Marine engineering
Eligibility:
· At least 50% marks in the final year of your Diploma.
· At least 50% marks in English in 10th / 12th / Diploma.
· The maximum age limit at the time of admission is 28 years.
· Unaided vision should be 6/12 in both eyes minimum or 6/9 in the good eye and 6/12 in the other eye minimum.
Difference between marine and mechanical engineering
If you are every bit sure about your future, and the Merchant Navy is the only thing you have ever wanted to do, then go for this branch. It a very specialized branch of Mechanical Engineering focused on Ships.
But do remember, opting for this branch won’t leave you an option to change your field when you graduate, you will have to sail for a few years to gain experience and change your future path.
Also, fees are comparatively more than Mechanical Engineering.
Here you save one year, by directly going onboard after 4 years of Marine Engineering.
If still, you are not sure about Merchant Navy, then this is the best branch to complete your engineering. Just think about it, you have now 4 years to think about your future, whether you want to join Merchant Navy or work incorporate.
If you do think on joining Merchant Navy, then after Mechanical Engineering you need to complete a 1-year GME course and then start your career as an Engine Cadet.
Fees are less than Marine Engineering.
Here you have to spend one extra year by doing Mechanical Engineering + One year GME course.
In my opinion it is your choice to make, but if you are really interested in Merchant Navy, then instead of beating around the bushes, pursue Marine Engineering and be a part of the elite field.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MARINE ENGINERING
Advantages
· Salary, Earnings & Money
· It offers a decent package right after you gets out of college, which increases even further once you gain some experience and clear some competency exams. If you are doing well then you can be way ahead in your earnings in 5-6 years as compared to your fellow mates.
· Financial Planning
· Almost every seafarer earns a NRI tag because of his job in international waters and earning in foreign currency (USD) which exempts them from income taxes. (Indian policy). So, you can get your entire salary in your hand and plan your finances well.
· Job Security
· Marine Engineering, requiring a specific training accommodates only the guys who have taken this course and prohibits competition form candidates of other streams... This, less competition- More security.
· Job Options & opportunities
· A well-qualified and experienced Marine Engineer can switch his career on seas to other sites as well as he tends to possess a variation in his experiences. He can easily switch to management side of that company itself he was working for, earlier.
· Versatility in knowledge
· A Mar. Eng. is expert in almost everything which we come across in our daily lives. Form A.C. to pumps, from Refrigerator to fans. Everything. So, he can easily deal with household issues.
· In fact, it is also said that "A Marine Eng. is Jack of all traits but maybe master of few (or none)."
· Family time
· Yes, it's a bitter truth that a Mar. Eng. has to stay for longer durations when he is on job, but once he is back from sea, he can be all to his family. 24*7. Family time, tours, vacation. Everything can be planned without any problem.
· Adventure.
· A Seaman gets to see the different parts of the world (ports very often). He leads a tough and challenging life onboard, which can only be experienced when you go on sea yourself.
· Punctuality & Discipline.
· Job at sea requires uttermost level of discipline, patience and discipline which can easily be noticed in a Mariner.
DISADVANTAGES:-
In spite of all its benefits, it has its darker side too.
· Tough and Challenging Job profile
· Working on a ship and especially in its Engine room (as a Mar. Eng. is a challenge in itself. The environment down there is not very pleasant and at times, it can burn the last calorie of your body. Continuous and long work hours added with sleep deprivation is not a big issue if you suffer a major breakdown in Engine onboard.
· Seasickness, Homesickness & Social Insecurity
· These are very common issues which arise when a fresher goes to sea for the very first time. Not adapting to the environment there, missing home and socially isolated (although there is internet nowadays on most soothe ships) but still, seeing the same 15-20 faces daily can ruin your Social life very well.
· Away from family.
· A Mar. Engineer can't be with his family all the times. He needs or go away for his job and during this time, if he or his family needs each other, it turns out to be a real challenge to get together. Not always possible.
· Continuous and regular study
· In order to do his job well, he needs to keep studying regularly and make himself aware of the development and modification in their work areas. Additionally, it requires you to clear some promotional exams in order to get a pay-raise.
· Health Issues
· Some people claim that, working on a certain type of ship (oil/chemical carriers) can lead to some heath issues later.
I hope it gives you a fair idea of how is life of a Marine Engineer. Despite all its challenges, it's an interesting field, No doubt
Work of marine engineer:
Junior Engineer-
· Unlicensed Member of Engineering Department who assists senior Engineers.
4th Engineer-
· Officer of Watch, responsible for Air Compressors, Fuel and Lubrication Oil Purifier and Auxiliary Diesel Generators.
· Electrical Officer- Shares Equal Rank with Fourth Engineer, responsible for Electrical Aspects of Ship.
3rd Engineer-
· Officer of Watch, responsible for Fresh Water Generation, Sewage Discharge, Periodic Machinery Maintenance and Various Pumps. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
2nd Engineer-
· Management Level Officer, responsible for Main Engine and Propulsion, Aux Boilers and Steam Generation. In-charge of Ships’ Safety Equipment, Steering Gear, Deck Cranes and Machinery, Life Boats and Engines
Chief Engineer-
· Overall In-charge of Engine Department, shares Equal rank with the Captain and mostly paid at par with him/ her.
Competency Examinations
Marine Engineers have to pass Competency examinations to grow to higher rank. These Examinations are conducted by Ministry of Shipping and take most of the time one spends at land. Other than that they have to upgrade themselves regularly by doing safety and refresher courses.
Below is the career flow chart of a Marine Engineer
MARINE ENGINER SALAY
Well the salary of a Marine Engineer, it broadly depends on these 3 important factors,
· Which company he is sailing with? Because the salary, it differs from company to company.
· What type of ship he is sailing on? Salary on an LPG/LNG is more than on bulk carriers and containers vessels.
· What is his rank? Chief Engineer is sitting on top of the pyramid, and then going down the hierarchy, we have 2nd Engineer, 3rd Engineer, 4th Engineer, 5th Engineer and Trainee Marine Engineer.
Marine Engineers from India are well paid, which is according to the industry standards, since we are respected a lot for our knowledge and skill.
I can give you a very rough range about the salary of each rank.
Chief Engineer: $8000 to $14000
2nd Engineer: $6000 to $12000
3rd Engineer: $4500 to $6500
4th Engineer: $2000 to $4000
5th Engineer: $1000 to $1400
Trainee Marine Engineer: $300 to $800
Comments