How to Become a 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy? Salary, Job, Step by Step Guide (2025)
The 4th Engineer in the Merchant Navy is the first engineering officer rank for marine engineers onboard ships. As a junior engineering officer, you gain hands-on experience in engine room operations, machinery maintenance, and safety procedures. This role is the foundation for a successful career in marine engineering, leading to higher ranks such as Third Engineer, Second Engineer, and Chief Engineer.
If you are planning to join the Merchant Navy in 2025, this detailed guide will explain everything about the 4th Engineer rank – from eligibility and duties to salary, job opportunities, and how to join.
What is a 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy?
A 4th Engineer (also called 4/E) is the entry-level engineering officer on board a ship. After completing the required training and sea service as a Trainee Marine Engineer (TME), you are promoted to the 4th Engineer rank. A 4th engineer play very important role in assisting and handling operation in the engine room.
How to Become a 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy (Step-by-Step in 2025)
There are 2 courses through which you can become a 4th engineer in the Merchant Navy:
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering
- Graduate Marine Engineering
Before that you must check whether you are eligible to join the Merchant Navy or now with our Merchant Navy Eligibility Calculator.
Steps to Become a 4th Engineer After B.Tech Marine Engineering
1. Complete Class 12 (PCM)
- Pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- Minimum 60% aggregate in PCM and 50% in English (varies by company).
2. Apply for the IMU CET Exam
To join the DG Certified institute to become a 4th engineer, you need to appear for the IMU CET exam and score an IMU rank based on which you will be given a college. Once a seat is allotted to you, it doesn’t mean that your admission is complete. You still need to apply to the college and submit the fees and required documents in the institute to secure your seat in the college for your preferred course.
Some colleges has their own test and interview that you need to clear to get admission in that college, e.g. Tolani Maritime Institute.
3. Secure Sponsorship from a Shipping Company
In the 3rd and 4th year of B.Tech Marine Engineering, you will get an opportunity to get placement in the shipping companies visiting your campus. So make sure to get admission in a college that has a good placement record.
4. Complete Sea Time
- To appear for the MEO Class 4 Exam, you need to complete the minimum required sea-time which is 6 months for a trainee marine engineer.
- After completing the required seatime, you will be given a MEO Class 4 Part A Exemption certificate which will allow you to be exempted from MEO Class 4 Part A exam.
5. Complete Mandatory STCW Courses
After completing the required seatime, the engine cadets are required to appear for the advanced STCW Courses including:
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Engine Room Simulator-Operational Course (ERS-O)
Students can book all STCW and Simulator courses at the lowest price near them with STCWcoursefinder.com
6. Go for the MMD Assessment and Oral Exam
- After completing your sea time, clear the MEO Class IV CoC exam conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping, India).
- Once certified, you are eligible to work as a 4th Engineer.
- To check whether you are eligible for MEO Class 4 or not, you can check out our MEO Class 4 Eligibility Calculator.
Steps to Become a 4th Engineer After B.Tech Mechanical Engineering
1. Complete B.Tech Mechanical Engineering
Students with more than aggregate 50% in their B.tech Marine Engineering can apply for the 1 year Graduate Marine Engineering Course after which students can go onboard as an Engine Cadet and start their profession in the Merchant Navy.
2. Apply for Sponsorship and GME College
After passing the Mechanical engineering, you need to apply to the college and shipping company for the sponsorship which acts as proof that after passing 1 year GME, you will be given a job at a particular shipping company.
3. Attend the Written Exam and Interview
The sponsorship is given based on a written exam and interview conducted by the company. For the written exam and interview, you need to prepare for the aptitude test, english, and reasoning based questions.
For the interview, students are advised to prepare the basic questions like:
- Difference between 2 stroke and 4 stroke engine.
- Supercharging and Turbocharging
- Scavenging, knocking
- Lubrication systems
- Fatigue, failure, etc.
For the best preparation of the GME Sponsorship interview and written exam you can check out the SMVD Marine Academy where top marine engineers and chief engineers guide you for the selection in the top shipping company.
4. Complete The Course And Seatime
After completing the course and required seatime, you can appear for the STCW Advanced Courses, which are:
- Advanced Fire FIghting
- PSCRB Course
- MFA Course
- Engine Room Simulator Course – Operational
5. Apply for the MEO Class 4 Assessment and Orals
GME Candidates are also exempted from MEO Class 4 Part A examination, except GME candidates with mechanical and automation engineering background have to appear for the thermodynamics and heat engine paper of MEO Class 4 Part A.
Duties & Responsibilities of a 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy
As a 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy, you are responsible for assisting senior engineers and ensuring the engine room functions properly.
1. Machinery Maintenance
- Maintain and operate ship’s pumps, purifiers, generators, compressors, and auxiliary engines.
- Routine checks and preventive maintenance to avoid breakdowns.
2. Watchkeeping Duties
- Stand engine room watch during your assigned shifts.
- Monitor parameters, alarms, and machinery performance.
3. Fuel and Oil Management
- Supervise bunkering operations.
- Maintain records of fuel consumption, oil levels, and lubricants.
4. Record Keeping
- Update engine room logbooks with daily performance data.
- Maintain maintenance schedules and reports.
5. Troubleshooting & Repairs
- Assist in diagnosing and repairing mechanical faults under senior engineers’ supervision.
6. Safety & Emergency Procedures
- Maintain fire-fighting and life-saving equipment.
- Participate in regular emergency drills and safety checks.
4th Engineer Salary in Merchant Navy (2025)
The salary of a 4th Engineer depends on the ship type, company, and your experience.
| Type of Ship | Salary (per month) | |
| 4th Engineer Salary | Bulk Carrier | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| 4th Engineer Salary | Oil/Chemical Tanker | ₹2,15,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| 4th Engineer Salary | Container Ship | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
These salaries are not fixed. This is just to give the idea and not to be used for any comparison.
Tax Benefits in Merchant Navy
If you maintain NRI (Non-Resident Indian) status by staying outside India for more than 182 days, your Merchant Navy salary is generally tax-free in India.
Career Growth after 4th Engineer
The career path in the Merchant Navy for engineers:
- 4th Engineer → Third Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
With each promotion, responsibilities and salary increase significantly.
4th Engineer Job Vacancies & How to Apply in 2025?
With global shipping on the rise, the need for qualified 4th Engineers in the Merchant Navy is steadily increasing. Every year, hundreds of 4th engineers get the class 4 coc and many switch companies. To provide better opportunities in the shipping industry merchantnavydecodedjobs.com has brought to you 4th engineer job vacancies in 2025. Every company is trusted and double checked to make sure your resume reaches the right employer.
APPLY NOW for 4th Engineer Job Vacancy.
Top Companies Hiring 4th Engineers in Merchant Navy
- Anglo-Eastern
- Fleet Management
- Great Eastern Shipping
- Synergy Marine
- Maersk
- MOL
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy
1. What is the salary of a 4th Engineer in the Merchant Navy?
The salary ranges from ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 per month, depending on the type of ship and the company.
2. How long is sea training before becoming a 4th Engineer?
You need to complete at least 6 months of sea time as a Trainee Marine Engineer before being eligible for the MEO Class IV CoC exam.
3. What is the work of a 4th Engineer onboard?
- Machinery maintenance
- Watchkeeping
- Oil and fuel management
- Record keeping
- Troubleshooting
- Safety drills
4. Is the 4th Engineer rank permanent?
Yes. Once you clear the MEO Class IV CoC, you officially join the engine department as a certified 4th Engineer.
5. Which companies are best for 4th Engineer jobs?
Top companies include Anglo-Eastern, Fleet Management, Maersk, Synergy, MOL, and Great Eastern Shipping.
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