Marine Engineering - scope, careers, colleges, skills, jobs, salary

Definition

Marine engineering includes the engineering of boats, ships, oil rigs and any other marine vessel or structure, as well as oceanographic engineering. Specifically, marine engineering is the discipline of applying engineering sciences, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer science, to the development, design, operation and maintenance of watercraft propulsion and on-board systems and oceanographic technology. It includes but is not limited to power and propulsion plants, machinery, piping, automation and control systems for marine vehicles of any kind, such as surface ships and submarines.

Not all marine engineering is concerned with moving vessels. Offshore construction, also called offshore engineering or maritime engineering, is concerned with the technical design of fixed and floating marine structures, such as oil platforms and offshore wind farms.

Marine Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of seagoing vessels and structures, focusing primarily on their internal systems. Simply put, they design the onboard electrical, environmental and propulsion systems aboard everything from oil platforms to cruise ships.

Marine Engineers:

• Are in charge of the engine room on a ship.
• Inspect marine equipment and machinery on the ship to work out job specifications for maintenance staff.
• Plan and manage the construction of all types of ships such as passenger ships, sailboats, aircraft carriers, cargo ships, oil and gas tankers, battle ships, submarines etc.
• Make detailed drafts and schematic drawings of system layouts, cost estimate and time schedules. Submit proposal to the management for approval.
• Design, build, and test propulsion and steering systems, mechanical and electrical systems, cooling and ventilation systems and hydraulics for the ship.
• Supervise the work progress to check the work is being done as per specifications and within the time and cost plan.
• Prepare technical reports for managers, engineers and sales in charge.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies for compliance with standards.
• Lead trial team aboard the ship and take corrective steps.