Chief Officer in Merchant Navy – Salary, Jobs & How to Join in 2025

The Chief Officer in the Merchant Navy is the second highest rank in the Deck Department of Merchant Navy after the Master or Captain. The Chief Officer is responsible for maintaining the ship’s stability, worthiness, loading and discharging of the ship. So, we can say that a Chief Officer is responsible for keeping the ship afloat in the toughest condition. Even at the time of loading operation, he is the one responsible for the completion of the loading and discharging safely. 

Eligibility Criteria for Chief Officer

To become a Chief Officer in the Merchant Navy, you have to pass a series of tests and rise the rank from the lowest rank i.e. Deck Cadet. Let’s check the eligibility criteria to become a Chief Officer. 

• You must have 2nd Mate CoC to be eligible for Chief Officer. 
• Chief Officer Exams are conducted in 2 phases:
  • Chief Mate Phase 1
  • Chief Mate Phase 2
• You need to have at least 9 months sea time after getting 2nd Mate CoC for Chief Mate Phase 1. 
• For chief mate phase 2, you need to get at least 18 months of sea time after getting your 2nd mate coc. 
• You must have this sea time on ships greater than 500 GRT. 

How to Become a Chief Officer in 2025?

To become a Chief Officer you need to become a second officer first.
Click Here to learn about how to become a 2nd Officer in the Merchant Navy? 

• After passing class 12th with PCM, you need to apply for sponsorship and then a Diploma in Nautical Science or BSc in Nautical Science. 
• After completing the necessary sea time, you need to apply for 2nd mate coc. 
• Once you get 9 and 18 months seatime after your 2nd mate coc, then you can apply for the Chief Mate Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively. 

Chief Officer Phase 1 Exam

• Must hold a valid 2nd Mate CoC.
• Must have sailed on a vessel of 500 GT or above.
• Require at least 9 months’ sea time as a navigational officer after obtaining the 2nd Mate CoC.
• Must complete a 320-hour post-sea training programme before applying for the exam.
• A 40-hour STCW 1995 to STCW 2010 upgrade course can be taken along with the Phase 1 module.
• Candidates failing their internal exam will not receive any completion certificate.

Course Duration for Chief Officer Phase 1

• Total of 320 teaching hours.
• 30 hours of classes per week.
• 1 week allocated for Phase 1 exam assessment.
• 1 week reserved for holidays.

Chief Officer Phase 2 Exam

• Must hold a valid 2nd Mate CoC.
• Must have served on a vessel of 500 GT or above.
• Require at least 18 months’ sea service as a navigational officer after obtaining the 2nd Mate CoC.
• Must complete a 270-hour post-sea training course before applying for the exam. 
• Candidates failing their internal assessment will not be issued a course completion certificate. 

Course Duration for Chief Officer Phase 2

• Total of 270 teaching hours.
• 30 hours of classes per week.
• 1 week allocated for Phase 2 exam assessment.
• 0.5 week reserved for holidays.

To learn more about Chief Officer exam, eligibility, course fees, STCW courses required, check out our Chief Officer Free Guidance Series

Chief Officer Eligibility Calculator

To become a chief officer, you need to clear the eligibility criteria. It can be confusing to find the required sea time, and in which ship you need this sea time on. So, considering all these factors Merchant Navy Decoded has launched a Chief Officer Eligibility Calculator so that you can check whether you are eligible to become a Chief Officer or not. 

Chief Officer Job

Chief Officer although is the second in command of the whole ship but some main areas of responsibility for a chief officer are:

• Safety
• Navigation
• Environmental Compliance
• Cargo Operations
• Efficient Vessel Operations

Duties of a Chief Officer

• Acts as the Safety Officer when assigned by the Master.
• Oversees all deck preparations before the vessel’s arrival at port.
• Supervises the correct execution of mooring and unmooring procedures.
• Ensures all hull openings that could allow water entry are properly secured.
• Conducts searches for stowaways and illegal substances.
• Maintains SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan) equipment.

Chief Officer Salary in 2025

The Chief Officer is the second-highest authority on the vessel, ranking just below the Captain. They are responsible for overseeing deck maintenance and ensuring the well-being of the ship’s crew. Additionally, the Chief Officer serves as the supervising officer for deck cadets.

Factor Affecting Chief Officer Salary

Factors Affecting Chief Officer’s Salary

• Work Experience 
• Type of Vessel 
• Nature of the Company – whether it is an ownership company or a management company

The salary of a Chief Officer is determined by considering all three of these factors.

Chief Officer Salary in Dry Cargo or Bulk Carrier

• The monthly salary of a Chief Officer serving on a dry cargo vessel typically begins at around ₹5,70,000 and can go up to ₹8,00,000.
• These amounts may vary depending on the company and the professional experience of the Chief Officer.

Chief Officer Salary in Oil Chemical and Gas Tanker

• Chief Officers on tanker vessels earn more than those on dry bulk ships due to higher risks and safety demands.
• Monthly salaries typically range from ₹7,00,000 to ₹10,00,000, with LPG and LNG carriers often offering even higher pay.

NRI Tax Benefit

Most Merchant Navy officers, including Chief Officers, are eligible for tax-free income if they spend more than 182 days outside India in a financial year, qualifying as NRI.

Chief Officer Salary Based on Different Ships

Type Of Ship	Chief Officer Salary.
LNG Carrier	10,000$ – 12,000$
LPG Carrier	9,500$ – 10,500$
Chemical Tankers	8,500$ – 10,000$
Crude Oil Tankers	8,000$ – 9,000$
Container Ships	6,800$ – 8000$
Bulk Carrier	6,800$ – 8,000$

Chief Officer Vacancy in 2025 

Searching for the latest Chief Officer vacancy in 2025? Merchant Navy Decoded Jobs is the trusted platform for seafarers to find verified and high-paying merchant navy jobs. All vacancies are screened to ensure they come from genuine and reputed shipping companies, eliminating the risk of scams. With clear eligibility details, direct application links, and regular job updates, MND Jobs makes it easier and faster for Chief Officers to secure their next contract. Begin your application today and take the next step in your merchant navy career.

• merchantnavydecodedjobs.com (verified vacancies)

FAQs – Chief Officer in Merchant Navy

Q1: What is the salary of a Chief Officer in Merchant Navy?
A Chief Officer earns between ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month, depending on the ship type and company.

Q2: What is the minimum sea time needed to appear for Chief Officer exams?
You need 9 months after 2nd Mate CoC for phase 1 Chief Officer Exam.

Q3: Is the Chief Officer responsible for safety onboard?
Yes, the Chief Officer ensures all safety equipment is maintained and emergency drills are conducted regularly.

Q4: How do I apply for Chief Officer jobs?
To apply for the latest Chief Officer Jobs in 2025, you need to apply in merchantnavydecodedjobs.com for authentic and agent free marine job vacancies.