Merchant Navy Decoded Jobs

How to Become an Ordinary Seaman in the Merchant Navy? Jobs, Salary, Course & Career Guide 2025

Are you looking to join the Merchant Navy after 10th or 12th in 2025?
One of the best entry-level positions is that of an Ordinary Seaman (OS). This guide covers everything—eligibility, GP Rating course, duties, salary, sponsorship, medical test, jobs, and career growth for those planning to become an OS in 2025.

What is an Ordinary Seaman (OS) in Merchant Navy?

An Ordinary Seaman is the starting rank in the deck department of a ship. The OS assists in ship maintenance, cargo operations, navigation support, and safety drills. It is the first step in a seafarer’s career, leading to Able Seaman (AB), Bosun, Officer ranks, and eventually Captain with proper training and certifications.

If you are searching for how to join Merchant Navy after 10th or jobs in Merchant Navy for freshers, becoming an OS is the most practical option. However, before OS, you will join as a Trainee OS for 9 to 10 months after which you will become an OS.

Ordinary Seaman Eligibility Criteria

- Minimum 10th pass from a recognized board.

- At least 40% in 10th with at least 40% in English.

- Candidates must be medically fit as per DG Shipping guidelines.

- Completion of a DG Shipping-approved GP Rating course (6 months).
  - - Must also hold valid STCW Basic Safety Training Certificates, which include:
      Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
      Fire Prevention & Firefighting (FPFF)
      Elementary First Aid (EFA)
      Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

To check whether you are eligible to join the GP Rating or not, check our GP Rating Eligibility Calculator and check your eligibility for GP Rating.

How to Become an Ordinary Seaman in 2025? (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Educational Qualification

- Minimum 10th pass from a recognized board.

- 12th pass (any stream) candidates also qualify.

- Basic knowledge of English is compulsory for communication onboard.

2. Complete GP Rating Course (Mandatory for OS)

To become an OS, you must join a GP Rating course (General Purpose Rating) approved by DG Shipping.

- Duration: 6 months

- Eligibility: 10th pass with minimum 40% marks, and medically fit

- Course Covers: Seamanship, firefighting, first aid, ship safety, navigation basics

Only take admission in DG Shipping-approved GP Rating colleges in India.

3. Secure Sponsorship from a Shipping Company

Before joining a course, many students apply for Merchant Navy sponsorship exams 2025. A sponsored seat guarantees you a job placement after completing the GP Rating course.

4. DG Shipping Medical Fitness Test

To join as an OS, you must be medically fit as per DG Shipping medical standards.

Important requirements:

- Good eyesight (6/6 with or without glasses)

- No color blindness

- Physically and mentally fit

Medical tests are conducted only by DG Shipping-approved doctors in India. Try our Merchant Navy Medical Calculator to check whether you are medically for the merchant navy or not.

5. Join Ship as an Trainee Ordinary Seaman

After completing training and securing sponsorship, you will join a ship as an Trainee OS (Ordinary Seaman).

This is your chance to gain sea-time experience and learn practical ship operations under senior officers.

6. Trainee OS to OS

Sail for 9–12 months as a Trainee OS.

During this period, you:

- Learn basic seamanship (painting, chipping, cleaning deck, ropes & wires).

- Assist in mooring/unmooring operations.

- Take part in cargo operations under supervision.

- Attend safety drills (lifeboat, fire, abandon ship).

- At the end of your contract, your Captain/Chief Officer will give you an appraisal report.

- A good performance report is mandatory to get promoted to OS.

To learn more about OS and GP Rating, you can watch our free GP Rating Guidance Series.

Duties & Responsibilities of an Ordinary Seaman

An OS in the Merchant Navy performs both deck and safety duties. Main responsibilities include:

- Deck Maintenance – Cleaning, painting, rust removal, greasing equipment

- Cargo Handling – Assisting with loading/unloading operations

- Mooring Operations – Helping during berthing and unberthing of ship

- Navigation Support – Standing watch with deck officers

- Safety Drills – Fire drills, lifeboat handling, abandon-ship training

- Assisting Officers – Supporting Bosun, Able Seamen, and Chief Officer

Ordinary Seaman Salary in Merchant Navy (2025)

The salary of an OS varies depending on the type of ship and company.

Type of Ship	Salary (Monthly in ₹)
Bulk Carrier	₹20,000 – ₹35,000
Container Ship	₹25,000 – ₹40,000
Oil/Chemical Tanker	₹30,000 – ₹45,000

Benefits for OS in Merchant Navy:

- Tax-Free Salary (if you stay outside India for 182+ days/year)

- Free Food & Accommodation onboard

- Fast Promotions (OS → AB → Officer ranks)

Ordinary Seaman Jobs & Vacancies in Merchant Navy (2025)

Ships are becoming more advanced with the technologies but the need for an OS is always there. So, if you are someone searching for the vacancy of OS then check out our Merchant Navy DECODED Jobs where we upload 100s of vacancies everyday.

Also check out our Whatsapp Channel to get to know about the latest updates and job openings.

- 100% Verified Job Openings.

- No Service charge.

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FAQs – Ordinary Seaman in Merchant Navy 2025

What is the salary of an Ordinary Seaman?
₹20,000 – ₹45,000/month depending on ship type and company.

Is the GP Rating course compulsory for OS?
Yes, it is mandatory to complete a DG Shipping-approved GP Rating course.

What is the age limit for OS in the Merchant Navy?
Generally 17.5 to 25 years (some institutes accept up to 27).

Are Merchant Navy jobs tax-free?
Yes, if you qualify as an NRI by staying 182+ days outside India.

Ordinary Seaman in the Merchant Navy