Merchant Navy Salaries 2025: Exams, Benefits, And More

Like any profession, a career in the Merchant Navy comes with its own set of unique challenges. While the high salary, international travel, and adventure appeal to many, it’s important to understand the demanding side of life at sea.

1. Long Periods Away from Home

One of the biggest challenges is the long duration at sea, often lasting between 4 to 9 months, depending on your rank and company policies. This extended separation can lead to:

• Homesickness and loneliness
  
  
• Missing important family events (birthdays, festivals, weddings, etc.)
  
  
• Difficulty maintaining relationships or starting a family
  
  
• Limited internet or communication access in some regions
  

2. Physically Demanding Work

Life aboard a ship is not a 9-to-5 job. Depending on your role (deck, engine, or catering), you may have to:

• Work long shifts, including night watches
  
  
• Perform tasks in harsh conditions like extreme heat, cold, or rough seas
  
  
• Handle heavy equipment or emergency drills
  
  
• Deal with oil, grease, or other hazardous materials
  
  

3. Strict Discipline and Regulations

Ships operate under strict international maritime laws and safety regulations. There is a strong culture of discipline, where:

• Punctuality and order must be maintained
  
  
• Chain of command must be respected
  
  
• Alcohol consumption is often restricted or banned
  
  
• Safety protocols and regular drills are mandatory

4. Risk of Bad Weather and Natural Hazards

Seafarers must be prepared to face challenging weather conditions, including:

• Violent storms and cyclones
  
  
• High waves and rough seas
  
  
• Icebergs or extreme cold in polar routes
  
  
• Mechanical failures during adverse weather

5. Threat of Piracy and Security Risks

In some parts of the world, especially around the Gulf of Aden, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, piracy and armed robbery remain real threats. Merchant ships sometimes:

• Have to take longer, safer routes
  
  
• Employ armed security personnel
  
  
• Sail under strict vigilance

While companies take every measure to ensure safety, the potential for danger can never be fully ruled out.

6. Limited Medical Help Onboard

While ships do carry basic medical supplies and have trained personnel for first aid, advanced medical facilities are unavailable. In case of serious illness or injury:

• Treatment must wait until the next port
  
  
• Medical evacuation may be needed (and can be delayed based on location)
  
  
• Psychological health support is also limited onboard
  
  

This makes maintaining physical and mental health even more important.

7. Isolation and Mental Health

Life at sea can be isolating. Limited crew members, repetitive routines, and time zone shifts can lead to:

• Anxiety and depression
  
  
• Sleep disorders due to watch rotations
  
  
• A sense of detachment from the world
  
  

Many companies are now focusing on mental wellness programs, but challenges still persist.

8. Career Progression Requires Exams and Sea-Time

Unlike shore jobs where promotions might be based on performance alone, in the merchant navy, promotions are tied to sea-time and passing competency exams. This means:

• You need to spend a minimum number of months at sea
  
  
• Study hard and pass government-regulated exams
  
  
• Sometimes wait long periods between contracts, delaying career progress

That said, technology has made these ships safer and more comfortable now.