Marine Engineering

Marine engineers design, operate, maintain, and repair the mechanical systems of ships. Working closely with the architect who designs the ship structure, a marine engineer designs the propulsion, auxiliary power machinery, and other equipments required to run the ship. When marine engineers design systems within a ship, they make sure that these systems are seaworthy. Marine scientists work in a variety of disciplines that include meteorology, physics, chemistry, geology, physical oceanography, paleontology, and biology. The course includes archaeology, anthropology, sociology, engineering, and other studies of human relationship with the sea. As India is surrounded on three sides with huge water bodies, the importance of marine engineering or any other field related to shipping is considerable. The significance of this field has further increased, thanks to new innovations and technological developments in navigation.

Eligibility:

The eligibility criterion for admissions to a bachelor’s programme is a 10+2 certificate in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. The 2-year MTech course can be pursued after successfully completing an undergraduate course. Students must go through entrance exams such as GATE for admissions to BTech and MTech courses. The examination is followed by personal interviews/counseling, where the interviewers assess the candidates’ degree of alertness in (and awareness of) the marine environment.

Career Prospects :

Marine engineers are specifically qualified to join the merchant navy, or any of the public or private shipping companies. Marine engineers are also employed by engine production firms, ship-building firms, maritime research bodies, and ship design firms. One can remain within the ambit of the shipping industry and join marine workshops on land at the ports. Job openings are available both in Indian and global shipping firms. Opportunities are available in the Directorate General Shipping of India. Those with the right skills can enter the field as entrepreneurs. Marine engineers who have a flair for teaching can go for advanced studies and enter the field of academics where the demand for qualified academicians is high. Marine engineers are given the NRI status and a tax-free provision owing to their services at sea. A good lifestyle and a lucrative remuneration are the special attractions of this field.

Remuneration:

Graduates can earn handsomely right from the start of their career as the initial pay package may be as high as Rs. 25,000 per month. A chief engineer may receive a salary of over 1 lakh per month. Besides, there are many perks that include visiting different countries with free accommodation and food.