Marine engineers are responsible for the design and construction of
ships, the construction of ports and waterfront cargo facilities, and
the operation of ships and support vessels. They design, construct and
develop nautical equipments. They are the persons who are responsible
for selecting the ships machinery, which may include diesel engines, steam
turbines, gas turbines or nuclear reactors. They are also responsible
for the design of mechanical, electrical, fluid and control systems throughout
the vessel. They should also make sure of the safety of the ship while
it is in the sea.
Public and private shipping companies are the main hirers of Marine
engineers. Navy, engine production firms, ship building and designing
firms, research bodies are some of the other firms where Marine engineers
are highly in demand. Marine Engineers can take up employment in different
foreign and Indian shipping companies and with the port and harbor departments.
The latest developments in moving natural gas from ports to the pipeline,
offer excellent opportunity for future graduates looking to work portside.
They are in great demand in the oil and gas industry, where they have
to design and build pipelines and other equipments.
The various posts offered in the field of Marine engineering are Chief
Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer and Junior
(Fifth) Engineer. 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
as he is a beginner in this profession. 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.
Chief Engineer would be in charge of supervision in which he should make
sure the safe running of all engines, machinery and all other equipments
on the ship. The second Engineer will take care of the daily work of engine
room. As the third engineer is in charge of the main engine, the fourth
engineer will be responsible for the generators and the small pumps. The
junior Engineers are the trainees. The people who join with out a license
is the other category called as engineering cadets.
Marine Engineers are also employed in the areas of designing, research
and consultancy. They have opportunities in designing and building firms
and even in the teaching or training profession. They can also opt for
any job that a mechanical or electrical engineering graduate hunt for.
Marine Engineers have lucrative career options abroad also. The American
Bureau of Shipping, an internationally recognized organization, recruits
freshers and trainees with almost no experience. The bureau deals with
developing rules based on principles of naval architecture, marine engineering
and related subjects. Other countries like France and U.K also recruit
young marine engineers.
