Before joining or thinking about merchant navy two things always come to mind Money or Traveling around the world you can't do normal life. A career in the merchant navy is a unique blend of variety encompasses in a single domain. Additionally, the salary in the merchant navy also varies from company to company and on the basis of the qualification and the position held by an individual.
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT - Best profession which gives you early settlement. It gives best experience of adventure that people pay for that relatively less qualifications.
As an officer you enjoy a long holiday like 3 on & 3 off or 4 on & 2 off etc. The officer can make his contracts as per his requirement & mutual understanding with the shipping company. Moreover, many companies even pay you the salary when you are on holiday at your home.
Most of the companies provide the facility to the senior officers to take their families along with them on a ship at company expense (Free). Moreover, on the ship, you get Free Lodging/Boarding & many other free benefits like medical/insurance, etc.
You can work till the age 55-60 years (as per your capability) and after that can avail many opportunities on land. Today there are plenty of jobs available for the officers on the land after sailing Experience. They can work in shipping offices, Institutes, etc.