Seafaring as a Career

If you take it romantically, it is adventurous, lucrative and one of the most envied
professions. If you look at it practically, a few years of service can give you the
economic liberty and peace of mind which might not be possible in most of the
other professions.
Having thousands of pictures of great locations in your album ranging from Statue
of Liberty, Eiffel Tower to the great fall of Niagara, it is simply impossible to turn
your dreams into reality, even though you can afford it. As a Seafarer, you will be
amongst the selected few who would get the opportunity to globetrot while getting
paid handsomely to do so.
Merchant shipping includes cargo ships, passenger ships and tankers. Cargo ships
can be either Liners which travel on established routes at regular intervals between
specified ports or Tramps which instead, take cargo where and when it is offered
and to any port. Cargo Ships include Bulk Carriers. Container Ships, Timber Carrier
etc. Bulk carriers, transport ores or other dry cargoes in bulk. Container ships
handle standardised containers in a highly mechanised fashion. Roll-on ships handle
cargoes through their bow or stern ports i.e. Vehicles. Passenger ships include
Ocean liners, Cruise ships. and Ferries. Tankers are used to transport crude oil, oilbased products, chemicals and natural gases.
A career at sea is not limited to the sea-service only. A very prosperous future is also
open for the seafarers. who after few years of sea service, can settle down with
lucrative shore jobs. Most of the ex-mariners later hold important and respectable
posts at different organizations in India and abroad ranging from Govt.
Organizations like MMD, Port Trusts, Ship Building yards, various Marine Institutes
etc. There are openings available with vast opportunities in Shipping Companies as
Manning Agencies, Charterers, Consultancy Firms, Marine Workshops, Star Hotels
etc.
Seafaring opens up a universe of opportunities for achieving different landmarks as
successful human beings.
Importance of Pre-sea training:

Ships are only as good as the persons who man them. Safety and efficiency of ships
are dependent upon the professional competence and dedication to duty of the
seafarers on board ships. To achieve this, maritime education & training and within
that the pre-sea training is of vital importance. All Institutes that conduct or intend
to conduct pre-sea induction courses for merchant navy should aim at excellence
and abide by the guidelines as set forth herein. Where considered necessary,
additional norms are issued by the Director General of Shipping (DGS) for different

categories of pre-sea induction courses. The DGS reserves the right to change, add,
modify, rescind or replace these norms, or any part thereof, whenever considered
necessary. Training of maritime personnel in India has been accorded the highest
priority by the Government of India. To ensure that the competence of Indian
seafarers is accepted throughout the world, improvements have been made from
time to time in the training of seafarers in India. With advancement in technology,
and consequent changes especially due to STCW '95 Convention, the international
concept and practice of maritime training has undergone major changes in quality
and quantity. To increase the supply of trained seafarers, the Government began to
encourage maritime training in the private sector on a large scale in about 1997.
DGS, who is the designated authority in India for all matters concerning merchant
shipping, has been issuing directives, whenever necessary, to ensure that
international standards are complied with by all Training Institutes in India.
Objectives of Pre-sea training:
Candidates for pre-sea training come from varying social, cultural, geographical,
linguistic and economic backgrounds. On completion of training, the officers and
ratings join ships and are required to be able to man the ships effectively and to
know the manner of working and of behaving in their respective work-stations,
accommodation, recreation rooms, dining halls and in all formal and informal
contexts on board the ship and elsewhere. Bearing this in mind, it is imperative that
facilities for officers and ratings undergoing pre-sea courses in maritime training
institutes be provided in adequate quality & measure. By placing emphasis on
classroom and outdoor activities such as parade, physical training, swimming,
boatwork, outdoor games, extra-curricular activities, etc., the candidate is expected
to be fully oriented to be suitable for the seafaring profession. Cheerful obedience
to orders of superiors, team spirit, leadership and other seaman-like qualities will
have to be developed in them. Candidates passing out of approved Institutes would
have to be of required standard in knowledge, competence and behaviour. Hence
only Institutes that fulfill these norms will be considered by DGS for approval to
impart maritime training for the merchant navy.

Ships Officers generally work in two departments - Navigation (often called Deck)
and Engineering and this begins when you enrol as an officer trainee! The education
and training programmes for each discipline are a mixture of academic work
combined with practical training, at college/university and at sea.
The programmes will equip you with professional seafaring certification along with a
degree or higher national and other recognised qualifications to give you a lifetime
of rewarding challenges. Seafaring certification and qualifications give you a wealth
of opportunity - in the longer term this can be either at sea or ashore.
For each of the job roles mentioned below you will have to hold the designated
seafarer Certificate of Competency, which is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency. You will receive the first of these (the Officer of the Watch certificate, also
known as the OOW certificate) when you complete your Merchant Navy Training

Board approved education and training course which is delivered through one of the
maritime colleges/universities (click here for a list of them).
Further certificates will be gained as you increase your experience at sea and pass
the required examinations. You will need to have the certificate for the next job role
before you can be promoted into it - so it's important to try and get them as soon as
you can!
Below you can see the epaulettes (the ornamental shoulder piece or decoration
used to show job roles (ranks) in the Merchant Navy), please click on an epaulette
below for more information on that job role.
Officer Trainee Officer Trainee
Third Officer Third Officer
Second Officer Second Officer
Chief Officer Chief Officer
Master (Captain) Master (Captain)
Trainee Engineer Trainee Engineer
Junior Engineer/Fourth Engineer Junior Engineer/ Fourth Engineer
Third Engineer Third Engineer
Second Engineer Second Engineer
Chief Engineer Chief Engineer
Ratings work in navigation (deck), engineering and catering departments. Trainee
ratings work towards the Navigational Watch Rating Certificate. Ratings are able to
progress to officer status and the Slater Fund provides funding to help with this - see
here.
For each of the ranks mentioned above you will have to hold a Certificate of
Competency which is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. You will
receive the first of these certificates (the Officer Of the Watch certificate, also
known as the OOW certificate) when you complete your Merchant Navy Training
Board approved training course which is delivered through one of the maritime
institutions. A list of maritime institutions is available. Further certificates will be
gained as you increase your experience at sea and pass the required examinations.
You will need to have the Certificate for the next rank before you can be promoted
into it - so it's important to get them as soon as you can!
Seafaring is a very lucrative career. It is already a common knowledge around the
world since time in memoriam, in biblical times, great northmen of long ago, and
endless tales that will make one's heart lurks once he/she heard the great tales of
the sea. One's curiosity can lead to other surprising things that awaits eager young
men and women in college or universities.
Career Orientation
"Travel the world free," the encouraging words by our dean of student, who's also a
seaman or a sailor before (ranked captain) joining the faculty of our local maritime

academy. True enough, having a career as a seafarer can bring you to any loading
and discharging ports around the world, without worrying about travel expenses and
hotel accommodation.
Filipino parents are often urging their sons and even their daughters to have a
career in seafaring. It can also be a cherished ambition of their children. I have no
choice. With all the unstable pace of life in the Third World or developing countries,
like the Philippines, the most practical way to be well-off or rich in just a short
period of time is to be a seafarer.
The usual courses offered in the maritime academy are: nautical engineering,
marine engineering, marine architectural engineering and catering. I've fallen on
the last course. The first two are four-year courses, the next is five and the last is
only one year. Discipline and dedication are two keys that will keep you focus at
your goal to finish a maritime course.
There are short courses available for other professionals who want to go onboard
ship, especially those who want to work in a passenger ship. Nurses, physical
therapists, accountant, doctors are some of professionals who must undergo Basic
Safety Courses (BSC) like Fire Fighting, Boat Maneuvering, Maritime English, et
cetera before embarking on a commercial ship.
To summarize it, the Philippines occupy more than 20 per cent, the largest number
of seafarers who are working onboard commercial vessels around the world. Amid
the papermill or the documents necessary to be included as one of the crew in an
international vessel, a merchant marine crew or officers of the vessel must be ready
to face the perils and rigors of the sea.
Things to remember as a seafarer
Transporting goods is not as easy as you may think. If you will unload or load
cargoes in the United States of America, plenty paperwork is required and should be
presented to the charterer of the ship and to the US Coast Guard personnel for
approval. This is just a tip of the iceberg.
Safety is observed at all times. Marine environment is very prone to pollution. How
many ships are traveling the world today? I don't have an exact count but the
number is huge. Unscrupulous officers will tolerate the crew throwing garbage to
the sea that can be penalized if caught by the authorities.
Piracy is also a threat to all ship owners and seafarers, alike. We can always read
nowadays the danger of traveling near the area of Somalia due to rampant ship
hijacking. Malacca Strait between Malaysia and Indonesia is also a haven for pirates.
Piracy watch is the counteraction of seafarers who happened to pass the location.
Illegal drugs and substances are also a no-no to all seafarers. Many who indulged in
illegal trading of drugs lost their bright future by embracing the punishment of
being incarcerated or imprisoned for life.

Pornography is also prohibited among seafarers. Authorities of different countries

I've visited are very strict about it, especially if it involves children indulging in
sexual activities. It can also lead to imprisonment.
Options to all seafarers
"What the sea wants, the sea gets." This is an old British saying about seafaring.
There are many sea accidents that affected the marine environment so much (like
in Alaska when Exxon Valdez polluted the coastline of the said American state) that
shipping companies who were penalized spend huge amount of money to
rehabilitate it.
Every portion of the vast seas is becoming special areas nowadays, To mention a
few: Antartica, the Caribbean Sea, Persian Gulf, Arctic Circle and the like.
It is the responsibility of every seafarer to make the marine environment free from
danger due to pollution.
Being a seafarer is not just having a good income but be a vanguard of the sea.
Encouraging more youth into seafaring

In keeping with the Go To Sea campaign of the International Maritime Organisation

for promoting seafaring, the Indian administration as part of the National Maritime
Day celebrations held seminars at different metros of India on 1st April 2010 on the
theme Seafaring, a career of opportunities.

What has got the industry and the administration worried is the growing attraction
amongst youth for the glamour and high paid salaried jobs in the IT, management,
finance and other shore based profession with their high life style and comforts.
This has led to a fall in the number of youngsters entering the seafaring profession.

Speakers giving presentations at the Mumbai conference were quick to point out the
excellent career opportunities that await experienced seafarers when they leave the
sea. It was pointed out that opportunities in the maritime fields were growing.
Prominently these included ship manning and management, offshore, ports,
shipping, dredging, ship yards, designing. Those who did take up jobs in such
organisations could do so after a stint of 10 to 15 years of sailing and having
become master mariners, chief engineers or even second officers / engineers.

Capt Navin Passey, Managing Director of Wallem Ship Management Pvt Ltd pointed
out that seafarers dont want to spend a long time at sea. They want to grab the
masters and chief engineers post as soon as possible in order to be with their
families. Hence at Wallems we ensure that seafarers go out to sea for short
durations. We have created a work culture with options work life balance similar
to the software industry. Our seafarers have access to facebook, tweeter, MySpace,
etc., SMS and voice calls, etc. so that while sailing they can keep in touch with their
young ones at home and talk to them in the confines and comforts of their cabins.

Y. Khatau, managing director of Varun Shipping Ltd. lamented about the total lack of
training for those seafarers leaving the sea. There was an urgent need to provide
training to those wanting to pick up jobs ashore and this would prove to be a boon
for shipping in India.

A women entrepreneur from the audience mentioned about the significant role
women could play in seafaring and that they could form a large portion of the
seafaring community if encouraged. Though the response from women joining the
seafaring profession has not been good it was felt that providing concessions for
women, better amenities on board and other facilities could play an important role
in getting better response from the young ladies into the profession.

They have an all women team on the Air India aircraft flying the Delhi London
route. Similarly, why not there be ships run by all ladies crew, commented another
lady. Now that the Indian administration is headed by a lady viz. Lakshmi
Venkatachalam, who is the Director General of Shipping, government of India, we
could bank on her in having more women power into seafaring?
Would you like a career where:
you are paid while you learn
you get the chance to travel the world at someone
else's expense
time off is measured in weeks and months
- not just days
your days are challenging and rewarding
you can quickly gain responsibility and a salary to match
there is a lifetime of personal development opportunities
To become a merchant seafarer in the UK you need to undergo specialist training to
achieve professional seafaring certification and educational qualifications. This
takes place at sea, on board shipping companies' vessels, and in specialist colleges
and universities throughout the UK. All programmes are sponsored, with course fees
paid, living costs and other allowances provided.

seafaring (sifr)
adj (prenominal)
1. travelling by sea
2. (Nautical Terms) working as a sailor
n
3. (Nautical Terms) the act of travelling by sea
4. (Nautical Terms) the career or work of a sailor
seafaring (sifr )
adj.
1. traveling by sea.
2. following the sea as a trade, business, or calling.
3. of, pertaining to, or occurring during a voyage on the sea.
n.
4. the calling of a sailor.
Seafarers come from all over the world - from different cultures and backgrounds.
They work in diverse areas of the shipping industry but they all share a common
thread: love of the sea.
Seafaring is a highly mobile and well paid profession and, with 90% of the worlds
goods moved by sea, its an industry with a strong future.
Ocean Seafaring
Your career choice could find you working on some of the world's biggest and best
ships, travelling the world as a deck or engineering officer in the merchant navy or
as part of the massive cruise ship industry.
Seamanship
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

[hide]This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues
on the talk page.

This article possibly contains original research. (February 2014)

This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it
has insufficient inline citations. (February 2014)

"Seafaring" redirects here. For other uses, see seafarers.

Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.
It involves topics and development of specialised skills including: navigation and
international maritime law; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watchstanding;
ship-handling and small boat handling; operation of deck equipment, anchors and
cables; ropework and line handling; communications; sailing; engines; execution of
evolutions such as towing; cargo handling equipment, dangerous cargoes and cargo
storage; dealing with emergencies; survival at sea and search and rescue; and fire
fighting.
The degree of knowledge needed within these areas is dependent upon the nature
of the work and the type of vessel employed by a mariner.

Contents [hide]
1 Navigation
2 Ship-handling
3 Progression in seamanship
4 See also
5 References
6 Sources
7 External links
Navigation[edit]
Navigation is the art and science of safely and efficiently directing the movements
of a vessel from one point to another. Piloting uses water depth and visible
references, while dead reckoning uses courses and distances from the last known
position.[1] More than just finding a vessel's present location, safe navigation

includes predicting future location, route planning and collision avoidance. Nautical
navigation in western nations, like air navigation, is based on the nautical mile.
Navigation also includes electronic such as GPS and Loran (Long Range Navigation).
Celestial Navigation, taking sights by sextant on the planets, moon, stars, sun and
using the data with a Nautical Almanac and sight reduction Tables to determine
positions. Accurate time information is also needed.[2]
Ship-handling[edit]

Sailors aboard USS San Antonio handle mooring lines.

A fundamental skill of professional seamanship is being able to maneuver a vessel
with accuracy and precision. Unlike vehicles on land, a ship afloat is subject to the
movements of the air around it and the water in which it floats. Another
complicating factor is the mass of a ship that has to be accounted for when
stopping and starting.
Ship-handling is about arriving and departing a berth or buoy, maneuvering in
confined channels and harbours and in proximity to other ships, whilst at all times
navigating safely. Two other types of operations, berthing alongside another ship
and replenishment at sea, are occasionally included. A key ability for a ship-handler
is a good understanding of how the wind, tide and swell, the passage of other
vessels, as well as the shape of the seabed, will affect a vessel's movement, which,
together with an understanding of a specific vessel's performance, should allow that
vessel a safe passage.
Fundamental to low-speed maneuvering is an understanding of the configuration
and handedness of the propeller(s). An effect known as propeller walk will kick the
stern of the vessel to port or starboard depending on the configuration and the type
of propeller when large variations on propeller rotation speed or changes of
propeller rotation direction take place. (In single-screw vessels where the rotation of
the propeller is reversed on an astern bell, a standard was established that the
propeller would turn clockwise when viewed from astern. This would mean that the
propeller would turn counterclockwise when going astern and the stern would walk
to port. This aided in docking operations, where "port side to" was the preferred
situation and the vessel would be brought to the dock with a small bow-in angle and
backing would flatten the angle, slow or stop the vessel and walk it alongside. An
exception to this was the U.S. Sealift class tankers, which used a controllable pitch
propeller, where the pitch and not the direction of rotation was reversed to go
astern. These propellers rotated counterclockwise at all times and so the "walk" was
"normal".) Other variations include what are known as bucket rudders such as the
Kortz Nozzle where instead of a conventional rudder a pair of dish-shaped rudders,
one either side of the propeller can be swivelled vertically to direct the propeller
thrust through 360 degrees. Thus to put the vessel into astern mode the rudder can
be rotated through 180 degrees without altering the speed and direction of the
engine. Since with the conventional propeller or rudder configuration the propeller is
designed to operate at maximum efficiency when going ahead, it produces far less

thrust when going astern. But with the Kortz Nozzle, the ahead and astern thrust is
the same. Other advantages of the nozzle are the ship can be steered astern which
a conventional rudder cannot, and the ship can be steered fully under control to a
standstill switching between ahead and astern mode to give complete control over
speed. In addition to being fully conversant with the principles of seamanship and
ship-handling, a good pilot will have developed his or her sense of 'situational
awareness' to a point well beyond that of a member of a ship's crew; his reactions
will appear to be instinctive, positive and at all times safe.
Most commercial vessels in excess of size limits determined by local authorities are
handled in confined areas by a marine (or maritime) pilot. Marine pilots are
seafarers with extensive seafaring experience and are usually qualified master
mariners who have been trained as expert ship-handlers. These pilots are
conversant with all types of vessel and propulsion systems, as well as handling
ships of all sizes in all weather and tidal conditions. They are also experts in the
geographical areas they work. In most countries, the pilot takes over the 'conduct'
of the navigation from the ship master. This means that the master and crew should
adhere to the pilot's orders in respect of the safe navigation of the vessel when in a
compulsory pilotage area. The master may with good cause resume 'conduct' of the
vessel's navigation. However this should never be done lightly. In situations where
the pilot is an "advisor" even though he has the con, the pilot or his "Association"
have no responsibility or liability in the case of an accident. The master, upon
realizing there is a dangerous situation developing, must take such action as to
avoid an accident or at least to minimize the damage from one that can't be
avoided. In some countries and areas (e.g. Scandinavia and the U.S.A.), the pilot's
role is as an advisor. However, in practice, they are likely to have the conduct of the
vessel, especially on larger ships using tug boats to assist. The general rule of
thumb is that a pilot assumes command of a vessel and is not classed as "an
advisor" in the Panama Canal, crossing the sill of a drydock, or in any port in Russia
(or, perhaps, all the old Soviet states). This distinction is important because when a
pilot is in command, the master can not take any action, but is limited to advising
the pilot on any circumstance that creates what he considers a dangerous situation.
Progression in seamanship[edit]

An able-bodied seaman climbs a kingpost to perform maintenance aboard a

general cargo ship or freighter.
In the days before mechanical propulsion, an able seaman was expected to be able
to "hand, and reef, and steer". Training is more formal in modern merchant marines
and navies, but still covers the basics.
The crew of a large ship will typically be organized into "divisions" or "departments",
each with its own specialty. For example, the deck division would be responsible for
boat handling and general maintenance, while the engineering division would be
responsible for propulsion and other mechanical systems. Crew start on the most
basic duties and as they gain experience and expertise advance within their area.

Crew who have gained proficiency become "able seamen", "petty officers", "rated",
or "mates" depending on the organization to which they belong.
On smaller commercial craft, there is little or no specialization. Deck crew perform
all boat handling functions. The officers of the ship are responsible for navigation,
communication, and watch supervision.
Captains must pass formal examinations to demonstrate their knowledge. These
examinations have a progression based on the size and complexity of the craft. In
the U.S., the progression begins with what is known as "the six pack", a license that
allows fishing guides to operate with up to six passengers.
Marine Engineering Overview

All aboard!
Its all about designing, building and manufacturing literally any type of vessel that
travels in or on water from the largest of aircraft carriers, oil tankers and cruise
liners, to submarines, yachts and dinghies. This is the exciting world of the naval
architect and marine engineer. The former designs the masterpiece and the latter
works out how it will be brought to life!
Why is it important? What does it involve?
Much of the worlds commerce relies on ships, whether its transporting oil or other
precious cargo. If any of these ships encounter any technical problems, its
imperative that experts are on hand to address any issues. Even the slightest sign
of trouble can have unfavourable consequences: suppliers can miss deadlines,
people can go without food or major disasters can occur.
When it comes to international relations, peacekeeping and war, aircraft carriers,
frigates, destroyers and submarines play a huge part in how world affairs are played
out. If an international incident breaks out, fleets need to be mustered to ensure
that national security can be ensured. It goes without saying that each of these
vessels must be technologically advanced, secure and easy to maintain. Not exactly
a simple task for a naval architect or marine engineer, were sure youll agree!
So where are the jobs and who employs these people? Given the size of the British
fleet, the Royal Navy is understandably a huge employer of marine engineers.
Furthermore, leisure boat yards, engineering consultancies, equipment
manufacturers, the government and the big players in the gas and oil industry are
all regularly on the lookout for great designers and engineers.
Dont expect to spend all of your days cozied up in an office, drinking lattes and
eating fresh fruit. Depending on the project, youll be working in the yard, by a port,
on a ship, underwater or at a testing centre. In short, itll be anything but humdrum

Theres certainly more to this industry than meets the eye. Its not all about naval
architects and marine engineers. There are many other roles in this industry: from
ship builders and site managers, to carpenters, welders, metal workers and carbon
fibre technicians. Suppliers also play a huge part in this industry. The size of the
ships and the massive variety of materials used to create these vessels necessitates
a complex system of suppliers and contractors from various different disciplines. For
example, Roman Abramovich employed the finest interior designers to kit out his
super-yacht, Eclipse.
Break it down for me a little bit!
So what does being a marine engineer involve? Youre entrusted with taking a plan
and delivering on it, and helping to bring it into reality. In short, its a very tricky
process and requires people with very mathematical, problem-solving brains. Naval
architects are responsible for conceptualising an idea, producing workable designs
and liaising with engineers on its feasibility. When it all comes down to it though, its
the marine engineer that needs to create the monster!
Most routes to becoming a naval architect or marine engineer tend to involve
studying for a relevant university degree. However, you can also progress by doing
an HND, a diploma or an appropriate apprenticeship.
While its not entirely clear sailing to get into a career in marine engineering, theres
no need to fly the white flag just yet! Scope out our job profiles and sea for yourself.
What does a Marine Engineer do?
Marine engineers design, build, convert, test and maintain boats and ships,
underwater craft (ROVs remotely operated vehicles), and offshore platforms, plant
and equipment. In addition, engineers are normally responsible for managing a
team of marine technicians. See the profile for Marine Technician.
Marine Technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ships
engines, as well as additional equipment and systems that contribute toward the
ship's ability to 'float and move'. As a Marine Technician you are trained to be an
expert in the field, making a major contribution towards ensuring the ship is always
ready to sail at a moments notice. Without you, the ship doesnt sail!
The work involves a detailed technical knowledge of naval construction, and
mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems, all of which play a part in
marine engineering. Marine engineers work in a variety of sectors:
Shipbuilding, boatbuilding and repair working in design, development,
construction and maintenance of ships, boats and associated machinery
Offshore oil and gas industry working in the design, construction, modification
and operation of offshore platforms, rigs, pipelines and equipment
Marine surveying inspection of ships and offshore installations and plant,
examining their design, construction, seaworthiness, safety and maintenance
requirements

Merchant Navy and Royal Navy working as a marine engineering officer ensuring
machinery, instruments and systems work safely and efficiently - in the Royal Navy
engineers can specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons systems.
Experienced marine engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.
Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching
and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes for the
application of new and existing technologies within their chosen engineering
specialism. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of
incorporated engineers and technicians.
Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the process of applying current
engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They have a detailed
knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, and
have the skills and know- how to put plans into practice. They often hold key
operational management roles.

What's the working environment like working as a Marine Engineer?

Marine engineers often work flexible hours, which may include shiftwork and
weekends.
Marine engineers can work away from home for long periods, on ships, submarines
or offshore installations. Jobs in design or construction are shore-based. Outdoor
work can sometimes be very physically demanding.
What does it take to become a Marine Engineer?
To be a marine engineer, you should: have strong analytical skills and an
innovative approach to problem solving
have excellent mathematical and IT skills
have strong communication and negotiating skills
have an excellent technical knowledge with computer-aided design and
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) skills
be able to prioritise and plan effectively
be able to work within budgetary constraints
be willing to keep up-to-date with new developments
be able to manage a team
be aware of health and safety procedures
be willing to travel and be able to work at sea for extended periods.
Diving skills will be required for some underwater work.
Marine Engineer Career Opportunities

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Marine Engineer related facts,
statistics, articles and websites.
He said the new entrant gets not only a package that one gets in other jobs at much
later period of one's service, but even a flexibility to shift to other shipping or nonshipping jobs at a very young age.
"This happens this way, when you are at sea you get everything and thus you save
substantial amount from your salary. This is not possible in any other profession or
job," he said, adding that seafaring jobs were now offered both by Indian and
foreign shipping companies on contract basis with a huge packages. He said in fact
demand of seafarers was increasing because of increasing trend in shipping of
export and import cargoes through cheapest sea routes.
He said that the maritime education provided newer job opportunities in marine
insurance, marine ecology and environment, ocean engineering, off-shore
engineering, maritime safety and management, hydrographic data management,
oceanography and ocean mapping.
Marine engineers are hired to design, build and maintain the infrastructure and
mechanisms of ships. They have comprehensive knowledge of areas such as
mechanical and electrical engineering, which helps them understand the inner
workings of vessels. A marine engineer is typically required to have a bachelor's
degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Some marine engineers work closely with architects to assist in designing the
structure of a ship. They use their knowledge of engineering to initiate efficient
designs for propulsion systems, auxiliary power sources and other mechanisms
required to operate a ship. Shipbuilding firms or the manufacturers of components
used in ships usually hire the engineers who perform this role. Some marine
engineers work as design consultants where they advise on the most efficient
design methods
Many marine engineers specialize in repairing and maintaining key systems such as
pumps, gears, heating and cooling systems and engines. Other marine engineers
are employed to efficiently maintain a process rather than a particular mechanism.
Engineers in these positions may be asked to improve such processes as lubrication,
which is the process of lubricating a ship with oil to enable it to run more efficiently.
Definition and Nature of the Work
Marine engineers design, operate, maintain, and repair the mechanical systems of
ships. Working closely with the architect who designs the ship structure, a marine
engineer designs the propulsion, auxiliary power machinery, and other equipment
needed to run the ship. Most marine engineers are employed by private firms that
build ships or make the equipment used in them. A few engineers do freelance work
as consultants to these firms. Some are civilians employed by the U.S. Navy's Naval
Sea System Command.

Marine engineers may specialize in certain kinds of equipment such as pumps,

engines, gears, heaters, or deck machinery. Others concentrate on certain steps in
shipbuilding, such as estimating the cost of the equipment needed. Still others may
deal largely with one area of a ship's functions, such as lubrication. Marine
engineers may also be inspectors. Inspectors make sure that the equipment works
properly before the ship is launched. Some engineers specialize in the repair and
maintenance of a ship when it is in dry dock.
Marine engineers are sometimes responsible for installing equipment in ships. They
may, for example, supervise the crews that install electrical equipment. Others may
be in charge of crews that build heating and cooling systems to protect the cargo.
When marine engineers design systems within a ship, they must make sure that
these systems cannot be damaged during an ocean voyage.