On the job too, we mean. A maritime career is as adventurous as it gets, and of course, well paying, too. We show you how to set sail, and travel from shore to shore
On the job too, we mean. A maritime career is as adventurous as it gets, and of course, well paying, too. We show you how to set sail, and travel from shore to shore
Here's a career that'll leave you with water, water, everywhere, and well, lots of better stuff to drink! A maritime career is full of adventure and long voyages to different countries. The excellent pay and promising promotional opportunities make the career lucrative and exciting, in spite of all the hard work and long absence from family and home. The job requires people with a strong inner self and tough physique, along with a sporty, adaptive and adjustable attitude. If you think you fit the bill, read on.
Merchant Navy
This is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with transporting cargo and occasionally, passengers by sea. Its fleet is therefore composed of passenger vessels, cargo liners, tankers, carriers, as well as other special types of vehicles.u00a0
The major tasks performed are in three basic areas of a ship: the deck, the engine and the service department.
The deck officers include the captain, chief officer, second officer, third officer and other junior officers. The engine department consists of the chief engineer, second engineer, third engineer, fourth engineer, electrical officer and junior engineers. The service department manages the kitchen, laundry and other services.
Prominent institutes conducting courses in this field are TS Chanakya, Mumbai and Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Eligibility
The minimum eligibility for courses is 10+2 or an equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as the subjects. Those with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering can also join the Merchant Navy directly after getting trained through a nine month pre-sea course in Marine Engineering, offered by the Marine Engineering and Research Institute.
Marine Engineering
This course deals with construction and maintenance of ships, other sailing vessels, ports and cargo facilities at waterfront. Marine engineers take complete charge of the engine room of a ship and the functioning of various devices like electric motors, steam engines, propulsive engines, etc. They also develop newer designs for the engines of sailing vessels and check the efficiency of existing equipments like gas or stem turbines, diesel or nuclear propulsion plants. Those with a technical bent of mind should contemplate this.
Qualifications
>>Admission to Marine Engineering courses in India generally take place through several entrance examinations conducted between the months of April and June. The various courses in marine engineering, their duration and eligibility requirements are as follows:
>>BE Marine Engineering, Duration: Four years; Eligibility: 10+2 level pass with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English
>>ME Marine Engineering, Duration: Two years; Eligibility: B.E Marine Engineering.
>>PhD, Eligibility: ME Marine Engineering.
Some major institutions offering courses in Marine Engineering are:
>>International Marine Communication Centre, Chennai
>>Indian Marine College, Hyderabad
>>Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai
>>IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Mumbai
>>Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies & Research, Mumbai
Scope in India
Following the completion of Marine Engineering courses here at home, you can opt for lucrative career options both on and off-shore. After graduating as a marine engineer, one can get a job in a ship as a third assistant engineer or fourth engineer with a starting salary of Rs 40,000-Rs 60,000. If someone opts to join an oil tanker, the salary becomes even higher. So does the risk, but then, there's no gain without pain!
Maritime Management for Mariners
Maritime Management for Mariners is a certificate course in management for senior seafaring and naval officers.
Having served on board in managerial capacities, many officers move to management positions on the shore as a natural career progression. This programme provides them the opportunity to sharpen their managerial skills, and prepare for their transition tou00a0 shore side management.
This programme is aimed at individuals with a background in marine field. They should be either deck officers or marine engineers and service onboard at a management level rank with not less than two-and-a half years of sea time.
Other professional qualifications include service of not less than 10 years (ashore or afloat) with a minimum of five years of seatime, good working knowledge of spoken and written English, and familiarity with basic Mathematics.
The duration of the course is four months (residential) and the fees: around Rs 2,00,000. The course is being carried out at Indian Maritime University, Chennai.
"Initially, it is tough to adjust with the climate and rough weather, but during the course of time, the body
acclimatises. I have been into this profession for the last five years, and now, I don't have any problem even if I need tou00a0 stay six months on the ship," said Ravi Roshan, a merchant navy professional working in the engine department of a private cargo carrier.
And, the slump has done little to slow the scope of the career. "These contemporary programmes have an inbuilt professional training system, and exposure to ships, which gives them wider knowledge and enhances competency levels. There is still a lack of awareness, though. Whatever be the reasons, maritime jobs are here to stay," signed off professor SK Mukherjee, Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata.
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