How to become a marine engineer - chartering a course for personal growth and professional expertise

 There are several reasons and factors underpinning the need to opt for a career as a marine engineer. To begin with, the marine sector is witnessing widespread research and development that will tell you that opportunities to invest in academia cannot be spoken of mildly either. However, given its commercial value and activities conducted, the role of a marine engineer is evolving and for any prospective marine engineer wanting to come to terms with what such a career would entail, provided is a basic outline.

Image via https://www.cinec.edu/

An initial course of study

As is the case with higher education, all prospective students will be called upon to enrol at a local or international maritime college of your choice that will soon have them getting to grips with the rigours of study and practical application. Depending on one’s current educational standing, an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification will have to be invested. To be eligible, students must have a senior secondary certificate but before making any sort of application, it is advisable that you get in touch with student representatives, alumni or members of staff belonging to the college or university that you hope to pursue your studies at. Having a wealth of information or in short, being well informed is crucial.

Duration

Though the duration of study is not ‘set in stone so to speak from the viewpoint of different countries, the average length will not exceed 4 years in total. In return for your time and investment, one will be taught and trained from both a theoretical and essentially, a practical angle with the latter holding considerable value. Additionally, the practical sessions are held within a classroom setting while the opportunity to test your skills and learn the ropes at a shipyard will also present itself in no uncertain manner.

Main subjects that you will cover

On top of English which is commonly used in merchant navy across the globe, one will be afforded a profound understanding of physics, applied mathematics, electronics, computer science and of course marine management. On top of these, more industry-relevant subjects in the likes of maritime commerce, control systems and environmental science will also be tutored. Such knowledge will serve as a stepping stone for those seeking careers both in marine engineering as well as in the merchant navy. Across the period of study, you will cover a gamut of practical training where time will be spent getting your head around astronomy, navigation, chartwork and electronic navigational aids including Decca and Radar respectively.

Elevating yourself and beating the competition

For you to enjoy greater prospects in the job market, it does make better sense to pursue a post-graduate degree or Masters's degree in the said field. What’s more? You place yourself in the best position to attract and inform any future employer that you are highly skilled, ambitious and purposeful as a marine engineer. As a graduate, you will be seen inside a lab applying what you learned during your degree days which should not be too demanding. Above all, you must showcase a will to succeed that will aid you along the way towards securing some of the best job opportunities and lucrative returns in the industry. Added to this is the fact that the shipping industry is all set to grow in the coming years with international trade directing its path. Thus, an increase in the number of marine engineers and professionals can be expected. In the event you are on the lookout for a higher educational institute to commence training as a marine engineer in Sri Lanka, consider getting in touch with CINEC.