Emporikó Naftikó · Εμπορικό Ναυτικό
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in Greece
Greece controls one of the world's largest merchant fleets. Officers train at the public Merchant Marine Academies (Akadimíes Emporikoú Naftikoú, AEN), alternating academic semesters with embarked sea-training on Greek-managed ships.
Regulator: Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy (YNANP) · Updated 2026-05-01
The Emporikó Naftikó in Greece
A career as a Greek 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 Greece is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Emporikó Naftikó) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Greek upper-secondary leaving certificate (Apolytirio).
- Apply through the national AEN admissions process.
- Maritime medical fitness and swimming ability.
- Greek language for the public academies.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. AEN — Deck (Plíarchoi) or Engine (Michanikoí)
A public academy program of academic semesters interleaved with mandatory sea-training, leading to a third officer/engineer licence.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AEN Aspropyrgos | Aspropyrgos (Attica) | Government |
| AEN Macedonia | Nea Michaniona | Government |
| AEN Hydra / Oinousses / Syros | Aegean islands | 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.
Greek officers crew a vast Greek-owned fleet; pay follows international and collective scales (indicative USD below).
| 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 YNANP.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say merchant navy in Greek?+
It is 'Εμπορικό Ναυτικό' (Emporikó Naftikó). Officer academies are the AEN — Akadimíes Emporikoú Naftikoú.
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.