The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which is associated with transporting cargo and passengers by sea. The Merchant Navy fleet includes cargo ships, container ships, barge carrying ships, oil tankers, gas tankers, bulk carriers, refrigerator ships, passenger ships as well as roll off/roll on ships. The ownership of these merchant vessels could be by the government (national shipping) or by private shipping companies.

This process of transporting passengers and cargo on the merchant vessels across the globe requires a set of qualified, well trained and competent seafarers. Besides safely navigating these ships on the high seas, these seafarers also ensure that the cargo is loaded, stowed, cared for and discharged as per the internationally accepted procedures and norms and under the strict compliance of various regulations.

The Merchant Navy offers a career like no other. Not only does it offer excellent remuneration and promotional opportunities, but also tremendous scope for adventure and travel. A qualified seafarer is eligible to take up a sea going career with either national shipping companies or international shipping companies (both public sector and privately owned).

The commercial purpose of the fleet offers lucrative openings for Officers and General Purpose Ratings.