Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy: Salary, Jobs & How to Join in 2025

The Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy is the head of the engine department on a ship. He is the person in charge of all machinery — from the big main engine that moves the ship, to the generators, boilers, pumps, and electrical systems. This is one of the highest ranks in the Merchant Navy, offering great respect, big responsibilities, and a very high salary.

We will cover the career path, duties, salary, and job opportunities so that anyone can understand.

Who is the Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy?

The Chief Engineer is the senior-most engineer on a ship. He is the boss of the engine department and manages all engineers working under him. The team usually includes:

• Second Engineer – assists the Chief Engineer and looks after daily engine operations.
  
• Third Engineer – takes care of specific machinery like pumps and boilers.
  
• Fourth Engineer – responsible for machinery like purifiers and generators.
  
• Engine Cadets / Junior Engineers – beginners who are learning.
  

The Chief Engineer makes sure that every machine works properly so that the ship can complete its journey safely. If any machinery fails, it is his job to get it repaired quickly. 

Chief Engineer Eligibility Criteria in Merchant Navy

To become a chief engineer in the merchant navy, you need to work very hard and be consistent in your efforts. With that you need to have at least:

• Minimum sea service on ships of 750 kW or more is 36 months after class 4 CoC.
• This must include 12 months as 2nd Eng after obtaining MEO Class II.
• The period is reduced to 30 months if 12 months are served as Second Engineer on ships of 3000 kW or more.
• Completion of Advanced STCW Courses:
  • DECGS Course
  • MEO Class 1 Preparatory Course
  • Refresher Courses (If expired)

To check whether you are eligible to apply for the MEO Class 1 or not, you can check out our Chief Engineer Eligibility Calculator. 

How to Become a Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy?

Becoming a Chief Engineer takes time, training, and experience. Here is the simple step-by-step career path:

• To start, you must pass Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Usually, a minimum of 60% is required.
• After 12th, you must join:

• B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years), or
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) followed by marine training.
• Graduate in Marine Engineering(GME)

These courses teach you about ship machinery, engines, power systems, and technical operations.

• Many students get sponsorship from a shipping company before joining college or during training. This ensures that after your studies, you get a placement onboard a ship for training.
• After completing your course, you will work on a ship as Engine Cadet. During this period, you learn hands-on skills like machinery maintenance, fuel handling, and troubleshooting.
• Once your training is over, you must clear the Class 4 CoC. After passing, you officially become a 4th Engineer or 3rd Engineer.
• After sailing as a Fourth Engineer and then as a Third Engineer, you need to pass MEO Class II exam to get MEO Class II CoC and company approval with this you will be promoted to Second Engineer. This position gives you more responsibility and prepares you to become a Chief Engineer.
• After 12 months of sea time as a Second Engineer, you can go for the MEO Class 1 Preparatory Course and DECGS Course. This course includes advanced topics in marine engineering, electrical systems, machinery management, and leadership training.
• The final step is to clear the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam. This includes both written and oral exams. Once you pass, you become a Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy.

To learn more about the Chief Engineer Salary, Eligibility, and Exam Criteria, you can check out our free Chief Engineer Guidance Series.

Duties of Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy

The job of a Chief Engineer is not just about fixing engines. It is about managing the entire engine department and ensuring the ship can operate without problems.

Here are the main duties:

• Engine Room Operations – Running the main engine, generators, pumps, and all machinery.
• Supervising Engineers – Leading the engine team (2nd, 3rd, 4th Engineers).
• Maintenance and Repairs – Making sure all machinery is well-maintained and repaired on time.
• Fuel and Oil Management – Overseeing fuel consumption, lubricants, and record-keeping.
• Safety and Drills – Ensuring safety equipment like fire-fighting systems and life-saving appliances are always ready.
• Emergency Handling – If machinery breaks down, the Chief Engineer must solve the problem quickly.
• Environmental Compliance – Following pollution rules, managing waste, and controlling emissions.
• Documentation – Keeping daily logbooks, reports, and official records.

Salary of Chief Engineer in Merchant Navy (2025)

The Chief Engineer salary is among the highest in the shipping industry. The salary depends on the type of ship, company, and your experience.

Here’s the average salary in 2025:

Type of Ship	Salary per Month
Bulk Carrier	₹6,60,000 to ₹8,30,000
Oil/Chemical Tanker	₹7,80,000 to ₹14,00,000
Container Ship	₹7,00,000 to ₹11,00,000

Tax-Free Salary: If you stay outside India for more than 182 days in a year, your salary is usually not taxable in India, making this job even more attractive.

Chief Engineer Vacancy in Merchant Navy (2025)

Chief Engineers are always in demand. Every ship needs a qualified Chief Engineer, which makes this one of the most secure jobs in the Merchant Navy.

Big shipping companies hire Chief Engineers regularly, and many engineers switch companies for better salary and routes. Some also move into shore jobs after sea life, such as:

• Technical Superintendent
• Marine Surveyor
• Port Engineer

You can find Chief Engineer and all the other vacancies on:

• merchantnavydecodedjobs.com
  

Frequently Asked Questions about Chief Engineer Vacancy

Q1. What is the salary of a Chief Engineer?
Between ₹7,50,000 and ₹12,00,000 per month, depending on ship type and experience.

Q2. How do I become a Chief Engineer?
Pass Class 12th PCM → Do Marine Engineering → Gain sea experience → Pass CoC exams → Get promoted step by step → Become Chief Engineer.

Q3. How much sea time is needed?
At least 12 months as Second Engineer before applying for Chief Engineer exams.

Q4. What are the main duties of a Chief Engineer?
Running the engine room, supervising engineers, maintaining machinery, handling emergencies, and ensuring safety and pollution rules are followed.

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