2nd Officer in Merchant Navy: Salary, Jobs, and How to Join in 2025

The Second Officer in the merchant navy is also known as the safety officer working on behalf of the Master of Ship. He is majorly responsible for plotting the best possible routes for the ship from one port to another. Among the important ranks in the Merchant Navy, the Second Officer (also called 2nd Mate) plays a key role in navigation, safety of the seafarers.

Who is a 2nd Officer in the Merchant Navy?

A Second Officer is a licensed navigation officer who works on the ship’s bridge. The main responsibility of a Second Officer is voyage planning, navigation, and safety equipment maintenance.

To become a Second Officer, you need to:

• Complete maritime education (DNS or B.Sc. Nautical Science).
• Complete sea time as a Deck Cadet
• Get 2nd Mate CoC and promote to the 3rd Officer and then 2nd Officer. 

How to Become a 2nd Officer in Merchant Navy (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025)

Becoming a Second Officer requires both education and practical sea training. Here is the simple process:

• Must pass 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
• Minimum PCM 60% marks (varies by company).

• Always secure sponsorship before joining a course. Sponsorship ensures a guaranteed ship training berth after studies.
• Choose the Right Maritime Course
  • Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) – 1 year course + 18 months sea training.
  • B.Sc. Nautical Science – 3 years course + 12 months sea training.
• Complete required sea time and mandatory STCW & advanced courses
  • AFF – Advanced Fire Fighting
  • PSCRB – Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boat. 
  • MFA – Medical First Aid
  • GMDSS, ROC, ARPA, ECDIS (simulator courses)
    

These can be booked easily through STCW Course Finder.

• Apply for Second Mate Function Course (DNS Students)
  • DNS cadets must complete a 4-month function course.
  • B.Sc. graduates can directly apply for CoC exams after mandatory courses. 
• Pass the Second Mate CoC Exam & Orals

• Appear for exams and oral tests conducted by DG Shipping (India).
• After passing, you get your Second Mate Certificate of Competency. 

To learn more about the 2nd Officer, salaries, exams, and requirements, check our free Second Mate Guidance Series.

 

Duties of a 2nd Officer in Merchant Navy

The Second Officer is mainly responsible for navigation and safety. Key duties include:

• Prepare passage plans, update navigational charts & ECDIS.
• Maintain radar, GPS, ECDIS, and communication systems.
• Inspect lifeboats, life rafts, firefighting systems.
• Record ship’s position, weather, and navigational data.
• Assist Chief Officer in loading/unloading cargo.
• Conduct fire, abandon-ship, and emergency drills.
• Update paper and electronic charts regularly.
• Train cadets and junior officers in navigation and safety.
• Prepare clearance papers before arrival and departure.

Salary of 2nd Officer in Merchant Navy

The salary of a Second Officer depends on ship type, company, and experience.

Rank	Ship Type	Salary (per month)
Second Officer	Bulk Carrier	₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000
Second Officer	Oil/Chemical Tanker	₹3,00,000 – ₹5,50,000

Tax Benefit: If you stay outside India for more than 182 days in a year, your salary is tax-free in India under NRI rules.

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2nd Officer Jobs and Vacancies in 2025

The demand for qualified Second Officers is increasing every year. Companies need officers with strong navigation skills and a valid CoC license.

Where to find jobs?

• Merchant Navy Decoded Jobs – Verified vacancies, trusted companies.

Keep your CoC, seatime records, and certificates updated to increase your chances.

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FAQs on 2nd Officer in Merchant Navy

Q1: What is the salary of a Second Officer?
Between ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,50,000 per month, depending on ship type and company.

Q2: How do I become a Second Officer?
Complete DNS/B.Sc., gain sea training, pass STCW & simulator courses, work as Third Officer, and get promotion to 2nd Officer in Merchant Navy.

Q3: What are the main duties of a Second Officer?
Navigation watch, voyage planning, safety equipment checks, cargo operations, and logbook keeping.