If you’re looking for a career path where you’re guaranteed a life of excitement, the merchant navy might be the right place for you. It’s a life that’s guaranteed to give you adventure. It’s also a great gateway to professionalism and a way to join a thriving industry. There’s nothing wrong with joining the merchant navy.
When it comes to Indonesia, it’s a country rich with maritime heritage. So, when a citizen decides to become a part of its maritime community, it’s probably the best step he/she could’ve taken. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t an easy journey. It takes determination and a strong will. If you believe you have what it takes, then keep reading!
Understanding the Merchant Navy:
The Merchant Navy plays a critical role in the world’s global trade. It ensures that goods are transported all over the world. This allows such goods to reach their destination hassle-free. It can also be used to transport sensitive goods and classified cargo. Its importance just cannot be understated. It also works with passengers as well.
Indonesia plays a particularly vital role in the maritime industry. It has an extensive coastline and a strategic location on the world map. This allows its merchant navy to play a crucial role in its maritime industry. The merchant navy has a plethora of vessels. These vessels range from cargo ships and tankers, all the way to cruise liners and offshore vessels.
Qualifications and Eligibility:
It’s not just fun and games when you’re trying to join the merchant navy. You have to have a certain set of qualifications to be able to join the industry successfully. Alongside general qualifications, there are job-specific requirements as well. Different roles in the industry require different pre-requisite skills.
Educational qualifications:
If you’re chasing after an entry-level position in the maritime industry, you really don’t need much in this department. A high school diploma should suit you just fine. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll be starting from rock bottom. If candidates want to achieve officer-level positions, they’re probably going to have to complete a degree program in maritime studies.
Physical requirements:
It’s also worth noting that you can’t just be all brains and no brawns. You need to have a certain physique to be able to cut in this industry. Life at sea can be very physically demanding. This is why all candidates are screened and have to undergo several physical examinations. This separates the cream of the crop from the rest.
Age requirements:
This one is a no-brainer. As with every job out there, there are minimum age requirements to be able to join the industry. When it comes to the merchant navy, you’re going to have to be at least 17 or 18 years old. The age requirements vary between positions, though this is a minimum requirement for entering the industry itself.
Language proficiency:
When it comes to language proficiency, there are certain requirements that candidates are going to have to fulfill. Having a certain level of mastery over the English language is absolutely vital. You can’t just treat it like a fluke either. Candidates often have to prove their level of proficiency via standardized tests. These tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Training and Certification:
Now that you’ve understood the general requirements, it’s time to move on to training and certification. This is a whole new beast. Different institutions provide you with different avenues to join the industry. All in all, you must go through with these as these will help you kickstart your career in the merchant navy.
Maritime Education Institutes:
Indonesia has no shortage of maritime education institutes. If you’re looking for a place to learn the ropes, they have you covered. These institutes offer a plethora of courses that train you for almost every job prospect in the merchant navy. These courses are specifically tailored to meet the needs of aspiring seafarers.
These institutes provide all manner of knowledge and training. Whether you’re looking for practical training or theoretical knowledge, these institutes will have your back. It’s all about doing your research and selecting the right courses and institute. As long as you do your homework, you should be well on your way to a successful career in the merchant navy.
Basic safety training:
Basic safety training is essential for a career in the merchant navy. While on the sea, there are a plethora of problems that you might end up facing. Everything from being stranded at sea to putting out fires on your vessels. You will know exactly what to do if you’re ever faced with such a situation, as a result of this training.
STCW certification:
This stands for the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. This convention sets the standards for all international trade in the maritime industry. All aspiring candidates must obtain a certification. They can be trained under the required policies for following rules in the merchant navy. The merchant navy is allowed to train for the required policies and rules. They are required to be trained under these policies by the merchant navy.
Cadetship programs:
A lot of shipping companies offer these programs. If you’re an aspiring officer in need of guidance, look for a program to help you. This will provide you with some structured training and a way forward. It also provides you with some much-needed mentorship and sea-going experience.
Outro:
As you can tell, joining the merchant navy in Indonesia is a worthwhile career to pursue. However, as we’ve already mentioned, it’s not as easy as you might think. You must follow the guidelines mentioned above. With that said, you should be set to become the next big thing in the merchant navy.
You will need to go through rigorous training. In the long run, it will all be worth it. The merchant navy can set you up for a long and successful career. Indonesia is constantly working on strengthening its maritime sector. As history suggests, the merchant navy has always been and will always be a cornerstone of the nation’s heritage.
