by Mr. Anish Chakraborty, Seacom Group
There is no denying the fact that the first words that come to
our mind when someone mentions engineering course is mechanical, electrical,
chemical or civil.
After all, these are the traditional engineering courses
that maximum number of students in India opts for.
The reasons for their choice could probably be due to parents
advice (read pressure), lack of awareness of other courses or just a plain
belief that opting for a traditional course is a safe bet! Don’t you think it’s
time we start looking beyond time-honored courses and get adventurous in
choosing a career path that is less pursued but holds great promise.
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Anish Chakraborty, Seacom Group |
Marine
Engineering is one such promising course but unlike western countries it is not
popular enough for students to consider it as a serious career option. It’s
regarded as one of the most highly rewarding field and ranks amongst the top
most career choices abroad.
Firstly, let’s understand what exactly is Marine Engineering?
Marine Engineering deals with design, operation and servicing
of ship machinery and engines. This course is basically associated with
construction and maintenance of ships as well as other sailing vessel. Marine
Engineers are engaged in supervising engine crew involved in operating the
machines. They also check smooth functioning of electrical motors, steam
engines and propulsive engines, etc. Marine Engineers continuously take efforts
to improve the efficiency of turbines, shipboards conventional steam, nuclear
propulsion and mainly diesel engine.
To put in simpler terms, Marine Engineers are the ones
responsible for operation, maintenance and repair of all major electrical and
mechanical equipment of the ship. Needless to say this job comes with an
enormous amount of responsibility, challenges and long periods of absence from
home. But all the sacrifices, hard work and perseverance shown by marine
engineers gets more than adequately compensated through high salaries at the
entry level itself!
Career options – varied & exciting..
On board a ship, there are various departments on which
specialized professionals and mariners work. The entry level can be a deck side
job or that of a cook while the top run of the hierarchical ladder is that of a
chief engineer. With the onset of electronic navigation and other modern
equipments on a ship, the job of marine engineers has broadened like never
before. They manage the enormous power of the ship and all its complicated
machinery and help it sail across the ocean.
Marine engineers may have to work on cargo ships, container
ships or oil and gas tankers. Some of the job fields in marine engineering such
as environmental protection, offshore oil recovery, marine metals and
corrosion, renewable energy, remote sensing, naval architecture, defense,
underwater vehicles, global climate monitoring and marine transportation are
slowly getting popular. Other sectors like banks, hotels and power plants also
have jobs for marine engineers besides the option of working for the government
or the Indian Navy.
Thrill and adventure unlimited..!
Work that involves visiting exotic places across the globe at
no extra cost is a coveted opportunity enjoyed by marine engineers who work on
a merchant vessel. While most of us may shell out exorbitant amount of money to
visit foreign locales, marine engineers get to see the world and revel in the
thrill and adventure this career provides in addition to earning enormous
amount of respect and professional
satisfaction.
Service period..
Typically, Marine engineers on a merchant vessel spend close to
15-20 years after which they easily get jobs in shipyards, maritime
universities or in management of a shipping company.
Salary and other benefits
Marine jobs are highly rewarding and satisfactory. Many
students are probably ignorant of the fact that starting salary of a marine
engineer is much higher than other engineering branches. If one decides to join
an oil tanker, the starting salary will be much higher than the ones working in
merchant navy. At an early stage of their career, marine officers are entrusted
with roles demanding authority and responsibility and this widens the scope for
hard working officers to reach the top of their career in short span of time.
A Junior Engineer on a ship receives emoluments of about Rs.
30,000 per month with free boarding and lodging while signed on board the
vessel. After successfully completing a written exam, a Junior Engineer can
become qualified to sail as Watch Keeping Engineer Officer on a merchant ship.
The next step is that of a Second Engineer and ultimately that
of a Chief Engineer on a ship. With promotions come substantial improvements in
remuneration. A Chief Engineer at sea receives Rs. 1,50,000 per month or more
and it takes about 6 to 7 years for a
Junior Engineer Officer to get elevated to the rank of Chief Engineer,
depending on individual capabilities and job opportunities available.
Unlike popular belief, mariners have a better work life balance
as compared to others working on terra firma. They get 150 days leave as
compared to 115 days for people working ashore.
Early intervention..
Unfortunately in our country, marine engineering course has not
gained enough prominence probably due to lack of awareness and limited
knowledge about this field. The need of
the hour is to evince interest about this course amongst school students
itself. As they say early intervention is the best intervention!
Though there is no specialized skill one has to possess, love
for the sea and a willingness to make seafaring a suitable career option is
enough to set students on a promising career path. A Pass in (10+2) or
equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with 60 %
from a recognized Board or any University is the eligibility criterion to get
enrolled into a marine engineering course.
Conclusion..
Lucrative salary, luxurious life, a chance to see the world-
all this and more awaits marine engineering students on successful completion
of this course!
About the author..
Mr. Anish Chakraborty is Chairman & Managing Director, Seacom Group
(Seacom Projects Ltd. and Seasonship Management &
Maritime Services)
For Media Contact
Mr. Daniel
Blue Lotus
Communication
95000 55980
Chennai
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