
SOME EXAMPLES OF GOVERNMENT OWNED PUBLIC SECTOR COMPANY.
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is a government-owned public sector company in India. It is one of the largest steel-producing companies and operates under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. The government holds a majority stake in SAIL, giving it significant control over the company’s operations.
While it’s classified as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), some shares are traded on public stock exchanges, making it a publicly listed company as well. This means that while the government owns a controlling stake, individual and institutional investors can also buy shares, aligning SAIL with both government and public investment objectives.
INDIAN NAVY?
The Indian Navy is fully owned and operated by the Government of India and does not have a shareholding structure like corporations. It is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces, directly funded by the Ministry of Defence, and managed under the guidance of the Government of India. As a governmental entity, the Indian Navy’s financial resources come from the national defense budget, not through public or private investments.
Being a defense institution, the Indian Navy serves national interests in maritime defense and security rather than operating for profit or commercial purposes.
INFORMATION
COURSES FOR JOINING
| Merchant Navy | |
| Deck Officer – DNS & BSC in Nautical Science | |
| Engine Officer – BTech in Marine Engineering, GME & DME | |
| Electrical Officer – B.Tech in Electrical or B.Tech in Electrical Communication | |
| For GP Rating – Do it after 10th |
| Indian Navy | |
| Join NDA for 3 years | |
| 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme: | |
| Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) | |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination: University Entry Scheme (UES) |
The courses required for joining the two sectors also differ. To become a deck officer in the Merchant Navy, one can pursue DNS and BSC Nautical Science courses and for engine officers, one can do B. Tech Marine Engineering, GME, or DME courses. For ETO, one can pursue a B.Tech in Electrical or B.Tech in Electrical Communication. For GP rating, one can join after completing 10th standard. On the other hand, for the Indian Navy, one has to undergo a three-year course after NDA and then a one-year course at Kerala.
INFORMATION
SALARY AND PROMOTION
The promotion and salary structures also differ greatly between the two sectors. After completing the necessary courses and exams, one becomes a 3rd officer in the Merchant Navy with a salary of around 1.5 lakhs per month. However, in the Indian Navy, one starts as a lieutenant with a salary of 70-80 thousand per month. After around 10-12 years in the Merchant Navy, one can become a captain with a salary of around 8-10 lakhs per month. In the Indian Navy, it takes around 25 years of service to become the chief of army staff, with a salary of around 2-2.5 lakhs per month. While there is a significant difference in terms of salary between the two sectors, it is important to consider the challenges that each sector presents.
AS PER MY OPINION SALARY SHOULD NOT BE THE PRIMARY DECISION TO JOIN SOMETHING FIRST NEED TO EVALUATE THE WORK IS SUITABLE OR NOT.
