Marine Engineering

Marine Engineering operates and maintain the propulsion and electrical generation systems onboard a ship. They also can help with the design, build and repair of these complicated systems. New design is mostly included within the naval architecture or ship design. The merchant and military fleets of the world would not move without Marine Engineers. The field is closely related to mechanical engineering, although the modern engineer requires knowledge (and hands on experience) with electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemistry, control engineering, naval architecture, process engineering, gas turbines and even nuclear technology on military vessels.

Marine Engineering staff also deals with the “Hotel” facilities onboard, notably the sewage, lighting, air conditioning and water systems. They deal with bulk fuel transfers and require training in firefighting and first aid, as well as in dealing with the ship’s boats and other nautical tasks-especially with cargo loading/discharging gear and safety systems. A ship’s crew is divided into two distinct sections. Those who ‘drive’ the ship and those who maintain it. The drivers are the deck department whose manager are the Captain and engineer. Also on board are the ’ratings’ that are experienced hands who, though not officers, play the central role in daily maintenance and operation of the ship.

The original term engineer on a ship meant the people who dealt with the engines (“The black hand gang”), as opposed to the Consulting Engineer concept. Marine Engineers are generally much more hands on, and often get dirty, sweaty and hot doing their jobs. Care and thought is required, however, especially with heavy machinery in a seaway and in managing the rest of the engine room crew.

Scope of marine engineering courses in India

Marine engineering has gained great popularity in India. Plenty of students are attracted towards this advanced branch of engineering. It offers the best opportunity for the people who like to sail in the sea. Scope of marine engineering courses offers remunerative career options on and off shores. The employment opportunities are available in Merchant Navy, Navy and manufacturing industries. Offshore job opportunities are available in recruitment in ports, government jobs in the Directorate General of Shipping and recruitments by Shipping industries. The marine engineers can also work as teachers in the educational institutes.

Institutes offering marine engineering courses

Having a great scope of marine engineering courses, there are numerous institutions established in various states of India. Few main institutes in India include Marine Engineering Research Institute in West Bengal, Marine Engineering & Research Institute in Maharashtra, International Marine Communication Centre in Tamil Nadu, Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies & Research in Maharashtra, Indian Marine College in Andhra Pradesh, Indian Institute of Technology in Maharashtra