2025 Updated Estimates
Merchant Navy Pay Scale
Comprehensive salary guide for Indian Officers on Foreign-Going (FG) vessels.
Salary Converter (@ ₹89)
USD
INR
| Rank | Bulk / Container | Tanker (Oil/Chem) | Gas (LPG/LNG) | Offshore (DP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Captain |
$8,500 - 11,500 ₹7.5L - 10.2L |
$11,500 - 15,500 ₹10.2L - 13.8L |
$14,000 - 18,500 ₹12.4L - 16.5L |
$12,000 - 18,000 ₹10.6L - 16.0L |
Chief Officer |
$6,000 - 8,200 ₹5.3L - 7.3L |
$8,500 - 11,500 ₹7.5L - 10.2L |
$10,500 - 14,000 ₹9.3L - 12.4L |
$7,000 - 12,000 ₹6.2L - 10.6L |
2nd Officer |
$2,800 - 4,200 ₹2.5L - 3.7L |
$3,800 - 5,200 ₹3.4L - 4.6L |
$4,500 - 6,000 ₹4.0L - 5.3L |
$3,000 - 5,000 ₹2.6L - 4.4L |
3rd Officer |
$2,200 - 3,500 ₹1.9L - 3.1L |
$3,000 - 4,200 ₹2.6L - 3.7L |
$3,800 - 5,200 ₹3.4L - 4.6L |
$2,500 - 4,000 ₹2.2L - 3.5L |
Deck Cadet |
$350 - 600 ₹31k - 53k |
$400 - 800 ₹35k - 71k |
$500 - 900 ₹44k - 80k |
$300 - 600 ₹26k - 53k |
| Rank | Bulk / Container | Tanker (Oil/Chem) | Gas (LPG/LNG) | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Engg |
$8,200 - 11,200 ₹7.3L - 9.9L |
$11,200 - 15,200 ₹9.9L - 13.5L |
$13,500 - 18,000 ₹12.0L - 16.0L |
$11,000 - 16,000 ₹9.8L - 14.2L |
2nd Engineer |
$6,000 - 8,200 ₹5.3L - 7.3L |
$8,500 - 11,500 ₹7.5L - 10.2L |
$10,500 - 14,000 ₹9.3L - 12.4L |
$7,000 - 12,000 ₹6.2L - 10.6L |
3rd Engineer |
$2,800 - 4,200 ₹2.5L - 3.7L |
$3,800 - 5,200 ₹3.4L - 4.6L |
$4,500 - 6,000 ₹4.0L - 5.3L |
$3,000 - 5,000 ₹2.6L - 4.4L |
4th Engineer |
$2,200 - 3,500 ₹1.9L - 3.1L |
$3,000 - 4,200 ₹2.6L - 3.7L |
$3,800 - 5,200 ₹3.4L - 4.6L |
$2,500 - 4,000 ₹2.2L - 3.5L |
Engine Cadet |
$350 - 600 ₹31k - 53k |
$400 - 800 ₹35k - 71k |
$500 - 900 ₹44k - 80k |
$300 - 600 ₹26k - 53k |
| Rank | Bulk / Container | Tanker | Gas (LPG/LNG) |
|---|---|---|---|
ETO |
$4,500 - 6,500 |
$5,500 - 8,000 |
$7,000 - 10,000 |
Bosun |
$1,600 - 2,200 |
$1,900 - 2,800 |
$2,200 - 3,200 |
AB / Oiler |
$1,200 - 1,600 |
$1,400 - 1,900 |
$1,600 - 2,200 |
OS / Wiper |
$800 - 1,100 |
$1,000 - 1,300 |
$1,100 - 1,500 |
Year 0-1
Deck/Engine Cadet
Stipend: $350 - $800 / mo
Pre-sea training completed. Onboard training (12-18 months). Completion of TAR book.
Year 2-4
Junior Officer / Engineer
Salary: $2,200 - $4,200 / mo
Post COC exams. First responsible rank (3rd Officer / 4th Engineer). Income becomes tax-free (NRI status).
Year 5-9
Senior Watchkeeper
Salary: $3,800 - $6,000 / mo
2nd Officer / 3rd Engineer. High responsibility. Preparation for Management Level exams (Chief Mate/2nd Engg).
Year 10-14
Management Level
Salary: $6,000 - $11,500 / mo
Chief Officer / 2nd Engineer. Executive leadership role. Huge jump in salary and administrative duties.
Year 15+
Captain / Chief Engineer
Salary: $9,000 - $18,000+ / mo
The peak of the career. Salary heavily dependent on vessel type (Gas/Tanker pays highest).
⚠️ Disclaimer: These figures are estimates based on 2024-2025 market trends for Indian officers on Foreign-Going (FG) vessels. Actual salaries vary by company, vessel age, union agreements (CBA), and experience. Values are in USD with an approximate INR conversion rate of ₹89.