How to become a Marine Engineer after doing Mechanical Engineering?

Working in the high seas is a dream for several mechanical engineers. The main reason why people enter this field is to get exposure to the outside world and earn a high-paying job. If you are a mechanical engineer and wish to work with the Merchant Navy, you can do so by attaining a qualification in marine engineering in India. 

Both mechanical engineering and marine engineering courses have several subjects in common. Therefore, it is easier to find new opportunities. Moreover, as there is a shortage of maritime professionals in the industry, opting for a career in it can be ideal if you are a mechanical engineer. After going through this concise article, you will be able to clear all your doubts in minutes.

Courses to Become a Marine Engineer

After completing BE or B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, you can pursue any of the following courses to become a marine engineer. 

1. ME/MTech in Marine Engineering

The good news is those who have already completed a four-year-long BE or B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering can apply for this two-year post-graduation course in marine engineering. The course trains students in different areas such as advanced level naval architecture, ship design, shipyard design, maintenance and machinery design. Along with this, communication skills are also crucial as Merchant Navy requires you to be well-versed in more than one language, especially English.  

2. Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)

The best part about being a mechanical engineer is that you would not have to undergo four years of rigorous training that a marine engineer would have gone through. Instead, all you have to do is a one-year course in graduate marine engineering to enter the Merchant Navy. However, there are specific eligibility criteria for getting admission into this course, which the candidate should satisfy. They are:

• Graduate in BE or B.Tech Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture with a minimum of 50% marks in the final semester
• Must have obtained 50% marks in English in 10th, 12th or degree examinations
• Must not be above the age of 28
• Must have satisfied all medical requirements that are necessary to join the Merchant Navy

If a candidate is found to be suffering from any medical condition in their list during the clinical test, he is generally regarded unfit for admission into the Merchant Navy. This list includes several medical conditions like infectious diseases, malignant neoplasm, immunity disorders, metabolic or nutritional requirements, mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and digestive disorders, to name a few. 

If you are a graduate in mechanical engineering and aspire to be a marine engineer, several institutes in India are recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping. You can take up one-year graduate marine engineering courses from these institutes. However, apart from some general criteria, each university has a different admission procedure. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the institute directly and enquire about the details. 

3. Diploma in Marine Engineering

All those who have completed a diploma in mechanical engineering successfully can pursue this two-year-long diploma in Marine Engineering, through which you can certainly bag a position in the Merchant Navy.

4. Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Engineering

Also known as the PGDME course, this is a one-year-long program. BE or B.Tech mechanical engineering graduates could consider pursuing this course.

How to Apply for Marine Engineering Courses?

If you are seeking admission in a marine engineering course, you can directly visit the college and enquire. The admission is generally based on DG Shipping guidelines. The college will assign a test and take an interview before confirming admission. 

Alternatively, you can write the examination that is conducted by Indian Maritime University, which is India’s centralised maritime university to pursue marine courses across the country. Based on the ranks, you can get an admission in a marine institute. 

Course Syllabus and Onboard Training

Any marine course that you choose would focus on subjects like naval architecture, engines, ship safety, and ship construction as these are core to this industry. After successful course completion, candidates can get their certification. Before a candidate enters the marine industry, he will have to undergo onboard training on a ship for six months. Most marine colleges would have tie-ups with shipping companies for placements, while shipping companies themselves own some colleges. 

Marine engineering is a relatively new yet growing field in India. Graduates from this field can also enter defence sector jobs that pay extraordinarily well and are also considered prestigious. They could also assist in government sector departments like export-import, shipping etc. This course provides several opportunities with a decent starting salary. A certified marine engineer can also work in private sectors such as cruise ships. They may also secure jobs in the Indian Navy as technicians for cargo ships or submarines.