How to Become Captain in Merchant Navy?
Today we will be discussing how to become a captain or chief engineer in 8-10 years. Nowadays it is the question of every young person who is willing to join the merchant navy. So here are a few examples and a few join which will help you to become a captain in the merchant navy fast.
1. Join a shipping company where the waiting period is very less.
Joining a company with less waiting period will help you to get ships very fast and complete your sea time by which you can give your promotional exams very fast. I still remember my sailing with Searland when I started my career initially and a moment come when my company was selling their ships. Suddenly, the waiting period increased to 8 months and somewhere I knew that I will not survive here and immediately I switched over my company because I knew if I will stay there it will directly affect my career. So never keep that laid-back attitude in you. Be true to your profession not to the shipping company. So always join a company which has less waiting period.
2. Focus on your exams
Initially what you can do is as soon as your cadetship is completed give 2nd mates or Class 4 exams. Make sure you clear it on the first or second attempt because on each attempt you are wasting you are losing a lot of important things i.e. time and money.
For every attempt, you fail, you directly lose 2 months and 2 months’ salary is 3-4 lakhs so you’ll be losing a lot of money. So always prepare as hard as possible. Clearing exams on the first attempt can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the right approach and mindset, you can increase your chances of success. I know many people who have followed this mindset and today they are very successful.
Create a study plan, stay organized, practice and revise regularly, focus on the exam format, manage stress, and seek help if needed. Remember to stay positive, confident, and motivated. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed in any exam.
3. Appraisal on Ship
An appraisal is a valuable tool for career development and provides feedback on your work performance, strengths, and areas for improvement.
If you perform well on the ship you get good appraisals onboard and your chances of getting a ship become easy so your waiting period reduces also the most important thing is your chances of getting promoted become easy as well.
Today the kind of market scenario which is going on in this Appraisal matters a lot. Less waiting period matters a lot. Clear your exams as early as possible that matters. Remember to take the feedback positively and use it as a tool to improve your skills and advance your career.
Every career has got a pyramid maximum rush is going to be at the lower ranks and the minimum rush is at the higher ranks. So, try to come out of this rush as early as possible. Try to become merchant navy captain from a Deck cadet. Come up as fast as you can do
4. Don’t take heavy loans in the initial phase of your career.
It’s crucial to be cautious when taking out loans, especially in the early stages of your career. Limited income, lack of financial stability, opportunity cost, high-interest rates, and future planning are all factors to consider. It’s essential to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of taking on debt and ensure that you have a solid plan for repayment.
I remember one of my friend who took a home loan of 1cr for a flat when he was a 3rd engineer. Now he has to sail continuously because he had to pay the EMIs of the Bank and because of these EMIs he was not able to give exams. So, if you see in the long run he was at the loss. If you want to take heavy loans do that when you become a Chief Officer i.e. when your salary increases, and you can repay the bulk amount asap.
Conclusion
Becoming a captain or chief engineer in the merchant navy requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach to your career. By joining a shipping company with a low waiting period, focusing on your exams, performing well on the ship, avoiding heavy loans in the initial phase of your career, building relationships and networking with industry professionals, and continuing your education and skill development, you can fast-track your path to to become a Merchant Navy Captain. Remember to stay motivated, optimistic, and persistent in the pursuit of your career goals, and success will surely follow.
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