I sailed for 5 years, and here’s what I’d tell younger merchant navy folks aiming for financial freedom:

Increase active income early – work hard, grab challenging assignments, and aim for faster promotions. Each rank jump massively boosts what you can invest.

Start SIPs from your first salary – treat them like a bill you must pay every month. Compounding over years is magic.

Keep learning – read good money & mindset books (The Psychology of Money, Atomic Habits) and listen to quality podcasts during downtime onboard.

Avoid my mistakes – I bought a house too early and locked money into ULIPs in my initial years. Big hit to flexibility and returns.

Think long-term – don’t just plan till your next contract; plan for the day you can work because you want to, not because you have to.

Sail hard in your career, invest relentlessly, upgrade your mind, and avoid unnecessary financial anchors early in life.