Marine Engineer has complete responsibility for the ship's technical management. They are responsible for selecting the ships' machinery, which may include diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines; and for the design of mechanical, electrical, fluid and control systems throughout the vessel. They are the members of a ship's crew who are in charge of managing a team of marine technicians and craftspeople. The construction, operations and maintenance of the engine room are the main tasks of a Marine engineer. They deal with the technical area of the ship. In fact, they are overall in charge of the engine and its crew and ensure the safety and standards of the marine body.
Globalization and opening of the world markets for the global trades have increased the role of waterways for good transportation across the continents. In fact, it has acquired the lion’s share ie nearly 80% of total goods transportation throughout the world. Thus the scope of the marine engineers in the Merchant Navy has increased to a great extent and Marine Engineer as a profession is the most coveted post attached with the Merchant Navy. This is one of the most cherished professions among the youths from years.
To get a Marine Engineering job one has to undergo some special marine engineering courses along with regular courses from some reputed marine engineering colleges required to work on a ship as a Marine Engineer because only the competent few among so many aspirants could be selected.
Eligibility to be a Marine Engineer
1. Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualifications for pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering or Nautical science is plus two or equivalent with a high percentage of marks in science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
These courses are of 4 years duration. Chennai School of Ship Management offers Alternate Training Scheme (ATS) of three years to become a Marine Engineer.
2. Age
The candidate must have attained the age of 17 years on 1st July of the year of examination
The upper age limit is also relaxed in favour of certain categories of employees working under the Government of India and Defense Services Personnel.
3.Physical Standard:
- The minimum height should be 150cms with correlated weight and proportionate chest with minimum 5-cm expansion.
- He should also pass a medical fitness test for sea service under standard norms and with eyesight 6/6 with no colour blindness.
How to become a Marine Engineer?
To become a Marine Engineer one has to follow the below-given steps:-
Step 1
As a first step, the aspirant has to take an IIT-JEE exam to get admission in some of the best colleges in the country providing BE in Marine Engineering / Nautical Science and/or PG Diploma in Mechanical Engineering which are the basic qualifications to become a Marine Engineer.
Note:- The notification for the examination with relevant details regarding rules and syllabus is published in the month of Feb-Mar and the test held in a month of may.
Step 2
After applying to IIT for appearing in JEE, candidates are required to submit a separate application to the Directorate General of Shipping, Jahaz Bhavan, W.H Marg, Mumbai 400 001. The Alternate Training Scheme (ATS) of Chennai School of Ship Management was structured by the International Maritime Organisation.
Step 3
Once the aspirant has completed his qualification then there is hundred per cent placement for these professionals. One can apply for the job is the public sector or private sector shipping companies.
Marine Engineer Job Description
The role of Marine Engineers has widened and smoothened with modern development and electronic navigation. Although smoothened yet the job of Marine Engineers is full of pressure and responsibilities. Thus to discharge his duties one has to be very dedicated towards his work responsibilities, brave, hardworking, honest.
Marine Engineer Career Prospects
In Merchant navy ships, the career path of a Marine engineer progresses periodically by undergoing several examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India. After passing Class IV - Part A examination, a candidate with a four year BE course will be appointed as
- A Junior Engineer Officer After successfully completing Class IV - Part B examination, he becomes qualified to sail as Watch Keeping
- Engineer Officer. With experience, capability and job opportunities available, he can become
- Second Engineer and ultimately
- The Chief Engineer which is the highest post, within 6-7 years.
Marine Engineer Salary
Marine Engineer is the highest paid profession of the marine job. It has some other attractive exemptions also which are not there in any other profession. At the entry level itself, a Marine engineer receives an excellent salary as a pay package. A junior engineer can earn around Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 per month in Indian ships and around Rs.75,000 to Rs.1,00,000 in foreign ships. A chief engineer will get up to Rs.1,85,000 per month. Paid holidays for around six months is the most attractive part of this career. Another advantage of this career is that by virtue of travelling in a ship for more than six months, a person gets NRI status and thus the remuneration he gets is exempted from tax. Besides the promotional aspects of this profession is also the fastest among all the other professions.
