Career as Marine Engineering
Marine Engineering is an exciting and challenging career which deals with manufacturing, designing and operation of ship machinery and engines. It is one of the disciplines of engineering which deals with science and nautical architecture. The marine engineers are engaged in supervising the engine crew involved in operating the machines. They also check for the smooth functioning of all electric motors, steam engines and propulsive engines etc. The marine engineers continuously take efforts to improve the efficiencies of gas turbine, existing shipboard conventional steam, nuclear propulsion plants and diesel. This is the best field for getting excellent government jobs. Marine engineers will do the design, build, test and repair boats, ships, underwater craft, offshore platforms and drilling equipment. If you have good technical skills, enjoy solving problems and want a professional job in engineering, this could be an ideal career for you. In this job you will need excellent mathematics and IT skills. You'll also need skills in design. To get into this job you would usually need a degree or HNC/HND in an engineering subject, such as marine engineering or technology. An alternative route is to train as an engineering officer with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy, and move into commercial marine engineering later.
Job Profile
To work as a Marine Engineer, you need a detailed technical knowledge of naval construction, and mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems. Depending on the industry you work in, your duties could include:
- Shipbuilding, boat-building and repair – working on the design, development, construction and maintenance of ships, boats and machinery.
- working in the leisure boat industry, which is strong in the UK, manufacturing, maintaining or repairing a range of craft from canal barges to super yachts
- Offshore oil and gas – designing, building and operating offshore platforms, rigs, pipelines and equipment.
- Marine surveying – examining ships and offshore installations, looking at their seaworthiness, safety and maintenance needs
- Merchant or Royal Navy – making sure engines, instruments and systems work safely and efficiently.
Skills required
To be a marine engineer you should have:
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent math’s and IT skills
- Good communication and negotiating skills
- Excellent technical knowledge
- Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) skills
- The ability to priorities workloads and plan effectively
- Budget management skills
- A commitment to keeping up to date with new developments
- The ability to manage a team
- An awareness of health and safety procedures
- A willingness to travel and work at sea for extended periods.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Marine engineers has various job responsibilities in the industries like shipping, ship manufacturing, steel industry, power sector, manufacturing sector, consultancy firm. They design, construct and develop nautical equipments. After completing Marine Engineering courses candidates can option for lucrative career options in public and private shipping companies, engine production firms, ship building and designing firms, navy, research bodies. After graduating as a marine engineer, one can get a job in a ship as a third assistant engineer or fourth engineer. They can also get employed in different foreign and Indian shipping companies.
- After successful completion of BE/BTech in Marine Engineering/nautical science, one can join as fourth engineer or third assistant engineer. Since the job on the ship entails residing on ship for a major part of the year there are other exciting avenues as well. Marine engineers are also employed by engine production firms, ship building firms, research bodies, ship design firms and also in the Indian Navy.
- The marine engineers can remain within the ambit of the shipping industry and join marine workshops at land i.e. at the ports. Alternatively, the marine engineers can join ship manufacturing companies, which are equally good paymasters.
- These days the marine engineers are employed in the IT sector in a major way, apart from consultancy companies like Price Waterhouse Coopers and DCL, in construction companies, power sector, steel industry, and electronic industry.
- Those who want to join Government Service can consider Directorate General Shipping of India. Those with entrepreneurial skills can also explore the entrepreneurial scope in the field.
- Those marine engineers who have a passion for academics can pursue post graduation and enter the field of academics where the demand for qualified academicians in this field is growing very fast.
- Starting salary of a fresh marine engineering graduate are usually higher than other engineering branches. It can go even high if the candidate wishes to join an oil tanker. There are various levels from first engineer to fourth engineer culminating in Chief Engineer.
- Marine jobs are highly paid and enjoyable. The marine engineers get NRI status, which is, tax-free income based on their service at sea, ex-India. They also get the opportunity to see the world through sailing as a profession without any extra expense. Luxurious life through lucrative salary comes as a big compensation being away from home.
Earnings
Graduates can start between £24,000 and £26,000 a year. Experienced marine engineers can earn between £28,000 and £50,000 a year.
Recruiting Companies
- The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.
- GE Transportation
- The Indian Navy
- Caterpillar
- National Marine Dredging Company
- Ocean Star Ships Mgmt Pvt Ltd
- International Manpower Resources Private limited
- Magnum Crew Service
How do I get there?
Option 1:
Entry is possible without a third level qualification which means jobs are open to graduates from all disciplines, but relevant qualifications are becoming increasingly more in demand by employers. In addition, most employers ask for some previous experience within the Marine Field.
To be a Marine Engineer you should have:
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Excellent technical knowledge
- Good team working skills
- The ability to priorities and plan effectively
- A high level of computer literacy, particularly computer-aided design
- Good commercial awareness
- The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Good problem-solving skills and a creative approach for new ideas
Postgraduate study
ME in Marine Engineering
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