Career In Marine Engineering Part

Career In Marine Engineering Part
The Merchant Navy offers a career in commercial transportation on the seas. Merchant ships came into existence as soon as men were able to build a craft that could float and carry people and cargo. Merchant navy ships are used for transporting cargo and passengers from one part of the world to another. The Merchant Navy fleet includes cargo ships, container ships, barge carrying ships, tankers, bulk carriers, refrigerator ships, passenger ships as well as roll off/roll on ships.

The Merchant navy comprises Engineers, Radio Officers and Navigators with specialized Marine Engineering Taining.

The Job

The ship's engineers have complete responsibility of the ship's engine room i.e. the main engine, boilers, pumps, hydraulic and fuel systems and the ship's electrical generating plant and distribution system.

(a) Chief engineering officer

1.) Is responsible for all the propulsion machineries, power generating equipment and auxiliaries

2.) Maintains documents of the working of the machinery as well as the repairs carried out

3.) Logs fuel consumption and requirements.

(b) Second engineering officer

4.) Is responsible for the maintenance of lubricating systems, engine room auxiliaries, and electrical equipments.

(c) Third engineering officer

5.) Is responsible for fuel and water

6.) Supervises tank soundings

7.) Logs the consumption of fuel and water

8.) Monitors the boiler room equipment.

(d) Fourth engineering officer

9.) Is responsible for the operation and maintenance of engine room auxiliaries.

(e) Electrical officer

10.) Maintains and repairs all electrical circuits and motors.

(f) Radio officers

11.) Carry out all tasks pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and repair of radio and other electronic communications devices

12.) Maintain depth recording equipment and electronic navigational aids such as radar and the long range navigation equipment

13.) Are responsible for receiving and recording time signals, weather reports, position reports and other data.



Personality Traits:

1.) A strong mental make-up and tough physical constitution to deal with the extensive travel and separation from family. Candidates for training courses undergo a complete physical examination from eyesight to cardiovascular health as a pre requisite for selection.

2.) A sporting, adaptive and adjustable attitude that can find life at sea adventurous and full of fun

3.) Practical and resourceful with manual dexterity which is necessary for the servicing and repair of equipment.

4.) An aptitude for mathematics and physics. They must enjoy solving problems, and be flexible enough to adapt to advancement in technology and working practices.

5.) Good administrative skills and people skills. At times they have to share the work of the deck department.

Salaries and Remuneration:

Starting salaries are in the range Rs 15,000 to 25,000 per month. Officers earn from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2, 00,000 a month, depending on the level of seniority and shipping organization. Every officer and crew of the merchant navy working on board a vessel, which is carrying foreign cargo, is entitled to draw 75 per cent of his net earnings in foreign exchange. Besides the foreign currency, imported liquor, cigarettes, canned foods and cosmetics are available on board duty free. This facility adds, though artificially, to the actual wages. In addition to the hefty pay and allowances, both officers and the crew receive free meals on board. They are also entitled to a four-month leave every year. A few officers on board are also entitled to take their wives on board during the voyages. Emoluments are much higher on a foreign vessel especially the West European, US, and those from Gulf.

To know more about other relevant information about Career in Marine Engineering, read the Second Part (2) of this article.


marine engineering colleges, marine engineering, marine engineers, marine engineering services
|