How to become a Marine Engineer

Marine engineering is the study, design, development, testing, and application of components, equipment, devices, and systems used at sea and on board sea vessels such as passenger boats, sailboats, cruise ships, submarines, or military battleships and aircraft carriers. A marine engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly operation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical and engineering equipment onboard any vessel. Marine engineering programmes are designed to develop dynamic professionals proficient in a variety of marine engineering subjects, concepts, principles, and practises, including propulsion mechanics, electricity and power generation systems, lubrication, fuel systems, water distillation, lighting, and air conditioning. Aspirants may choose from a variety of marine engineering professions, including those with hotels that include sea boats in their services.

Government agencies, shipping businesses, educational institutions for marine engineers, marine engineering firms, and boatbuilders are just a few examples. Additionally, holders of a marine engineering degree might find promising fieldwork trainers and lecturers at a variety of institutions. It should be mentioned that living as a marine engineer may be difficult and demanding, and not everyone adapts well, since the profession may need the person to spend lengthy amounts of time onboard is in hostile and stressful environments. Not all marine engineering tasks, however, need a lengthy sea cruise and cannot be performed from an office. Apart from formal academic education, candidates must undergo extensive training and pass extra examinations to become qualified professionals.

The role of a marine engineer depends on the educational background, experience, skill sets and area of specialization. Generally,  it comprises of the following tasks:

• Design new models and create blueprints using computer-aided design software
• Test, construct and supervise prototypes
• Experiment with different types of fuels, fuel systems and equipment
• Optimize the operational flow of processes
• Conduct simulated efficiency tests
• Deal with major maintenance and breakdown of machinery systems at sea
• Handle the transfer of fuel oil to the ship from a bunker station
• Keep a proper record of the maintenance system for official paperwork

A marine engineer must have certain requisite skills and inclinations along with a relevant educational background to excel in the field. Marine engineers must have a passion for tools, machines and technology, have leadership skills, team working skills, the ability to work well under pressure, great communication skills and a sharp analytic mind along with problem-solving skills. The role of a marine engineer requires aspirants to be thrifty, adaptable to uncomfortable conditions, practical, methodical and independent.

In order to enrol into a Bachelor’s program at an esteemed university, aspirants are expected to clear the JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam which makes the aspirant eligible to apply anywhere in India. It is a very difficult and challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests.

Depending on one’s educational background, experience, interests, and skill sets, aspirants may apply for the following marine engineering jobs: 

• Chief Engineer
• Chief Electric Tech Officer
• Design Engineer
• Navy Personnel
• Maintenance Engineer
• Chief Security Officer