Merchant Navy · مرچنٹ نیوی
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in Pakistan
Pakistan's merchant navy has a long tradition, with Karachi serving as the country's main port and maritime hub. Officer training is provided by the Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) and several private maritime institutes, with certificates issued by the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping (DGPS). Pakistani officers serve on international vessels across all trades.
Regulator: Pakistan Maritime Security Agency / Directorate General of Ports and Shipping (DGPS) · Updated 2026-06-01
The Merchant Navy in Pakistan
A career as a Pakistani 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 Pakistan is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Merchant Navy) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC/FSc), preferably Pre-Engineering or Pre-Medical with Physics and Maths.
- Age generally 16–24 at entry for cadet programs.
- Medical fitness examination approved by DGPS.
- Urdu and English; English is the medium of instruction.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) — B.Sc. Marine Sciences (Nautical / Engineer, 4 years)
The government's flagship program combining degree-level education with sea-cadet phases, leading to operational-level STCW certificates.
2. Private maritime institutes (DNS / GME equivalent courses)
Several DGPS-approved private institutes offer pre-sea courses in Karachi, Lahore and other cities, typically leading to STCW basic safety and rating certificates, with officer-upgrade paths.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) | Karachi | Government |
| National Maritime College of Pakistan | Karachi | Academy |
| GMT Institute of Maritime Training | Karachi | Private |
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.
Pakistani officers on international vessels earn USD wages broadly in line with the global ladder below; domestic port-related positions may be in PKR.
| 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 DGPS.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pakistan Marine Academy?+
The Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) in Karachi is the premier government maritime institution, run under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Its graduates receive B.Sc. degrees and DGPS-issued officer certificates.
Is it easy to get a job in the international merchant navy from Pakistan?+
PMA graduates and officers from reputable institutes are hired by international manning agencies. However, competition is stiff; candidates who complete supplementary STCW certification and have strong English skills have an advantage.
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.