Marine Engineer's Handbook- A Resource Guide to Marine Engineering www.marineinsight.com Marine Insight© A Resource Guide to Marine Engineering Publication date: June 2013 Author: Raunek Kantharia Editor : Raunek Kantharia Published by: Marine Insight© www.marineinsight.com Graphic Design: Anish Wankhede (copyright symbol) Copyright 2013 Marine Insight NOTICE OF RIGHTS All rights reserved. No part of this book may be rewritten, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or distributed in any form or means, without prior written permission of the publisher. NOTICE OF LIABILITY The authors and editors have made every effort possible to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the book. Neither the authors and Marine Insight, nor editors or distributors, will be held liable for any damages caused either directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book, or the equipment, tools, or methods described herein. Our Other Free eBooks Get All the Free e-Books by Subscribing to Marine Insight here CONTENT 1. Marine Engineering vs. Nautical Science 2. Engine vs. Deck Department 3. How to Become Marine Engineer ? 4. Hierarchy in Engine Department 5. Important Documents for Marine Engineers 6. Important Courses for Marine Engineers 7. Important Books for Marine Engineers 8. Further Studies for Marine Engineers 9. Marine Engineering Resources Marine Engineering Vs Nautical Science In order to have a successful career at sea, Difference between Marine it is important you make the right decisions Engineering and Nautical at the start. Science Degrees Degrees in nautical science or marine Marine Engineering engineering are two ways in which one can get a job on ships. Marine engineering is a field that deals with the engineering aspect of the maritime However, choosing between engine and industry. Like any conventional engineering deck departments is one such decision that course, marine engineering is a four year often bothers students. course which prepares an individual to become an engineer on ships. There have been several cases wherein students have taken up deck or engine side Marine engineering is all about machinery on just to realize later that they are more ships, boats, yachts, or any sea going inclined towards something else. vessel. There are several other technical streams that sprout out from this field. It is therefore extremely important that one knows in advance what field they are going The curriculum of the course focuses on to pursue and what job they would be doing teaching specialized knowledge of both later on ships. theoretical and practical marine and mechanical engineering. Greater importance So what is the difference between nautical is given to impart skills and competencies science and marine engineering? How would that are required to operate and maintain you know which one to choose and what to machinery on board ships. expect from each? 1 www.marineinsight.com The subjects taught in the first and second Nautical science imparts nautical technology year of the course are almost the same as knowledge which is important to become a those taught in conventional mechanical deck officer on board ships. engineering. Theoretical and practical knowledge The main aim is to introduce engineering required for navigation, cargo operation, ship sciences to the students and make them maintenance and operation is imparted understand the applications of those during the three years course, along with sciences in various aspects of marine exposure to some areas of humanities and engineering. social sciences. The third and fourth years are totally Hands-on training is extremely important as dedicated at imparting marine technical a deck officer and thus detailed procedure knowledge. Both theoretical and practical and maintenance techniques of important aspects of marine machinery are covered deck machinery is an integral part of this with special focus on ship’s operation and course. maintenance of marine machinery. Emphasis is also given on providing Practical knowledge through laboratory and specialized knowledge on subjects such as workshop training is provided throughout the seamanship and working in marine four years of the program, so that students environment. get hands-on knowledge of dismantling and maintenance of machines on ships. MERCHANT NAVY Nautical Science Nautical Marine While marine engineering makes an Science Engineering individual a ship’s engineer, nautical science prepares a person to become a deck officer. Nautical science is a three years course after which the student joins a ship as Deck Engine trainee cadet. Department Department After completing sufficient time at the sea and clearing required competency exams, promotion is granted considering past performance. 2 www.marineinsight.com Engine Vs Deck Department People planning to join Merchant Navy often A career in merchant navy is unlike any other ask what is better – engine department or career and every person planning a career in the deck department? Though there is no the same would know about it. specific answer to this question, understanding important aspects of both the In case you don’t, read them here -Reasons sides is very important. as to why a career in merchant navy is unlike any other. Before deciding between engine and deck departments, we ask students to keep these People confused between engine and deck five things in mind before joining merchant sides, often have queries regarding the navy. following aspects: Then for anyone who is confused between engine side and deck side, it is important Salary structure that he or she first understands the difference between Nautical Science and Job profile Marine engineering. (People who study nautical science become deck officers and those who study marine engineering Future prospects become marine engineers). Placement and job Knowing about various subjects one has to availability learn in each of these streams helps to get rid of most of the doubts involved with deciding between the two departments. Availability of shore jobs 3 www.marineinsight.com Let’s look at each aspect individually. However, it is to note that employment problems are prominent in every field at the Salary structure starting level and it’s the same with Salary structure of both engine and deck merchant navy as well. Officers of higher departments is almost the same. This ranks from both engine and deck means that officers at corresponding rank in departments are always in demand. both the departments earn almost equally. The article on average range of salaries of Onshore opportunities officers on ships would help to resolve the For those who also consider on shore job doubt. prospects must note that there are several opportunities on shore of merchant navy Job profile officers. Though the job profile and nature of duties Experienced marine engineers and deck of officers in both the department are officers can get jobs in the management different, at the end it an individual’s choice department of shipping companies. as to what side to choose. Work profile in both engine and deck Marine engineers can take up shore based departments is challenging and rewarding. jobs as Design, Seismic, and Maintenance It’s the person’s prerogative to decide Engineers. They can also take up the job of between engine side and navigation side. trainee surveyors. Nautical officers as well as marine engineers are also required in Future prospects Chartering / Ship Brokerage firms. A ship cannot run without engine officers However it is advisable to sail for certain and deck officers. Thus the need of both the years and take good amount of experience type of officers will always be there (Unless before shifting to shore jobs.Those who are they come up with totally unmanned ships). interested in future studies can do an MBA in Both the sides have bright and respectable Shipping and improve their job options on futures. shore. Read more here – How to do MBA in Shipping? Placement and job market This is one aspect which bothers the most Thus, a career in both engine and deck especially to those who are just entering the department is a rewarding and challenging field. Though there are several reasons one. At the end, it is up to the individual to because of which deck cadets and junior decide what he or she is more passionate marine engineers are not getting jobs, the and interested about. situation is expected to improve soon. 4 www.marineinsight.com How to become Marine Engineer? Marine engineering is a job that is very much The length of the graduate course of sought after around the world. The growth of engineering may vary slightly in some the industry and the continued research and countries, but in general it is 4 years, wherein development in the field has rubbed off on the student undergoes comprehensive the academic study of this engineering field training in both theoretical as well as and more people have started to opt for it. practical aspects of the science. The increase in the commercial activities, In some cases practical sessions are across the seas also has a positive impact conducted in-house and some of the on marine engineering with unprecedented sessions are also conducted at real sites like rise in the number of merchant navy vessels shipyards or real ships. The theoretical and trading. All these have had a positive subjects include, apart from English, which is impact on the job market in this dynamic the most widely understood and used sector. Certain attributes are pre-requisite language in merchant navy, computer for any job in the merchant navy or as a science, applied mathematics, physics, marine engineer, whereas there are other electronics and marine management. required qualifications which vary for different profiles. Besides these there are several other subjects that are covered and students are There are colleges that offer both degree educated regarding environmental science, and post graduate courses in marine maritime commerce, control systems etc.