An Early Financial Independence :
Young seafarers are paid quite well in US dollars which are comparatively higher than their fellows onshore in other industries. Most shipping companies offer excellent packages, incentives, and benefits right from the start of your career that is comparable to or superior to any other industry in the world. The cost of joining, travel and flights at the time of sign-on and sign-off is paid by the company itself, apart from the high income which you get in Merchant Navy. Hence young seafarers get early financial independence in Merchant Navy.
Long Vacations :
Since the profession of the Merchant Navy requires long working hours, the vacations offered to the professionals of the Merchant Navy are equally compensatory. Long vacations in Merchant Navy is definitely a privilege for seafarers. They themselves decide their availability for the next contract. This allows seafarers to enjoy the best of both worlds: land and water. A vacation of more than 3-4 months is definitely long enough to relax and indulge in all your passions, isn’t it? The vacation a sailor gets is in its purest form, there is absolutely no job stress while a sailor is at home and you can fully enjoy time with his family or pursue his/her passion. The people with enthusiasm to work hard and a will to live well should look for a career in the Merchantile Marine. It would be satisfying without the person experiencing any remorse in their chosen profession.
Enhanced Discipline and Professionalism :
A profession like a Merchant Navy gets you to work with different nationalities onboard which enhances the sense of adaptability and professionalism in seafarers. This also helps the individual understand and function better as a team player while learning the importance of different cultures and traditions. Merchant mariners must have good communication skills, along with the observance and maintenance of a high level of discipline. While working onboard, a person develops professionally and personally. This professionalism goes hand in hand with great responsibility towards the ship and its crew.
Tax Free Income :
A sailor’s income is taxed on the basis of his state of residence.
1. Resident Seafarers Income Tax:
The salary of resident seafarers or Merchant Marine personnel are taxed under the Income Tax Act of India. There are no income tax exemptions for seafarers.
2. Non-resident seafarers income tax (NRI status):
If a ship’s crew member works outside India for 183 days or more during the tax year according to his CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) or passport, his residency status will change to a non-resident sailor. The foreign salary of a non-resident seafarer/Merchant Marine personnel is not taxable in India. Hence Indian seafarers can have a tax-free income in Merchant Navy.
Adventure and Travel Opportunities :
This job is very adventurous since you can travel to different parts of the world. You could travel to almost any corner of the world without having to pay money out of your pocket. Other routine jobs in different sectors require people to work hard with very little time to roam freely around the world.
People who like nine to five jobs shouldn’t join the Merchant Navy. Commercial mariners can spend days exploring and seeing magnificent ocean views that soothing like none other. People spend hundreds of thousands of rupees on cruises to travel and you would do it for free because of your work profile.
Uniform and Respect :
It takes years of discipline, hard work, dedication, and work ethics for a maritime professional to become worthy of wearing the prestigious Merchant Navy uniform. These stylish uniforms not only fascinate the industry, but also those who have no idea what defines these maritime professionals. For some, the uniform is not just two pieces of clothing, but an experience, an achievement, and an attachment to an industry that made them what they are today. It is true that many young people dream of naval uniforms. However, you have to work hard to earn this privilege. Thus a uniformed job like the merchant navy helps you earn pride and dignity.
Temporary Seniors and Colleagues :
In a profession like Merchant Navy, where you work on a contractual basis, you work with different seniors in every contract. For deck crew, their captain would not be their permanent boss. Similarly, for the engine crew, their chief engineer would change in every contract or mid-sail. Here, in Merchant Navy you just have to bear a bad boss for a contract, chances are you won’t have to work under the same seniors again. On the other hand, if you are sailing with a good Chief Engineer or a Captain, unfortunately, he will also change in a few months.