Marine marchande
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in France
In France the merchant navy is the Marine marchande. Officers are trained almost exclusively by the École nationale supérieure maritime (ENSM), whose flagship engineer–officer program qualifies graduates for both deck and engine duties.
Regulator: École nationale supérieure maritime / Ministère de la Mer (ENSM) · Updated 2026-05-01
The Marine marchande in France
A career as a French merchant navy officer offers internationally portable qualifications, structured promotion and some of the highest entry-level earnings of any technical profession. Training follows the global STCW convention, so a certificate earned in France is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Marine marchande) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Baccalauréat (scientific stream preferred) for the main officer track.
- Pass the ENSM competitive entrance (concours).
- Maritime medical fitness certificate.
- French language proficiency for most programs.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. ENSM — Officier de la marine marchande (polyvalent)
A demanding multi-year program producing 'polyvalent' officers licensed for both navigation and engineering, with sea phases.
2. Officier chef de quart (deck or engine specialism)
Shorter watchkeeping-officer tracks for candidates targeting a single department.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ENSM — Le Havre | Le Havre | Government |
| ENSM — Marseille | Marseille | Government |
| ENSM — Nantes / Saint-Malo | Nantes & Saint-Malo | Government |
Ranks & salary structure
Merchant navy officers progress through a clear rank ladder in two main departments — Deck (navigation) and Engine — plus the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) role. Promotion depends on sea-time and higher Certificates of Competency.
French officers are paid under national maritime agreements; ranges below are indicative USD equivalents.
| Rank | Department | Indicative pay (USD / month) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Cadet / Trainee | Deck | $300 – $700 |
| Third Officer (3/O) | Deck | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Second Officer (2/O) | Deck | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Chief Officer (C/O) | Deck | $6,000 – $9,500 |
| Master (Captain) | Deck | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Trainee / Fifth Engineer | Engine | $300 – $700 |
| Fourth Engineer (4/E) | Engine | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Third Engineer (3/E) | Engine | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Second Engineer (2/E) | Engine | $7,000 – $10,500 |
| Chief Engineer (C/E) | Engine | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | ETO | $4,000 – $6,500 |
Figures are indicative monthly wages for foreign-going officers and vary by company, flag state, vessel type and contract length.
Documents, exams and planning checklist
Confirm eligibility and medical standards before paying any institute fees.
Shortlist only training routes recognised by ENSM.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the merchant navy called in France?+
It is the Marine marchande, distinct from the Marine nationale (the navy). Officers train at the ENSM.
Life at sea
Shore leave, paperwork, fatigue, mental health, contracts and pensions affect seafarers in much the same way whatever country they train in, so they are covered once, in real-life issues on ships.