3rd Engineer in Merchant Navy: Salary, Jobs & How to Join in 2025
The Third Engineer in the Merchant Navy is a vital officer in the ship’s engine department. This position carries great responsibility, as you are directly involved in operating and maintaining the machinery that powers the ship across the oceans.
As a Third Engineer, you will be handling the ship’s main engine, auxiliary engines, pumps, boilers, fuel systems, and other essential machinery. It is a highly technical job that requires strong engineering knowledge, quick decision-making skills, and hands-on experience.
This rank is considered the first big step in a marine engineer’s career. After becoming a Third Engineer, you can progress to Second Engineer and later to Chief Engineer, which is one of the most respected and highest-paying positions at sea.
Whether you are a student who has just passed Class 12th or a mechanical engineer considering the sea as a career, this blog will give you everything you need to know about Third Engineers in Merchant Navy in 2025.
What is a 3rd Engineer in Merchant Navy?
The 3rd Engineer (3rd Assistant Engineer) is an officer in the engine department of a ship. This rank is directly below the Second Engineer and Chief Engineer.
The role is technical and practical—you will not only monitor machinery but also carry out repairs, conduct routine checks, and ensure that the ship’s propulsion and power systems run without interruption.
A 3rd Engineer is like the “engine doctor” of the ship, keeping everything in the engine room healthy and running.
How to Become a 3rd Engineer in Merchant Navy?
Becoming a 3rd Engineer requires both academic qualifications and practical sea experience. Here’s the process in 6 clear steps:
- Your journey begins after Class 12th. You must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects. Scoring well in these subjects is essential since they form the foundation of marine engineering.
- After Class 12th, you have two main options:
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years) – Direct entry course after Class 12th
- Graduate Marine Engineering – For those who first complete mechanical engineering and then move into Graduate Marine Engineering.
These courses will cover subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, naval architecture, marine engines, and ship systems.
- Before joining training, you should get sponsorship from a reputed shipping company. Sponsorship ensures placement for your onboard training after completing the course. Without sponsorship, you may struggle to get sea time.
- After completing the Marine Engineering you need to complete the required sea time on board ship. During this period, you will work in the engine room under the guidance of senior engineers. This is where you gain practical knowledge of machinery and ship operations.
- Complete Mandatory STCW Courses
During training, you must complete international safety courses under STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). These include:
- Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Simulator courses like Engine Room Simulator (Operational)
These courses prepare you for real-life emergencies at sea.
- After completing your sea time, you must pass the CoC Exam conducted by maritime authorities like DG Shipping. This exam includes written tests, oral exams, and practical assessments. Once you clear it, you officially become a 4th Engineer.
- After gaining the necessary sea time, you will be promoted to the rank of 3rd officer in the merchant navy.
To learn more about the MEO Class 4 eligibility criteria, salary, exam, syllabus, check out our free MEO Class 4 Guidance Series.
Duties of 3rd Officer in Merchant Navy
The job of a 3rd Engineer is highly responsible. You are directly involved in the safe running of the ship. Some of your main duties include:
- Monitor and operate the main engine, generators, pumps, boilers, and air compressors.
- Ensure smooth functioning of all machinery.
- Stand watch during your shift in the engine room.
- Quickly troubleshoot machinery problems that may arise.
- Carry out regular maintenance tasks.
- Repair pumps, fuel systems, and auxiliary machinery.
- Handle bunker fuel and lubricants.
- Maintain proper records of usage and inventory.
- Participate in fire drills, abandon ship drills, and safety checks.
- Maintain firefighting and life-saving equipment.
- Maintain logbooks and daily engine reports.
- Assist Second Engineer with planned maintenance systems.
- Assist in inspections by authorities and surveyors.
- Help in machinery testing and calibration.
3rd Engineer Salary in Merchant Navy
The salary of a Third Engineer depends on the type of ship, company, and your experience.
Here’s the salary breakdown in 2025:
| Rank | Type of Ship | Salary (per month) |
| Third Engineer | Bulk Carrier | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Third Engineer | Oil / Chemical / Gas Tanker | ₹3,50,000 – ₹5,50,000 |
| Third Engineer | Container Ship | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
Tax Benefits: If you stay outside India for more than 182 days in a year, you get NRI status. In this case, your entire Merchant Navy salary is tax-free in India.
3rd Engineer Vacancy in Merchant Navy
The demand for qualified 3rd Engineers is increasing every year. Companies need engineers with strong technical skills and a valid CoC license.
Where to find 3rd Engineer Jobs?
- Merchant Navy Decoded Jobs – Verified vacancies, trusted companies.
Keep your CoC, seatime records, and certificates updated to increase your chances.
FAQs About 3rd Engineer in Merchant Navy
Q1. What is the salary of a 3rd Engineer in Merchant Navy?
A 3rd Engineer earns ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per month depending on ship type and company.
Q3. Is the Merchant Navy a good career in 2025?
Yes, it offers tax-free salary (for NRIs), international exposure, high-paying jobs, and fast promotions.
Q4. Can mechanical engineers join the Merchant Navy as Third Engineer?
Yes, through Graduate Marine Engineering, even a mechanical engineering student can join the Merchant Navy.
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