Is the Merchant navy better than the Indian Navy? This is a frequently asked question. A question that has gone on for so long.

Most people do not really know the difference between the Merchant Navy and the Indian Navy, hence the reason for the comparison. Yes! They are both incorporated in the marine world, but they actually serve different purposes and can not be compared.                                                                        

Merchant Navy is into commercial services. They are merchant vessels registered under a specific country that is conveyed to various locations for commercial purposes.

The name “Merchant Navy” originated from the United Kingdom (UK). According to history, after the active and helpful role performed by the British Merchant Fleets in World War 1, King George v bestowed them with the title, Merchant Navy.

Merchant Navy plays a very vital role in the economy of a country. They are responsible for the transfer of merchant’s vessels to different parts of the world.

Indian Navy is a branch or unit of the armed forces of India in charge of everything concerning the nation’s sea/Marine aspect.                                    

According to the English amplified dictionary, Navy is the entire sea force of a country.

Naval operations are divided into three divisions. The blues water navy, the brown water navy, and the green water navy. These divisions position in different strategic areas to tackle wars or terrorists attack from different angles. 

Indian Navy defends our nation on the sea, combating security bridges or threats disturbing our nation’s peace. Lots of wars/battles and pirates have been combated and conquered by the Navy on and around the sea. Pirates always ploy the sea, looking for unsuspecting victims to attack, the Navy’s presence on the sea scared the pirates away. 

Merchant Navy and Indian Navy are two different branches serving in the Marine parts of Nations, they play their different important roles, but they have one thing in common, which is serving their nation. They are both relevant and important bodies to their nation and the world a large. 

To answer some of the questions asked by intending aspirants, and the curious ones, about the merchant Navy and the Indian Navy. We will be sharing with you in this article the different roles each of these branches play and the reasons why they should not be compared.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MERCHANT NAVY AND NAVY

1. Merchant navy is merchant vessels shipped to a different part of the world commercially. While the Indian Navy refers to marine armed forces. They defend our nation on the sea.
2. Each country has its own Navy, and the Navy defends only its nation. They protect the sea borders, merchant navy, ship, basically everything pertaining to the marine system of a nation. The merchant navy, on the other hand, is an international body. It can be private or public owned and can convey goods to different parts of the word.
3. A merchant navy aspirant can apply with a high school or university certification in science, depending on the rank or position aimed at. Applicants must be physically and medically fit and be willing and available to travel at any time.  Like the merchant navy, Indian navy aspirants must be medically and physically fit. Most importantly, only citizens of India can apply. For example, only a British citizen can join the British Navy. 
4. The Indian navy force is more decorated than the merchant navy. The merchant navy is also respected and decorated, but not as much as the Indian Navy. Most people recognize the Navy more.
5. The salary of the merchant navy is desirable. They are properly paid. Serving as a merchant marine is not an easy job and requires a significant payment. They are also well taken care of when onboard. On the other hand, The Indian Navy also gets paid well, depending on what the Govt Of India pays, and according to the ranks, the higher the rank, the higher the pay.
6. Merchant navy and the Indian Navy both have their various ranks. Ranks in the merchant navy are based on positions and areas of expertise.  While ranks in the Navy are classified into two sets, enlisted personnel, and officers. The ranks range from the lowest rank, which is the Midshipman, to the Admiral, which is the highest rank. Different navies of different countries are ranked based on their sizes. 
7. In times of war, the merchant navy conveys merchant vessels and people to their destinations. On the other hand, the Indian navy prepared for battle and ready to defend our country in battle when there is war.
8. The Merchant navy and the Indian Navy are both incomparable. Their names may sound alike. They are the two wings in the marine, but the two are entirely different units. One renders services through the defense, and the other renders services through conveying important merchant vessels. 
9. These two wings deserve accolades rather than comparison. Serving a nation is not an easy task. Hence, the merchant navy and the Indian Navy should always be acknowledged.
10. Merchant navy and the Indian Navy are professions that require intelligence and agility. Their recruiting process is always extensive and a bit strict, they select only the best due to their profession’s nature. Before choosing any of the two professions, ensure that you are fully prepared to go through with it, and fully understand what you are going into. 

If you are looking for a career part to choose from or you are just curious, we hope this article would help you. You can join the merchant navy or Indian navy with full confidence, depending on your preference. Both professions are honorable and prestigious, and they come with loads of benefits. Make sure you study hard to pass the entrance exam and interview, be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit, and be confident.

For the curious ones, now you can differentiate between the two and identify their different roles. 

Stop comparing the merchant navy and Indian Navy They are both great!